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Kyrgyzstan fact includes basic information regarding the geographical location, country's economic and political scenario, country's currency which is of immense importance to travelers traveling to Kyrgyzstan.
Geographical Location and Climate of Kyrgyzstan
The country lies in the latitude 75 degrees east and longitude 41 degrees north. The total area of Kyrgyzstan is approximately 198,394 sq km, out of which 191,300 sq km is land and water bodies of 7,200 sq km. According to the July 2004 census the country had a population of 5,081,429. It runs along the foothills of the Tian Shan mountain range. The snow clad peaks have some of the world's largest glaciers. The climate of Kyrgyzstan ranges from dry continental to the polar type in the higher mountain ranges of Tien Shan. The valleys experience a subtropical climate, whereas the temperate climate dominates the northern foot hill zone.
History of Kyrgyzstan
The Kyrgyz are considered to be the descendants of the original nomadic Mongolian tribe. These cattle herders relocated themselves to the modern day Kyrgyzstan during the 16th century. Kyrgyzstan gained independence in August 1991 from the Soviet Union.
Ethnic and Religious Composition of Kyrgyzstan
The ethnic composition of Kyrgyzstan is a balance mixes of 52% Kyrgyz, 21% Russian, 13% Uzbek and 14% of other nationalities. Under the influence of communism religion played a superficial role in Kyrgyzstan. The predominant religion is Islam, followed by Christianity followed by the Russian population and finally Totemism which is still practiced by the tribals.
Economy and Politics of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan declared its independence from Soviet Union in December 1990. Askar Akaev, was declared the President of the sovereign country. The state language of the country is Russian. Kyrgyzstan is the most democratic country of Central Asia. It introduces some as its national currency in the year 1993. Kyrgyzstan economy is supported by three main sectors: the agricultural sector, service sector and the industrial sector. Majority of the country's labor force is in the agricultural sector followed by the service and finally the industry. The mountainous rivers descending down the mountains prove to be ideal sites for hydro electric stations. It is a major source of power supply in the whole country. The country is rich in mineral resources. It has vast deposits of gold and rare metals like uranium, antimony, nepheline, bismuth lead and zinc.
Transport Facilities in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is well connected to the rest of the world by air, water and road. Important ports and harbors like the Balykchy harbor are important trade routes. 420 km of rail track is an integral part of the transport facility in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan has a total of 68 airports. Major airline operators operate their flights in the Manas International Airport. This airport is also a base of Kyrgyzstan Airlines, the country's only domestic airline.
The Kyrgyzstan facts and figures enable a traveler to get an overall idea of this beautiful mountainous country.
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