Area: 198,500 sq km (76,640 sq miles)
Climate: dry continental to polar in the high Tien Shan; subtropical in the southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone
Average temperature: in winter: -14 °C, in summer: max. + 38 °C
Population: 5,067,000
Main religions: Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%
Official language: Kirghiz (Kyrgyz) - official language, Russian - working language
National currency: National currency is the Som = 100 tyin (KGS)
Capital: Bishkek
Time: GMT+5 (GMT+6 from second Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in September).
Electric power: 220 V AC, 50 amp; standard two-pin plug socket
Domain zone: .kg

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country in Central Asia - 93% of the land area is in fact mountainous. The vast peaks of the Tien-Shan Mountain Range stretch away across the border into the heart of China. It has the 2nd largest high-altitude lake in the world - the almost mythical Issyk-Kul Lake.

Kyrgyzstan is truly one of the last wilderness on Earth. It is possible to see herds of magnificent wild ponies, horses, yaks and even camels. This country of wild, free nomads was literally the crossroads of Asia, being crossed by four routes along the Great Silk Road. The nomadic influence is still very strong, despite the years of Soviet urbanization. In rural areas, many Kyrgyz still live in their Yurtas - the traditional felt tents of the nomadic shepherds.

The scenery varies between lush, fertile, cultivated valley bottoms to some of the world's highest peaks - of the 7 peaks in the world over 7.000 m, 3 are in Kyrgyzstan. There are fast-flowing mountain rivers full of snow-melt from the high glaciers cutting their way through steep-sided valleys, often tumbling over waterfalls and through beautiful Alpine meadows awash with multi-colored carpets of blooms in Spring. In the South it is still possible to see forests of indigenous walnuts. The Kyrgyz people are very friendly and who are still very proud of their traditions of hospitality and handicrafts.