What kind of country is Kyrgyzstan?
1 January 2024
What do you know about Kyrgyzstan?
Personally, when I flew to Bishkek for the first time in May 2021, I knew NOTHING about the country. My phone had few photos of the most beautiful locations in the country and only one contact number. And how everything has changed over the past three years. And so in order...
Kyrgyzstan is a small country located in the heart of Central Asia. To the north Kyrgyzstan borders with Kazakhstan, to the south with Tajikistan and China, in the east with China, and in the west with Uzbekistan.
The area of Kyrgyzstan is 199,951 sq km, and has a population of 7,000,000 people.
Kyrgyzstan is a mountains country. 94% of its area is covered with mountainous terrain loved by climbers from all over the world. Ala Archa Natural Park is the most popular place for beginners and amateurs. But such peaks as Lenin Peak (7,134 m), Pobeda Peak (7,439 m) and Khan Tengri (6,995 m) are only suitable for professional climbers.
There are about 2,000 lakes in Kyrgyzstan, with a total area of 6,836 square kilometers. Most of the lakes are alpine and lie at an altitude of 2500 to 4000 meters above sea level. The main reason for the formation of these lakes is the melting of glaciers. Only 16 Kyrgyz lakes exceed an area of 1 square kilometer. The word “Kul” in the Kyrgyz language means lake - Issyk-Kul, Son-Kul, Chatyr-Kul.
One more interesting fact about Kyrgyzstan. The word Kyrgyzstan itself means the unity of 40 tribes, which reflects the nomadic culture. The Kyrgyz people led a nomadic lifestyle until they joined the Russian Empire in 1876. Therefore, in the life and customs of the Kyrgyz people, many nomadic features have still been preserved, and it is a richly rewarding experience to recognize and participate with them when travelling around Kyrgyzstan.
Personally, when I flew to Bishkek for the first time in May 2021, I knew NOTHING about the country. My phone had few photos of the most beautiful locations in the country and only one contact number. And how everything has changed over the past three years. And so in order...
Kyrgyzstan is a small country located in the heart of Central Asia. To the north Kyrgyzstan borders with Kazakhstan, to the south with Tajikistan and China, in the east with China, and in the west with Uzbekistan.
The area of Kyrgyzstan is 199,951 sq km, and has a population of 7,000,000 people.
Kyrgyzstan is a mountains country. 94% of its area is covered with mountainous terrain loved by climbers from all over the world. Ala Archa Natural Park is the most popular place for beginners and amateurs. But such peaks as Lenin Peak (7,134 m), Pobeda Peak (7,439 m) and Khan Tengri (6,995 m) are only suitable for professional climbers.
There are about 2,000 lakes in Kyrgyzstan, with a total area of 6,836 square kilometers. Most of the lakes are alpine and lie at an altitude of 2500 to 4000 meters above sea level. The main reason for the formation of these lakes is the melting of glaciers. Only 16 Kyrgyz lakes exceed an area of 1 square kilometer. The word “Kul” in the Kyrgyz language means lake - Issyk-Kul, Son-Kul, Chatyr-Kul.
One more interesting fact about Kyrgyzstan. The word Kyrgyzstan itself means the unity of 40 tribes, which reflects the nomadic culture. The Kyrgyz people led a nomadic lifestyle until they joined the Russian Empire in 1876. Therefore, in the life and customs of the Kyrgyz people, many nomadic features have still been preserved, and it is a richly rewarding experience to recognize and participate with them when travelling around Kyrgyzstan.
You can learn even more interesting facts about Kyrgyzstan on my blog or on my YouTube channel.
author:
Larisa Bulina
Larisa Bulina
The traveler,
the founder of SARYKYZ
the founder of SARYKYZ
photo:
Nikolay Gladkov
Nikolay Gladkov