Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked, mountainous Central Asian country with a population of ~7 million. Over 80% of its terrain lies above 1,500 meters, dominated by the Tian Shan and Pamir ranges, earning it the nickname “Switzerland of Central Asia.” The capital, Bishkek, houses about 1 million people, while the second-largest city, Osh, is a historic Silk Road hub.
The economy relies heavily on agriculture, remittances (from migrant workers in Russia), and mining (gold, coal, and rare earths). Despite political instability, it maintains a parliamentary democracy, unique in the region.
Ethnically, Kyrgyz make up 74%, with significant Uzbek (15%) and Russian (5%) minorities. Islam shapes culture, though Soviet secularism persists. Nomadic traditions thrive, reflected in yurt dwellings, eagle hunting, and festivals like World Nomad Games.
