2017 Edition

Background

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of the territory of present-day Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to the Russian Empire 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 reelection 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 flight 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, border security vulnerabilities, and potential terrorist threats. Under the 2010 Constitution, ATAMBAEV is limited to one term, which will end in 2017. Constitutional amendments passed in a referendum in December 2016 include language that transfers some presidential powers to the prime minister. Disagreement over the constitutional amendments compelled ATAMBAEV’s Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan to dissolve the ruling coalition and create a new majority coalition in the Jogorku Kenesh that excluded opposition parties critical of the amendments.

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of the territory of present-day Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to the Russian Empire in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in w

the trajectory of democratization, endemic corruption, poor interethnic relations, border security vulnerabilities, and potential terrorist threats.

Area

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

land

191,801 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

2,988 m lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m

highest point

Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

mean elevation

2,988 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

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

10,233 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

4,573 km China 1,063 km, Kazakhstan 1,212 km, Tajikistan 984 km, Uzbekistan 1,314 km

border countries (4)

China 1,063 km, Kazakhstan 1,212 km, Tajikistan 984 km, Uzbekistan 1,314 km

total

4,573 km

Land use

55.4% arable land 6.7%; permanent crops 0.4%; permanent pasture 48.3% 5.1% 39.5% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

55.4%

forest

5.1%

other

39.5% (2011 est.)

Location

Central Asia, west of China, south of Kazakhstan

Map references

Asia

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

major flooding during snow melt; prone to earthquakes

Natural resources

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

Population - distribution

the vast majority of Kyrgyzstanis live in rural areas; densest population settlement is to the north in and around the capital, Bishkek, followed by Osh in the west; the least densely populated area is the east, southeast in the Tien Shan mountains

Terrain

peaks of the Tien Shan mountain range and associated valleys and basins encompass the entire country

Age structure

30.3% (male 899,545/female 854,745) 16.79% (male 493,924/female 478,217) 39.84% (male 1,130,422/female 1,175,729) 7.8% (male 196,856/female 254,694) 5.27% (male 116,584/female 188,406) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

30.3% (male 899,545/female 854,745)

15-24 years

16.79% (male 493,924/female 478,217)

25-54 years

39.84% (male 1,130,422/female 1,175,729)

55-64 years

7.8% (male 196,856/female 254,694)

65 years and over

5.27% (male 116,584/female 188,406) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

22.1 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

2.8% (2014)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

42% (2014)

Death rate

6.5 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Dependency ratios

54.7 48.1 6.6 15.1 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

6.6

potential support ratio

15.1 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

54.7

youth dependency ratio

48.1

Drinking water source

urban: 96.7% of population rural: 86.2% of population total: 90% of population urban: 3.3% of population rural: 13.8% of population total: 10% of population (2015 est.)

rural

13.8% of population

total

10% of population (2015 est.)

urban

3.3% of population

Education expenditures

5.5% of GDP (2014)

Ethnic groups

Kyrgyz 70.9%, Uzbek 14.3%, Russian 7.7%, Dungan 1.1%, other 5.9% (includes Uyghur, Tajik, Turk, Kazakh, Tatar, Ukrainian, Korean, German) (2009 est.)

Health expenditures

6.5% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.2% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

8,500 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

4.8 beds/1,000 population (2012)

Infant mortality rate

25.9 deaths/1,000 live births 30 deaths/1,000 live births 21.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

21.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

30 deaths/1,000 live births

total

25.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Kyrgyz (official) 71.4%, Uzbek 14.4%, Russian (official) 9%, other 5.2% (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

70.9 years 66.8 years 75.4 years (2017 est.)

female

75.4 years (2017 est.)

male

66.8 years

total population

70.9 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99.5% 99.6% 99.4% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99.4% (2015 est.)

male

99.6%

total population

99.5%

Major urban areas - population

BISHKEK (capital) 865,000 (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

76 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

26.5 years 25.4 years 27.6 years (2017 est.)

female

27.6 years (2017 est.)

male

25.4 years

total

26.5 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

23.2 years (2014 est.)

Nationality

Kyrgyzstani(s) Kyrgyzstani

adjective

Kyrgyzstani

noun

Kyrgyzstani(s)

Net migration rate

-5.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

16.6% (2016)

Physicians density

1.85 physicians/1,000 population (2014)

Population

5,789,122 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

the vast majority of Kyrgyzstanis live in rural areas; densest population settlement is to the north in and around the capital, Bishkek, followed by Osh in the west; the least densely populated area is the east, southeast in the Tien Shan mountains

Population growth rate

1.05% (2017 est.)

Religions

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

Sanitation facility access

urban: 89.1% of population rural: 95.6% of population total: 93.3% of population urban: 10.9% of population rural: 4.4% of population total: 6.7% of population (2015 est.)

rural

4.4% of population

total

6.7% of population (2015 est.)

urban

10.9% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

13 years 13 years 13 years (2014)

female

13 years (2014)

male

13 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 0.77 male(s)/female 0.62 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female (2016 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

0.77 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.62 male(s)/female

at birth

1.07 male(s)/female

total population

0.96 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.61 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

15% 12.5% 19.1% (2015 est.)

female

19.1% (2015 est.)

male

12.5%

total

15%

Urbanization

36% of total population (2017) 2.04% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

2.04% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

36% of total population (2017)

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)

note

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)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Kyrgyzstan yes, but only if a mutual treaty on dual citizenship is in force 5 years

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Kyrgyzstan

dual citizenship recognized

yes, but only if a mutual treaty on dual citizenship is in force

residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Constitution

previous 1993; latest adopted by referendum 27 June 2010, effective 2 July 2010; note - the current constitution prohibits any change until 2020 proposed as a draft law by the majority of the Supreme Council membership or by petition of 300,000 voters; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Council membership in each of at least three readings of the draft two months apart; the draft may be submitted to a referendum if approved by two-thirds of the Council membership; adoption requires the signature of the president; amended 2017 (2017)

amendments

proposed as a draft law by the majority of the Supreme Council membership or by petition of 300,000 voters; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Council membership in each of at least three readings of the draft two months apart; the draft may be submitted to a referendum if approved by two-thirds of the Council membership; adoption requires the signature of the president; amended 2017 (2017)

history

previous 1993; latest adopted by referendum 27 June 2010, effective 2 July 2010; note - the current constitution prohibits any change until 2020

Country name

Kyrgyz Republic Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyz Respublikasy Kyrgyzstan Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic a combination of the Turkic words "kyrg" (forty) and "-yz" (tribes) with the Persian suffix "-stan" (country) creating the meaning "Land of the Forty Tribes"; the name refers to the forty clans united by the legendary Kyrgyz hero, MANAS

conventional long form

Kyrgyz Republic

conventional short form

Kyrgyzstan

etymology

a combination of the Turkic words "kyrg" (forty) and "-yz" (tribes) with the Persian suffix "-stan" (country) creating the meaning "Land of the Forty Tribes"; the name refers to the forty clans united by the legendary Kyrgyz hero, MANAS

former

Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form

Kyrgyz Respublikasy

local short form

Kyrgyzstan

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Alan MELTZER (since August 2017) 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016 use embassy street address [996] (312) 597-000 [996] (312) 597-744

chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Alan MELTZER (since August 2017)

embassy

171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016

FAX

[996] (312) 597-744

mailing address

use embassy street address

telephone

[996] (312) 597-000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Kadyr TOKTOGULOV (since 23 February 2015) 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 449-9822 [1] (202) 449-8275 New York

chancery

2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Kadyr TOKTOGULOV (since 23 February 2015)

consulate(s)

New York

FAX

[1] (202) 449-8275

telephone

[1] (202) 449-9822

Executive branch

President Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 1 December 2011) Prime Minister Sapar ISAKOV (since 26 August 2017) Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president; defense and security committee chairs appointed by the president president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 6-year term; election last held on 15 October 2017 (next to be held in October 2023); prime minister nominated by the majority party or majority coalition in the Supreme Council, appointed by the president Sooronbay JEENBEKOV elected president in first round; percent of vote - Sooronbay JEENBEKOV (SDPK) 54.3%, Omurbek BABANOV (independent) 33.4%, Adakhan MADUMAROV (United Kyrgyzstan) 6.4%, Temir SARIYEV (Akshumar) 2.5%, other 3.4%; note - Sooronbay JEENBEKOV's inauguration is scheduled for 4 December 2017; Sapar ISAKOV elected prime minister; Supreme Council vote - 97 to 5

cabinet

Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president; defense and security committee chairs appointed by the president

chief of state

President Almazbek ATAMBAEV (since 1 December 2011)

election results

Sooronbay JEENBEKOV elected president in first round; percent of vote - Sooronbay JEENBEKOV (SDPK) 54.3%, Omurbek BABANOV (independent) 33.4%, Adakhan MADUMAROV (United Kyrgyzstan) 6.4%, Temir SARIYEV (Akshumar) 2.5%, other 3.4%; note - Sooronbay JEENBEKOV's inauguration is scheduled for 4 December 2017; Sapar ISAKOV elected prime minister; Supreme Council vote - 97 to 5

elections/appointments

president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 6-year term; election last held on 15 October 2017 (next to be held in October 2023); prime minister nominated by the majority party or majority coalition in the Supreme Council, appointed by the president

head of government

Prime Minister Sapar ISAKOV (since 26 August 2017)

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

parliamentary 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, EAEU, 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, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (consists of 25 judges); Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (consists of the chairperson, deputy chairperson, and 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 Chamber of the Supreme Court (consists of the chairperson, deputy chairperson, and 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 Kenesh (120 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms) last held on 4 October 2015 (next to be held in 2020) percent of vote by party - SDPK 27.4%, Respublika-Ata-Jurt 20.1%, Kyrgyzstan Party 12.9%, Onuguu-Progress 9.3%, Bir Bol 8.5%, Ata-Meken 7.7%, other 14.1%; seats by party - SDPK 38, Respublika-Ata-Jurt 28, Kyrgyzstan Party 18, Onuguu-Progress 13, Bir Bol 12, Ata-Meken 11

description

unicameral Supreme Council or Jogorku Kenesh (120 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms)

election results

percent of vote by party - SDPK 27.4%, Respublika-Ata-Jurt 20.1%, Kyrgyzstan Party 12.9%, Onuguu-Progress 9.3%, Bir Bol 8.5%, Ata-Meken 7.7%, other 14.1%; seats by party - SDPK 38, Respublika-Ata-Jurt 28, Kyrgyzstan Party 18, Onuguu-Progress 13, Bir Bol 12, Ata-Meken 11

elections

last held on 4 October 2015 (next to be held in 2020)

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)

note

adopted 1992

National holiday

Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

National symbol(s)

gyrfalcon; national colors: red, yellow

gyrfalcon; national colors

red, yellow

Political parties and leaders

Akshumkar (White Falcon) [Temir SARIYEV] Ata-Jurt (Homeland) [Kamchybek TASHIEV] Ata-Meken (Fatherland) [Omurbek TEKEBAEV] Bir Bol (Stay United) [Altynbek SULAIMANOV] Kyrgyzstan Party [Almazbek BATYRBEKOV] Onuguu-Progress [Bakyt TOROBAEV] Respublika (Republic) [Omurbek BABANOV] Respublika-Ata-Jurt (Republic-Homeland) [Omurbek BABANOV] (parliamentary faction) Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan or SDPK [Isa OMURKULOV] United Kyrgyzstan [Adakhan MADUMAROV]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Adilet (Justice) Legal Clinic [Cholpon JAKUPOVA] Bir Duino [Tolekan ISMAILOVA] (formerly Citizens Against Corruption) Coalition for Democracy and Civil Society [Azamat ADILOV] Kylym Shamy (Torch of the Century) [Aziza ABDIRASULOVA] (human rights) Precedent Partnership Group [Nurbek TOKTAKUNOV] Societal Analysis Public Association [Rita KARASARTOVA]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

$1.868 billion $2.166 billion (2016 est.)

expenditures

$2.166 billion (2016 est.)

revenues

$1.868 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.6% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

5% (31 December 2016) 8% (31 December 2015)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

22.23% (31 December 2016 est.) 24.25% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$-633 million (2016 est.) $-1.052 billion (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$8.182 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $7.504 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

33.4 (2007) 29 (2001)

Economy - overview

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked, mountainous, lower middle income country with an economy dominated by minerals extraction, agriculture, and reliance on remittances from citizens working abroad. Cotton, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only cotton is exported in any quantity. Other exports include gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, and - in some years - electricity. The country has sought to attract foreign investment to expand its export base, including construction of hydroelectric dams, but a difficult investment climate and an ongoing legal battle with a Canadian firm over the joint ownership structure of the nation’s largest gold mine deter potential investors. Remittances from Kyrgyz migrant workers, predominantly in Russia and Kazakhstan, are equivalent to over one-quarter of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP. Following independence, Kyrgyzstan rapidly implemented market reforms, such as improving the regulatory system and instituting land reform. In 1998, Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. The government has privatized much of its ownership shares in public enterprises. Despite these reforms, the country suffered a severe drop in production in the early 1990s and has again faced slow growth in recent years as the global financial crisis, declining oil prices, and regional economic headwinds have damaged economies across Central Asia. The Kyrgyz government remains dependent on foreign donor support to finance its annual budget deficit of approximately 4 to 5% of GDP. Kyrgyz leaders hope the country’s August 2015 accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will bolster trade and investment, but slowing economies in Russia and China and low commodity prices continue to hamper economic growth. While joining the EAEU has increased Kyrgyz labor mobility within member states, large-scale trade and investment pledged by Kyrgyz leaders has been slow in developing since accession. Kyrgyz entrepreneurs and politicians alike often contend that non-tariff measures imposed by other EAEU member states, particularly Kazakhstan, are negatively impacting sectors of the Kyrgyz economy that enjoy a comparative advantage, such as meat and dairy production. Since acceding to the EAEU, the Kyrgyz Republic has continued harmonizing its laws and regulations to conform to EAEU standards, though many local entrepreneurs have criticized this process as disjointed and incomplete. The keys to future growth include progress in fighting corruption, improving administrative transparency, restructuring and diversifying domestic industries, and attracting foreign aid and investment.

Exchange rates

soms (KGS) per US dollar - 69.914 (2016 est.) 69.914 (2015 est.) 64.462 (2014 est.) 53.654 (2013 est.) 47.01 (2012 est.)

Exports

$1.544 billion (2016 est.) $1.571 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

Switzerland 44.9%, Kazakhstan 10.5%, Russia 10.1%, Uzbekistan 8.7%, Turkey 6.2%, China 5.5% (2016)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

81.5% 18.2% 31% 3.5% 35.4% -69.6% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services

35.4%

government consumption

18.2%

household consumption

81.5%

imports of goods and services

-69.6% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital

31%

investment in inventories

3.5%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

14.9% 29.2% 55.9% (2016 est.)

agriculture

14.9%

industry

29.2%

services

55.9% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$3,500 (2016 est.) $3,400 (2015 est.) $3,400 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

3.8% (2016 est.) 3.5% (2015 est.) 4% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$6.551 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$21.5 billion (2016 est.) $20.46 billion (2015 est.) $19.56 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

23.8% of GDP (2016 est.) 18.3% of GDP (2015 est.) 20.4% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

4.4% 22.9% (2014 est.)

highest 10%

22.9% (2014 est.)

lowest 10%

4.4%

Imports

$3.644 billion (2016 est.) $3.791 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners

China 37.8%, Russia 20.7%, Kazakhstan 16.4%, Turkey 4.9% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

5.9% (2016 est.)

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

0.4% (2016 est.) 6.5% (2015 est.)

Labor force

2.787 million (2016 est.)

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 est.) $79 million (31 December 2010 est.)

Population below poverty line

32.1% (2015 est.)

Public debt

58.5% of GDP (2016 est.) 64.9% of GDP (2015 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$1.97 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.778 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$1.667 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.084 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$655.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) $629.3 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$5.21 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $4.748 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$1.444 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $993.4 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$1.411 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $928.2 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

28.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

7.5% (2016 est.) 7.6% (2015 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

9.4 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

19.65 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - imports

100 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - production

1,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

40 million bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

10.68 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

184 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

20.6% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

79.4% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

729 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

3.89 million kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

12.8 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

100% (2016)

electrification - total population

100% (2016)

Natural gas - consumption

773 million cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - imports

160 million cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - production

30 million cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2017 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

33,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

2,698 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

31,960 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

1,776 bbl/day (2014 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 users

1,976,006 34.5% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

34.5% (July 2016 est.)

total

1,976,006

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 up to over 130 per 100 persons 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 (2016)

domestic

fixed-line penetration remains low and concentrated in urban areas; multiple mobile-cellular service providers with growing coverage; mobile-cellular subscribership up to over 130 per 100 persons

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 (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

382,149 7 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

7 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

382,149

Telephones - mobile cellular

7,613,528 133 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

133 (July 2016 est.)

total

7,613,528

Airports

28 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

3 (2017)

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 (2017)

Airports - with unpaved runways

8 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

1

total

10

under 914 m

8 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

EX (2016)

National air transport system

625,294 69,290 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

69,290 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

625,294

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

10

number of registered air carriers

3

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 (2014)

broad gauge

470 km 1.520-m gauge (2014)

total

470 km

Roadways

34,000 km (2007)

total

34,000 km (2007)

Waterways

600 km (2010)

Military branches

State Committee on Defense Affairs (GKDO): Ground Forces, Air Force (includes Air Defense Forces) (2015)

State Committee on Defense Affairs (GKDO)

Ground Forces, Air Force (includes Air Defense Forces) (2015)

Military expenditures

3.15% of GDP (2016) 3.45% of GDP (2015) 3.38% of GDP (2014) 3.2% of GDP (2013) 3.21% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary male military service in the Armed Forces or Interior Ministry; 1-year service obligation, with optional fee-based 3-year service in the call-up 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

2,334 (2016); note - most stateless people were born in Kyrgyzstan, have lived there many years, or married Kyrgyz citizens; in 2009, Kyrgyzstan adopted a national action plan to speed up the exchange of old Soviet passports for Kyrgyz ones; between 2014 and 2016, Kyrgyzstan has resolved nearly 9,000 stateless cases; stateless people are unable to register marriages and births, to travel within the country or abroad, to own property, or to receive social benefits

stateless persons

2,334 (2016); note - most stateless people were born in Kyrgyzstan, have lived there many years, or married Kyrgyz citizens; in 2009, Kyrgyzstan adopted a national action plan to speed up the exchange of old Soviet passports for Kyrgyz ones; between 2014 and 2016, Kyrgyzstan has resolved nearly 9,000 stateless cases; stateless people are unable to register marriages and births, to travel within the country or abroad, to own property, or to receive social benefits