@Kyrgyzstan
Introduction Kyrgyzstan
Background:
A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud
nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864; it
achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Nationwide
demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of
President Askar AKAYEV, who had run the country since 1990.
Subsequent presidential elections in July 2005 were won
overwhelmingly by former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIYEV. The
political opposition organized demonstrations in Bishkek in in
April, May, and November 2006 resulting in the adoption of new
constitution that transfered some of the president's powers to
parliament and the government. Current concerns include:
privatization of state-owned enterprises, expansion of democracy and
political freedoms, reduction of corruption, improving interethnic
relations, and combating terrorism.
Geography Kyrgyzstan
Location:
Central Asia, west of China
Geographic coordinates:
41 00 N, 75 00 E
Map references:
Asia
Area:
total: 198,500 sq km
land: 191,300 sq km
water: 7,200 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than South Dakota
Land boundaries:
total: 3,878 km
border countries: China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870
km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km