Your guide to being an expatriate in Kyrgyzstan

Demographics of Kyrgyzstan:

Religion Overview

Kyrgyzstan is a predominantly Muslim country, with Islam being practiced by nearly 80% of the population. Christianity and Buddhism also have a presence, particularly in the northern regions.

Major Religions

Climate

Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The country is largely mountainous, leading to extreme temperature variations between high and low altitudes.

Economy Overview

Kyrgyzstan's economy is steadily growing, with a focus on agriculture, hydropower, and tourism. In recent years, the government has implemented economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and improving infrastructure.

Key Industries

• Agriculture
• Hydropower
• Tourism
• Gold mining
• Fuel and power production
• Textile production
• Manufacturing
• Construction

Major Companies

• Central Asia Paper Products
• Kyrgyz Telecom
• Almazzhilinj
• Asian-Euro Logistics
• Devon Energy Corp.
• Burkol Energy
• Kyrgyz Hydropower Plants
• Kyrgyz Aluminum

Culture and Language Overview

Kyrgyzstan's cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with its nomadic past. Traditional arts and crafts, such as felt-making, embroidery, and weaving, continue to be an important part of daily life. Horseback riding, hunting, and bird watching remain popular outdoor activities, while traditional music and dances are still performed in villages.

Cultural Highlights

• Felt-making traditions, such as shyrdaks (woven designs) and ala-keses (covered wagons)
• Embroidery, such as Chamsha (red and black ikat)
• Weaving, such as oqu (embroidery) and ayagach (traditional woven patterns)
• Traditional music and instruments, such as komuz (tri-stringed lute) and kyl-kyak (drum)
• Traditional dances, such as the khorogori (female dancers) and chimbalay (male acrobatic dance)

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Kyrgyzstan's breathtaking landscapes include the Tien Shan mountain range, Lake Issyk-Kul, and the Son-Kol and Chatyr-Kol lakes. With over 35% of its land covered in glaciers, the country's natural beauty is a draw for visitors seeking adventure

Notable Landmarks

• Issyk-Kul Lake
• Chatyr-Kol Lake
• Son-Kol Lake
• Karakol
• Naryn
• Kochkor
• Osh
• Almaty City (in neighboring Kazakhstan)

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Defenders of the Fatherland Day (February 23)
• International Women's Day (March 8)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Constitution Day (May 5)
• Victory Day (May 9)
• Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)

Political Stability

Kyrgyzstan has experienced political unrest in recent years, with two revolutions in 2005 and 2010. However, the country's political system has stabilized in recent years, and it is now a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).