Kyrgyzstan
Mary Yoo/4th Red/Honors Geography
Geography
199,951 sq km
Border countries:
China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Capital:
Bishkek (42.52 N, 74.36 E)
Major Cities:
Uzgen, Talas, Kyzyl-Kiya, Karakol, Jalal-Abad, Balykchy
Actual Location:
41.00 N, 75.00 E
Climate:
Dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains
Subtropical in southwest
Temperate in northern foothill zone
Major Industries:
Small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals
Highest Mountain:
Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy), 7,439 m
Longest Rivers:
Syr Darya(1,374 mi), Chu River (663 mi)
Source: https://www.cia.gov
Culture
Literature: Kyrgyz was not written until the 20th century. The oral tradition included epics such as Manas, Jayin-Bayis, and Kurmanbek. Novel-writing in historical and romance genres developed in the 20th century.
Graphic Arts: Traditional crafts are taught in school. Artisans' objects are sold to tourists and some are displayed in the National Gallery or museums abroad. Wool, silk, wood, horn, and clay are used often. Painters often have traditional Kyrgyz themes.
Custom and Traditions
The Kyrgyz culture has been influenced by the nomadic heritage. The example of the folk creation is the yurta, which is a small dwelling decorated with hand-made carpets and strips.
There are also unique cultures like Kelin aluu(the marriage of the son) or Sookko kiruu(washing the body as a funeral ceremony)
Music
Kyrgyz folk instrumental music is divided into two branches; the fold music and the professional instrumental music of oral tradition. Today the instruments of applied and ritual type are vanished, like "konguro" or "asa-musa."
Source: http://www.kyrgyzjer.com
History
1876 - Russian forces conquer the khanate of Kokand and incorporate what is now Kyrgyzstan into the Russian empire
1991 - Kyrgyzstan acquires its present name and declares independence. Kyrgyzstan also joins Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
2005 - Protests over disputed 2005 poll leads to the fall of President Akayev.
2010 - 2010 Uprising: Kurmanbek Bakiyev was the next president to be swept from power by protests.
Source: http://www.bbc.com
Politics
President:
Almazbek Atambayev
Type of Government:
Republic
Economy:
Kyrgyzstan's economy is largely based on agriculture and minerals extraction. Following independence, Kyrgyzstan rapidly carried out market reforms. Kyrgyzstan has developed a plan for economic development in coordination with international donors.
Relations:
The U.S. stablished diplomatic relations with Kyrgyzstan in 1991 following Kyrgyzstan's independence from the Soviet Union. The two countries have a strong partnership.
Organizations:
Kyrgyzstan belongs to several international organizations like the United Nations, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Source: https://www.cia.gov, http://www.state.gov