2014 Edition

Background

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to Russia in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1936 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of President Askar AKAEV, who had run the country since 1990. Former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIEV overwhelmingly won the presidential election in the summer of 2005. Over the next few years, he manipulated the parliament to accrue new powers for the presidency. In July 2009, after months of harassment against his opponents and media critics, BAKIEV won re-election in a presidential campaign that the international community deemed flawed. In April 2010, violent protests in Bishkek led to the collapse of the BAKIEV regime and his eventual fleeing to Minsk, Belarus. His successor, Roza OTUNBAEVA, served as transitional president until Almazbek ATAMBAEV was inaugurated in December 2011, marking the first peaceful transfer of presidential power in independent Kyrgyzstan's history. Continuing concerns include: the trajectory of democratization, endemic corruption, poor interethnic relations, and terrorism.

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to Russia in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz popul

the trajectory of democratization, endemic corruption, poor interethnic relations, and terrorism.

Area

199,951 sq km 191,801 sq km 8,150 sq km

total

199,951 sq km

water

8,150 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Climate

dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation extremes

Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

highest point

Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

lowest point

Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m

Environment - current issues

water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

8.01 cu km/yr (3%/4%/93%) 1,558 cu m/yr (2006)

per capita

1,558 cu m/yr (2006)

total

8.01 cu km/yr (3%/4%/93%)

Geographic coordinates

41 00 N, 75 00 E

Geography - note

landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien Shan range; 94% of the country is 1,000 m above sea level with an average elevation of 2,750 m; many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes

Irrigated land

10,210 sq km (2005)

Land boundaries

3,051 km China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,224 km, Tajikistan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km

border countries

China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,224 km, Tajikistan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km

total

3,051 km

Land use

6.38% 0.37% 93.24% Kyrgyzstan has the world's largest natural-growth walnut forest (2011)

arable land

6.38%

other

93.24%

permanent crops

0.37%

Location

Central Asia, west of China, south of Kazakhstan

Map references

Asia

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

NA

Natural resources

abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc

Terrain

peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins encompass entire nation

Total renewable water resources

23.62 cu km (2011)

Age structure

29.8% (male 854,029/female 815,300) 18.8% (male 536,355/female 519,440) 39.4% (male 1,079,691/female 1,127,520) 7.1% (male 171,960/female 224,450) 4.9% (male 105,651/female 169,816) (2014 est.)

0-14 years

29.8% (male 854,029/female 815,300)

15-24 years

18.8% (male 536,355/female 519,440)

25-54 years

39.4% (male 1,079,691/female 1,127,520)

55-64 years

7.1% (male 171,960/female 224,450)

65 years and over

4.9% (male 105,651/female 169,816) (2014 est.)

Birth rate

23.33 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

563,920 40.3 % data represents children ages 5-17 (2007 est.)

percentage

40.3 %

total number

563,920

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

2.7% (2006)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

47.8% (2005/06)

Death rate

6.74 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Dependency ratios

53.2 % 46.9 % 6.3 % 15.8 (2014 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

6.3 %

potential support ratio

15.8 (2014 est.)

total dependency ratio

53.2 %

youth dependency ratio

46.9 %

Drinking water source

urban: 97.1% of population rural: 82.3% of population total: 87.6% of population urban: 2.9% of population rural: 17.7% of population total: 12.4% of population (2012 est.)

rural

17.7% of population

total

12.4% of population (2012 est.)

urban

2.9% of population

Education expenditures

6.8% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%, Ukrainian 1%, Uighur 1%, other 5.7% (1999 census)

Health expenditures

6.2% of GDP (2010)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.3% (2012 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

300 (2012 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

8,700 (2012 est.)

Hospital bed density

4.8 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

28.71 deaths/1,000 live births 32.98 deaths/1,000 live births 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

female

24.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)

total

28.71 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Kyrgyz (official) 64.7%, Uzbek 13.6%, Russian (official) 12.5%, Dungun 1%, other 8.2% (1999 census)

Life expectancy at birth

70.06 years 65.89 years 74.51 years (2014 est.)

female

74.51 years (2014 est.)

total population

70.06 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99.2% 99.5% 99% (2009 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99% (2009 est.)

male

99.5%

total population

99.2%

Major urban areas - population

BISHKEK (capital) 839,000 (2011)

Maternal mortality rate

71 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

25.7 years 24.7 years 26.7 years (2014 est.)

female

26.7 years (2014 est.)

male

24.7 years

total

25.7 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

22.6 median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2012 est.)

Nationality

Kyrgyzstani(s) Kyrgyzstani

adjective

Kyrgyzstani

noun

Kyrgyzstani(s)

Net migration rate

-6.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

15.5% (2008)

Physicians density

2.47 physicians/1,000 population (2011)

Population

5,604,212 (July 2014 est.)

Population growth rate

1.04% (2014 est.)

Religions

Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 91.9% of population rural: 91.7% of population total: 91.8% of population urban: 8.1% of population rural: 8.3% of population total: 8.2% of population (2012 est.)

rural

8.3% of population

total

8.2% of population (2012 est.)

urban

8.1% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

13 years 12 years 13 years (2011)

female

13 years (2011)

male

12 years

total

13 years

Sex ratio

1.07 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female 0.63 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.96 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.63 male(s)/female

at birth

1.07 male(s)/female

total population

0.96 male(s)/female (2014 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.68 children born/woman (2014 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

14.6% 13.6% 16.2% (2006)

female

16.2% (2006)

total

14.6%

Urbanization

35.3% of total population (2011) 1.31% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.31% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

35.3% of total population (2011)

Administrative divisions

7 provinces (oblustar, singular - oblus) and 2 cities* (shaarlar, singular - shaar); Batken Oblusu, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblusu (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad Oblusu, Naryn Oblusu, Osh Oblusu, Osh Shaary*, Talas Oblusu, Ysyk-Kol Oblusu (Karakol) administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Capital

Bishkek 42 52 N, 74 36 E UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

42 52 N, 74 36 E

name

Bishkek

time difference

UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Constitution

previous 1993; latest adopted 27 June 2010, effective 2 July 2010 (2010)

Country name

Kyrgyz Republic Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyz Respublikasy Kyrgyzstan Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

conventional long form

Kyrgyz Republic

conventional short form

Kyrgyzstan

former

Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form

Kyrgyz Respublikasy

local short form

Kyrgyzstan

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Pamela L. SPRATLEN (since 15 April 2011) 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016 use embassy street address [996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217 [996] (312) 551-264

chief of mission

Ambassador Pamela L. SPRATLEN (since 15 April 2011)

embassy

171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016

FAX

[996] (312) 551-264

mailing address

use embassy street address

telephone

[996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Mukhtar JUMALIEV (since 7 December 2010) 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 449-9822 [1] (202) 386-7550 New York

chancery

2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Mukhtar JUMALIEV (since 7 December 2010)

consulate(s)

New York

FAX

[1] (202) 386-7550

telephone

[1] (202) 449-9822

Executive branch

President Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 1 December 2011) Prime Minister Joomart OTORBAEV (since 2 April 2014, acting since 26 March 2014); First Deputy Prime Minister Tayyrbek SARPASHEV (since 2 April 2014); Deputy Prime Ministers Valeriy DIL, Abdyrakhman MAMATALIEV, Elvira SARIEVA (all since 2 April 2014) Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and security are appointed solely by the president president elected by popular vote for one six-year term; election last held on 30 October 2011 (next to be held in 2017); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary party holding more than 50% of the seats; if no such party exists, the president selects the party that will form a coalition majority and government Almazbek ATAMBAEV elected president; percent of vote - Almazbek ATAMBAEV 63.2%, Adakhan MADUMAROV 14.7%, Kamchybek TASHIEV 14.3%, other 7.8%; Jantoro SATYBALDIEV elected prime minister; parliamentary vote - 111-2

cabinet

Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and security are appointed solely by the president

chief of state

President Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 1 December 2011)

election results

Almazbek ATAMBAEV elected president; percent of vote - Almazbek ATAMBAEV 63.2%, Adakhan MADUMAROV 14.7%, Kamchybek TASHIEV 14.3%, other 7.8%; Jantoro SATYBALDIEV elected prime minister; parliamentary vote - 111-2

elections

president elected by popular vote for one six-year term; election last held on 30 October 2011 (next to be held in 2017); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary party holding more than 50% of the seats; if no such party exists, the president selects the party that will form a coalition majority and government

head of government

Prime Minister Joomart OTORBAEV (since 2 April 2014, acting since 26 March 2014); First Deputy Prime Minister Tayyrbek SARPASHEV (since 2 April 2014); Deputy Prime Ministers Valeriy DIL, Abdyrakhman MAMATALIEV, Elvira SARIEVA (all since 2 April 2014)

Flag description

red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of a "tunduk" - the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt; red symbolizes bravery and valor, the sun evinces peace and wealth

Government type

republic

Independence

31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (consists of 25 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges) Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the Supreme Council on the recommendation of the president; Supreme Court judges serve for 10 years, Constitutional Court judges serve for 15 years; mandatory retirement at age 70 for judges of both courts Higher Court of Arbitration; oblast (provincial) and city courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of 25 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the Supreme Council on the recommendation of the president; Supreme Court judges serve for 10 years, Constitutional Court judges serve for 15 years; mandatory retirement at age 70 for judges of both courts

subordinate courts

Higher Court of Arbitration; oblast (provincial) and city courts

Legal system

civil law system which includes features of French civil law and Russian Federation laws

Legislative branch

unicameral Supreme Council or Jogorku Kengesh (120 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) last held on 10 October 2010 (next to be held in 2015) Supreme Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Ata-Jurt 28, SDPK 26, Ar-Namys 25, Respublika 23, Ata-Meken 18

election results

Supreme Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Ata-Jurt 28, SDPK 26, Ar-Namys 25, Respublika 23, Ata-Meken 18

elections

last held on 10 October 2010 (next to be held in 2015)

National anthem

"Kyrgyz Respublikasynyn Mamlekettik Gimni" (National Anthem of the Kyrgyz Republic) Djamil SADYKOV and Eshmambet KULUEV/Nasyr DAVLESOV and Kalyi MOLDOBASANOV adopted 1992

lyrics/music

Djamil SADYKOV and Eshmambet KULUEV/Nasyr DAVLESOV and Kalyi MOLDOBASANOV

name

"Kyrgyz Respublikasynyn Mamlekettik Gimni" (National Anthem of the Kyrgyz Republic)

National holiday

Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

National symbol(s)

gyrfalcon

Political parties and leaders

Ar-Namys (Dignity) Party [Feliks KULOV] Ata-Jurt (Homeland) [Kamchybek TASHIEV, Akhmat KELDIBEKOV, Sadyr JAPAROV] Ata-Meken (Fatherland) [Omurbek TEKEBAEV] Butun Kyrgyzstan (All Kyrgyzstan) [Adakhan MADUMAROV] Respublika [Omurbek BABANOV] Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) [Almazbek ATAMBAEV]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Adilet (Justice) Legal Clinic [Cholpon JAKUPOVA] Citizens Against Corruption [Tolekan ISMAILOVA] Coalition for Democracy and Civil Society [Dinara OSHURAKHUNOVA] Kylym Shamy (Torch of the Century) [Aziza ABDIRASULOVA] Precedent Partnership Group [Nurbek TOKTAKUNOV] Societal Analysis Public Association [Rita KARASARTOVA] Union of True Muslims [Nurlan MOTUEV]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool

Budget

$2.128 billion $2.458 billion (2013 est.)

expenditures

$2.458 billion (2013 est.)

revenues

$2.128 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.6% of GDP (2013 est.)

Central bank discount rate

13.73% (22 December 2011 est.) 2.5% (31 December 2010 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

25% (31 December 2013 est.) 28.43% (31 December 2012 est.)

Current account balance

-$1.125 billion (2013 est.) -$1.497 billion (2012 est.)

Debt - external

$3.859 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $3.746 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

33.4 (2007) 29 (2001)

Economy - overview

Kyrgyzstan is a poor, mountainous country with a dominant agricultural sector. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, and electricity. The economy depends heavily on gold exports - mainly from output at the Kumtor gold mine - and on remittances from Kyrgyzstani migrant workers primarily in Russia. Following independence, Kyrgyzstan was progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995, production began to recover and exports began to increase. The overthrow of President BAKIEV in April 2010 and subsequent ethnic clashes left hundreds dead and damaged infrastructure. Under President ATAMBAYEV, Kyrgyzstan has developed a plan for economic development in coordination with international donors, and has also expressed its intent to join the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Progress in fighting corruption, improving transparency in licensing, business permits and taxations, restructuring domestic industry, and attracting foreign aid and investment are key to future growth.

Exchange rates

soms (KGS) per US dollar - 48.87 (2013 est.) 47.005 (2012 est.) 45.964 (2010 est.) 42.905 (2009) 36.108 (2008)

Exports

$1.881 billion (2013 est.) $1.921 billion (2012 est.)

Exports - commodities

gold, cotton, wool, garments, meat, tobacco; mercury, uranium, electricity; machinery; shoes

Exports - partners

Kazakhstan 26.2%, Uzbekistan 26.1%, Russia 14.6%, China 7%, UAE 6.1%, Afghanistan 5.2% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

78.1% 17.6% 25.3% 8% 51.2% -80.2% (2013 est.)

exports of goods and services

51.2%

government consumption

17.6%

household consumption

78.1%

imports of goods and services

-80.2%

investment in fixed capital

25.3%

investment in inventories

8%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

20.8% 34.4% 44.8% (2013 est.)

agriculture

20.8%

industry

34.4%

services

44.8% (2013 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$2,500 (2013 est.) $2,400 (2012 est.) $2,400 (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

7.4% (2013 est.) -0.9% (2012 est.) 6% (2011 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$7.234 billion (2013 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$14.3 billion (2013 est.) $13.32 billion (2012 est.) $13.44 billion (2011 est.) data are in 2013 US dollars

Gross national saving

9.1% of GDP (2013 est.) 2.4% of GDP (2012 est.) 15% of GDP (2011 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.8% 27.8% (2009 est.)

highest 10%

27.8% (2009 est.)

lowest 10%

2.8%

Imports

$5.082 billion (2013 est.) $4.967 billion (2012 est.)

Imports - commodities

oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners

China 55.2%, Russia 17.4%, Kazakhstan 7.9% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

12% (2013 est.)

Industries

small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

6.8% (2013 est.) 2.7% (2012 est.)

Labor force

2.344 million (2007)

Labor force - by occupation

48% 12.5% 39.5% (2005 est.)

agriculture

48%

industry

12.5%

services

39.5% (2005 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$165 million (31 December 2012 est.) $165 million (31 December 2011) $79 million (31 December 2010 est.)

Population below poverty line

33.7% (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$2.199 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $2.066 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of broad money

$1.776 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $1.634 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$39.6 million (31 December 2013 est.) $39.6 million (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$2.005 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $1.685 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$1.011 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $932.5 million (31 December 2012 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$1.479 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $1.372 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

29.4% of GDP (2013 est.)

Unemployment rate

8.6% (2011 est.) 18% (2004 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

7.793 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

1,000 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

40 million bbl (1 January 2013 est.)

Electricity - consumption

7.326 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

2.62 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

20.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

79.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

3.64 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

14.9 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

462.5 million cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

390 million cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

10 million cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

16,640 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

2,433 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

35,040 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

state-run TV broadcaster operates 2 nationwide networks and 6 regional stations; roughly 20 private TV stations operating with most rebroadcasting other channels; state-run radio broadcaster operates 2 networks; about 20 private radio stations (2007)

Internet country code

.kg

Internet hosts

115,573 (2012)

Internet users

2.195 million (2009)

Telephone system

telecommunications infrastructure is being upgraded; loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are being used to install a digital network, digital radio-relay stations, and fiber-optic links fixed-line penetration remains low and concentrated in urban areas; multiple mobile-cellular service providers with growing coverage; mobile-cellular subscribership was about 115 per 100 persons in 2011 country code - 996; connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intersputnik, 1 Intelsat); connected internationally by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line (2011)

domestic

fixed-line penetration remains low and concentrated in urban areas; multiple mobile-cellular service providers with growing coverage; mobile-cellular subscribership was about 115 per 100 persons in 2011

general assessment

telecommunications infrastructure is being upgraded; loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are being used to install a digital network, digital radio-relay stations, and fiber-optic links

international

country code - 996; connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intersputnik, 1 Intelsat); connected internationally by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

489,000 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

6.8 million (2012)

Airports

28 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

3 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

11

2,438 to 3,047 m

3

over 3,047 m

1

total

18

under 914 m

3 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

8 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

1

total

10

Pipelines

gas 480 km; oil 16 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)(Lake Ysyk-Kol)

lake port(s)

Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)(Lake Ysyk-Kol)

Railways

470 km 470 km 1.520-m gauge (2008)

total

470 km

Roadways

34,000 km (2007)

total

34,000 km (2007)

Waterways

600 km (2010)

Manpower available for military service

1,456,881 1,470,317 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,470,317 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,456,881

Manpower fit for military service

1,119,224 1,257,263 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,257,263 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,119,224

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

56,606 54,056 (2010 est.)

female

54,056 (2010 est.)

male

56,606

Military branches

Ground Forces, Air Force (includes Air Defense Forces) (2013)

Military expenditures

NA% (2012) 3.74% of GDP (2011) NA% (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary male military service in the Armed Forces or Interior Ministry; service obligation - 1 year, with optional fee-based 3-year service in the callup mobilization reserve; women may volunteer at age 19; 16-17 years of age for military cadets, who cannot take part in military operations (2013)

Disputes - international

Kyrgyzstan has yet to ratify the 2001 boundary delimitation with Kazakhstan; disputes in Isfara Valley delay completion of delimitation with Tajikistan; delimitation of 130 km of border with Uzbekistan is hampered by serious disputes over enclaves and other areas

Illicit drugs

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy for CIS markets; limited government eradication of illicit crops; transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the rest of Europe; major consumer of opiates

Refugees and internally displaced persons

172,000 (June 2010 violence in southern Kyrgyzstan between the Kyrgyz majority and the Uzbek minority) (2012) 15,473 (2012); note - most stateless people were born in Kyrgystan, have lived there many years, or are married to a Kyrgyz citizen; in 2009, Kyrgyzstan adopted a national action plan to speed up the exchange of old Soviet passports for Kyrgyz ones; stateless people are unable to register marriages and births, to travel within the country or abroad, to own property, or to receive social benefits

IDPs

172,000 (June 2010 violence in southern Kyrgyzstan between the Kyrgyz majority and the Uzbek minority) (2012)

stateless persons

15,473 (2012); note - most stateless people were born in Kyrgystan, have lived there many years, or are married to a Kyrgyz citizen; in 2009, Kyrgyzstan adopted a national action plan to speed up the exchange of old Soviet passports for Kyrgyz ones; stateless people are unable to register marriages and births, to travel within the country or abroad, to own property, or to receive social benefits