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General information about the Kyrgyz Republic. bishkek Karakol Cholpon-Ata animals Kyrgyzstan An undiscovered, cheerful mountain paradise, Kyrgyzstan nestles between Uzbek deserts, Kazakh steppe and the outback of Western China. With 94% of Kyrgyz territory covered by mountains, the majestic Tien-Shan, or 'Heavenly Range', dominates its skyline. Such a magnificent setting makes Kyrgyzstan a land of rich alpine meadows, ice-cold streams, lush, fertile valleys, snowfields, glaciers and rare fauna. Once off-limits even to the Kyrgyz people themselves, the Tien-Shan's wildest valleys are now open to all. Visitors are confronted with an array of serene walks, treks and climbs through pristine forests of juniper and walnut trees and sweeping meadows of medicinal herbs and other rare plants. Tumbling, crystal-clear mountain streams bring glacial waters to secluded mountain lakes and to Issyk-Kul, the Kyrgyz inland sea. Many snow-covered mountain peaks remain unexplored and unconquered. The Kyrgyz have inhabited these mountains for over fifteen centuries. Originally nomads, many Kyrgyz continue to live in remote, high-altitude yurt camps, tending vast flocks of sheep and breeding horses. Even town-dwellers own yurts, with many heading off to the jailoos or pastures for summer. Traditional Kyrgyz felt-craft, jewellery-making and horseback sports remain an important form of cultural expression, as yet unspoilt by mass tourism. Once at the crossroads of Silk-Road caravan routes, Kyrgyzstan's historical and cultural heritage is particularly rich. Besides the ancient cities of Osh, Uzgen and At-Bashi, scattered throughout the mountains and valleys are scores of 2nd century BC rock carvings (petroglyphs) and monuments relating to Zoroastrian, Buddhist and Nestorian Christian traditions. Discovering the land known as Kyrgyzstan is an unforgettable journey and an exotic adventure. Come to Kyrgyzstan to revel in the wonders of the glorious, magnificent mountains and a nomadic lifestyle, unchanged for centuries. We will be glad to see you here! Capital Bishkek, 900.000 inhabitants. Surface 198.500 sqkm; mountains 94%, plains 6%, high mountains 70%, other 23% Climate Average: January - 4 to + 14 C; July + 12 to + 30 C; continental Inhabitants 4,5 million Towns Bishkek (900.000), Osh (215.000), Tokmok (71.000), Karakol (75.000) Languages Kyrgyz, Russian Nationalities Kyrgyz 60%, Russians 16%, Uzbeks 14%, Ukrainians 2%, Dungans, Kazakhs 1%, Tajiks 1%, Tatars 1%, Germans 0,5%, Uighurs, Koreans, Chinese. Religions Muslims, Christians Time 5 hours ahead of GMT National currency 1 Som=100 Tyin , 1 US$ = 48.5 Som (September 2000) Official Holidays January 1 - New Year, January 7 - February - Orozo-Ayt (first day after Ramadan), March 8 - International Women's Day, March 21- Nooruz, May 1- International Worker's Day, May 5 - Constitution Day, May 9 - World War Two/Victory Day, June - Kurban Ayt (Day of Remembrance), August 31 - Independence Day [ Weather on Issyk-Kul]