Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1864; it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Under the USSR, its full name was the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic, and was commonly referred to as Kirghizia or Kirghiz SSR.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Kyrgyzstan

Oblastlar

Main article: Oblastlar of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is divided into 6 oblastlar (singular - oblast) and 1 city* (singular - shaar):

Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty, Ysyk-Kol Oblasty (Karakol)

Note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses).

Geography

Main article: Geography of Kyrgyzstan

File:Kyrgyzstan.png

Places include: Kara-Su

Lake: Issyk Kul

Economy

Main article: Economy of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a small, poor, mountainous country with a predominantly agricultural economy. Cotton, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products and exports. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium, and electricity. Kyrgyzstan has been one of the most progressive countries of the former Soviet Union in carrying out market reforms. Following a successful stabilization program, which lowered inflation from 88% in 1994 to 15% for 1997, attention is turning toward stimulating growth. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe since the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995 production began to recover and exports began to increase. Pensioners, unemployed workers, and government workers with salary arrears continue to suffer. Foreign assistance played a substantial role in the country's economic turnaround in 1996-97. The government has adopted a series of measures to combat such severe problems as excessive external debt, inflation, inadequate revenue collection, and the spillover from Russia's economic disorders. Kyrgyzstan had moderate growth in 1999 of 3.4% with a similar rate expected for 2000.