Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Eileen A. MALLOY embassy: Erkindik Prospekt #66, Bishkek 720002 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [7] (3312) 22-26-93, 22-32-89 FAX: [7] (3312) 22-35-51
Flag description: red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kirghiz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of the roof of the traditional Kirghiz yurt
Economy
Economy - overview: 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 included gold, mercury, uranium, and hydropower. 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 32% for 1996, attention is turning toward stimulating growth. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production have been severe since the break up 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 salaries arrears continue to suffer. Foreign assistance plays a substantial role in the country's budget. In 1996 the economy showed strong signs that recovery was underway.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $5.8 billion (1996 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1994)
GDP - real growth rate: 5.6% (1996 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,290 (1996 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 35% industry : 28% services: 37% (1994 est.)
Inflation rate - consumer price index: 32% (1996 est.)
Labor force: total: 1.7 million by occupation: agriculture and forestry 40%, industry and construction 19%, other 41% (1995 est.)