Introduction to Kyrgyzstan

Book excerpt: Kyrgyzstan, officially called the Kyrgyz Republic, is a small Central Asian country nestled between Kazakhstan to the north and China to the east. The mountainous terrain of the country is dominated by the Tien Shan mountain range, which stretches from China to Kazakhstan. The capital city of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek, which is located in the north of the country. The country was part of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991, after which it became an independent republic. Kyrgyzstan has a population of approximately 6 million people and is predominantly ethnic Kyrgyz, with a significant minority of Uzbeks and smaller communities of Russians, Ukrainians, and other Central Asian groups. The official language is Kyrgyz, with Russian also widely spoken. The country has a rich culture and history, with traditional music, dance, and crafts still a part of daily life. Tourism is an important industry for Kyrgyzstan, with many visitors attracted to the country's stunning natural beauty, including Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, and scenic hiking trails in the Tien Shan mountains.