FAQs

Booking

Booking conditions

You can book travel services with us by e-mail. Please feel free to use Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Telegram or phone call for trip info & arrangements.

Kyrgyzstan’s rich culture, and natural beauty offer unique opportunities for adventure.  Our skilled local guides are knowledgeable and work hard to give you the most authentic experience while keeping you safe.  Please listen closely to their instructions and feel free to ask questions any time!

For your trip:

Kyrgyzstan has an average elevation of 2750 m above sea level.  If you generally live at lower elevations, it may take some days for you to acclimate to the change.  If you are planning on joining us for trekking or other strenuous activities, remember that the altitude will make traveling distances much more challenging.  If you can, condition before you come—even if you don’t live near the mountains, aerobics and strength building exercises can help!

Weather in the mountains changes suddenly and without warning.  A sunny day can turn to rain or even snow in a few hours.  Prepare for a range of temperatures by dressing in layers which are easy to add and remove.  A lightweight windbreaker/rainjacket is a good idea.  The sunlight at high altitudes is fierce—bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and chapstick.  Good hiking shoes or boots are necessary for slippery, rocky trails.  Dress in Kyrgyzstan is generally conservative—in the countryside shorts are worn at least knee length, and shirts with sleeves.

You will likely get the chance to stay in some modern and traditional Kyrgyz homes, and cultural norms should be observed as much as possible.  Leave your shoes at the door, and enjoy a warm welcome from your host’s family.  If you do not speak the language, photographs from home can be a great way to communicate.  People are often curious about family, houses, landmarks, vehicles, holidays, and traditional food from other countries.  Kyrgyz traditionally value music and any contribution on your part will be appreciated—your host may even respond with a song of their own. Respect any requests the family may have, and direct any questions or concerns to your guide.  Please do not smoke or drink hard liquor inside your host’s house.

Interest in environmental conservation is growing in Kyrgyzstan, but it is a relatively new concept.  We ask that our visitors lead by example—follow sound ecological practices as you travel, and be open to friendly conversations about conservation and preservation, both with your fellow travelers and with locals.

Insurance policy

All travellers need to have personal health and travel insurance.

Our company possesses liability insurance from A-Plus Insurance Company (aplus.kg).  All company staff and transport means are also insured.

Insurance company «A Plus»

—  The insurance company started its activity on September 20, 2006 as CJSC FCB INSURANCE;
— On August 20, 2012, FCB INSURANCE CJSC was renamed to CJSC Insurance Company A Plus;
— A Plus Insurance Company has licenses of the State Service for Supervision and Regulation of the Financial Market under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for 14 voluntary, 4 compulsory types of insurance and 5 reinsurance licenses;
— Insurance Company A Plus is a Shareholder of Finance Bank;
— At present, CJSC Insurance Company A Plus has been reorganized through the accession to it of CJSC Insurance Company Rosstrakh-Kyrgyzstan;
— The purpose of the reorganization is the creation of a first-class Insurance Company in Kyrgyzstan with the largest share capital;
— The authorized capital of the company is 580 000 000 soms, which makes Insurance Company «A Plus» one of the companies with the largest authorized capital in the insurance market of the Kyrgyz Republic;
— Insurance Company «A Plus» is a member of the Kyrgyz Association of Insurers;
— All obligations of the company are reliably protected by leading reinsurance companies of the CIS countries and far abroad, which have high ratings in insurance markets

Main Information

Visa and E-visa for Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is visa free for 58 nationalities.

Kyrgyzstan is the easiest of the central Asian republics to enter. Nevertheless, even if you can enter under one of the visa-free regimes explained here below, make sure that you get an entry stamp into your passport when crossing the border.

As of July 27, 2012, citizens from the following 44 countries may visit Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 60 days:

Australia Iceland    
Republic of Austria Ireland    
Kingdom of Belgium Kingdom of Spain    
Bosnia and Herzegovina The Italian Republic    
Vatican Canada    
United Kingdom of Great Britain Republic of Korea    
Hungary Kuwait    
Federal Republic of Germany The Republic of Latvia    
Kingdom of Netherlands The Republic of Lithuania    
The Hellenic Republic Liechtenstein    
Kingdom of Denmark Luxembourg    
Republic of Malta United States of America
Monacco Republic of Finland
New Zealand The French Republic
Kingdom of Norway The Republic of Croatia
United Arab Emirates The Czech Republic
The Republic of Poland The Swiss Confederation
Portuguese Republic Kingdom of Sweden
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia The Republic of Estonia
Republic of Singapore Qatar
The Slovak Republic Brunei Darussalam
The Republic of Slovania The Kingdom of Bahrain

Malaysia, Turkey, Japan and Mongolia:

According to bilateral agreements a visa-free regime till 30 days is accorded for citizens of Malaysia and till 60 days for citizens of Turkey (all categories of passports).

Legislation of Kyrgyzstan allows visa-free entry for 60 days to citizens of Japan and for 90 days to citizens of Mongolia (all categories of passports).

Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakshtan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine:

According to bilateral agreements Kyrgyzstan allows visa-free entry to citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakshtan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan.

Ukraine citizens are allowed to enter visa free till 90 days and Uzbekistan citizens till 60 days.

Citizens from following countries are entitled to obtain a 1 month tourist visa upon entry at Manas International Airport (FRU):

Albania Indonesia San Marino
Andorra Israel Serbia
Argentina Macedonia South Africa
Brazil Mexico Thailand
Bulgaria Montenegro The Sultanate of Oman
Chile Phillippines Venezuela
Cyprus Romania Vietnam

For the list of the countries’ visa/visa-free regulations check on the official site of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kyrgyz Republic: www.mfa.gov.kg

E-VISA

From September 2017, E-VISA system has started its work under http://www.evisa.e-gov.kg/  .

Kyrgyzstan has launched E-visa portal to facilitate visa processes for travellers.

Travellers have possibility to obtain a short-term visa without visiting embassy or consular office of the Kyrgyz Republic, following two simple steps: applying and making online payment.

Electronic visa application does not require more information than traditional paper application and it grants the same right to enter Kyrgyzstan as ordinary sticker-visa in the passport.

All you need is Internet, credit or debit card for making payment and scanned copies of your document.

Your travel document must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to enter Kyrgyzstan.

How to get here

Fly 
International flights land in Manas International Airport (FRU — E-visa is accepted) and Osh International Airport (OSS — E-visa is accepted) .

Carriers:

Air Manas , AviaTraffic, Turkish Airlines, Fly Dubai, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, S7, Ural Airlines,  Air Astana, Southern China Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways and Tajik Air.

The best connections with Europe:

  •  Turkish Airlines via Istanbul Ata Turk Intl. Airport – at least once a day, in summer time twice a day
  •  Pegasus Airlines via Istanbul, at least once a day
  • Aeroflot Russian Airlines via Moscow Sheremetievo – twice a day

The best connections with Asia:

  •  Air Astana via Almaty
  • China Southern Airlines via Urumchi and other Chinese cities
  •  Fly Dubai via Dubai UAE
  • Uzbekistan Airways via Tashkent

Ride a Train

Kyrgyzstan holds one main railway line, which runs from Bishkek to Balykchy town at the western end of Issyk-Kul Lake.  Bishkek can also be reached by rail from Russia

Drive

There are land borders with China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan which can be crossed by car.

When to go

The easiest time to travel in Kyrgyzstan is between May and October.  In winter, spring and fall mountain road conditions make getting around difficult.  The best time to trek or travel by horse is between June and September, with July and August being the busiest months.  During summer the south, including Bishkek can be uncomfortably warm.  These areas might be better visited in spring or autumn months.

Rainfall is fairly low but there is heavy snowfall in winter and even in summer the mountain areas may experience sudden storms.  If you are planning on trekking be prepared for inclement weather, and cold temperatures in any season.  Check out this helpful list of what to pack.

Land border points and border zone permits

Border zone permits 

Make sure that you have a permit to enter border zones. All border line with China, some areas along the borderline with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan requires getting the border zone permits, which must be arranged in advance. We can help you with border permits.

Land border crossings with Kazakshtan, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan

We have noted approximate working hours for each crossing point here, but be aware that these can change from day to day.

Between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (Kyrgyz and Kazakh names accordingly)

  1. Ak-Zhol/Korday (24 hours — E-visa is accepted) — near Bishkek city
  2. Chaldybar/Aisha Bibi (till 18.00- E-visa is accepted) — near Kara-Balta town
  3. Ak-Tilek/Karasu (till 18.00 — E-visa is accepted) — near Kant town
  4. Karkyra/Kegen  (till 18.00 from May to September — NO E-visa) — near Karakol town
  5. Chon-Kapka/Jibek-Jolu (till 18.00 — E-visa is accepted) — near Talas town

Between Kyrgyzstan and China

  1. Torugart * (10.00 — 16.00, lunch time 12.00-14.00 — E-visa is accepted) — Naryn region
  2. Irkeshtam * (10.00 — 16.00, lunch time 12.00-14.00 — E-visa is accepted) — Osh region

*Closed on weekends, Kyrgyz and Chinese national holidays. Chinese border service function according to Beijing time.

Between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (Kyrgyz and Tajik names accordingly)

  1. Kyzyl-Bel/Gulistan (till 18.00 — E-visa is accepted) — near Batken town
  2. Kulundu/Ovchi-Kalacha (till 18.00- E-visa is accepted) — near Isfana town
  3. Bor-Dobo/Kyzyl-Art (till 18.00 — E-visa is accepted) — near Sary-Tash village

Between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (Kyrgyz and Uzbek names accordingly)

  1. Dostuk/Dustlik (till 18.00 — E-visa is accepted) — near Osh city
  2. Madaniyat/Uchkurgan (till 18.00- NO E-visa) — near Jalalabat town

Preparation

What to pack

Your packlist will depend on your planned itinerary, activities, and length of stay.  Here are some things people often find helpful:

  • Thermal underwear
  • Lightweight warm clothes for «layering»
  • Rain/windproof jacket with a hood
  • Waterproof boots/walking shoes
  • Slip on shoes/sandals
  • «Beanie» hat
  • Hat with a brim
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight/ headlamp and spare batteries
  • Photos, a magazine, or newspaper from home— this can be a great way to converse with new friends
  • Insect repellent— There is a mosquito season in the mountains, and some lower regions may have ticks.
  • Russian-English/English-Russian dictionary

Travelling with children

Kyrgyz culture values children highly. People are proud of their children and take a genuine and friendly interest in yours. In the capital of Bishkek, families can be seen strolling through wooded city parks. Catch a patch of sun, rest on a curliqued bench, and make new friends as your children explore brightly colored playgrounds with the locals.
Nature hikes with homestays and outdoor picnics are a great way for you to get outdoors with your kids. Spend quality time finding waterfalls in rugged canyons, magical summer flowers in the high alpine meadows, and tranquility on the shores of pristine mountain lakes. For a real adventure, take them horse riding, or even river rafting.
In summertime nomadic shepherds move their yurts to high country meadows, called jailoo. Stay in a lushly carpeted yurt, meet the cows, yaks, sheep, goats, and horses of your hosts, and help out with daily chores. Kids will love the freedom of the great outdoors, and can enjoy fresh milk and nutritious home made food—even help prepare it. Share your dream of idyllic country life with your family, and experience Kyrgyz traditions. Kids will play, grow and learn among beautiful wildflowers and friendly Kyrgyz shepherds.

Women travelers

Women often travel solo in Kyrgyzstan.  Travelers will find that they are treated with old fashioned chivalry, with men giving up seats on buses, holding doors, and generally looking after the welfare of their female companions.

Kyrgyzstan’s culture traditionally favors modest and practical dress for women.  You are unlikely to see ladies showing a significant amount of skin on the street.  Many of the traditional Muslim and Russian Orthodox women keep their heads covered in public.  There is no need for you to cover your head, but dressing modestly—i.e. a shirt with sleeves and loose pants, or a long skirt— may help protect you from unwanted attention.  Especially if traveling alone, this nod to the cutural norm will leave a good impression.

In Bishkek, attitudes are more tolerant but in the countryside, pants and skirts are worn at least knee length, and shoulders and upper arms are covered.

Also, see Health and Safety

Common Information

Communication and transportation

Communication

You can buy a local GSM Sim card for about 2 dollars with your passport.  All three providers have booths in the airport arrivals area, and cards can be purchased in any electronics store or at streetside magazine booths. Providers are O! Beeline and Megacom.  Most phone plans can include data and Wi-Fi is widely available in towns and cities.

Electronic devices

Electricity in Kyrgyzstan is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 Hertz. Outlets in Kyrgyzstan generally accept plugs of two round pins — European/Soviet standards.

Getting Around

In Bishkek there are many options for inter-city transport.

Mashrutka are white vans marked with numeric placards and names of landmarks on their route in Russian.  A ride should cost 10 som, and they can be caught at any bus stop.  Trolley buses also run throughout the city and cost 8 som for a ride.

Check out Bus.kg for a very useful route mapping application which can be downloaded on a smartphone.

A taxi ride in Bishkek will generally cost between 100 and 200 soms.  It is best to agree on the price in advance.  Some companies have a meter which can be turned on by request.

Taxi services can be reached by cell phone or mobile applications

Outside Bishkek

Mashrutka and shared taxis are popular local options, and run from Bishkek to most major settlements in the country.  Both leave only when they have enough passengers to cover costs.  They can be found at most bazaars.

Tour companies can help you hire a private car with a driver.  Joining an tour group is often the cheapest way to travel to remote regions.

Driving in Kyrgyzstan is aggressive and does not follow standard western rules.  It will save you a headache to hire a driver along with a car.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations

For short-term trips you should be immunised against polio, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A. For longer stays, Hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are recommended. If you plan excursions into the forested mountains in the early summer months, there is the risk of a tick-borne encephalitis disease. Altitude sickness can occur above 2,500m (8,202 ft).

Safe eating and drinking

Tap water in towns is generally bacteria free but can have a high metal content. Therefore, bottled or boiled water is advisable. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well- cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Healthcare

Medical services offered to foreigners, except emergency care, require immediate cash payment and are somewhat limited. First aid and small interventions can be provided in regional hospitals but for severe health problems it is advisable to get help in Bishkek. We will assist you to find English-speaking physicians. Medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Kyrgyzstan quick facts

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed to Russia in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1936 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of President Askar AKAEV, who had run the country since 1990. Former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIEV overwhelmingly won the presidential election in the summer of 2005. Over the next few years, he manipulated the parliament to accrue new powers for the presidency. In July 2009, after months of harassment against his opponents and media critics, BAKIEV won re-election in a presidential campaign that the international community deemed flawed. In April 2010, violent protests in Bishkek led to the collapse of the BAKIEV regime and his eventual fleeing to Minsk, Belarus. His successor, Roza OTUNBAEVA, served as transitional president until Almazbek ATAMBAEV was inaugurated in December 2011, marking the first peaceful transfer of presidential power in independent Kyrgyzstan’s history. In November 2017, Sooronbai JEENBEKOV was elected as the new president of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Geography
Area: 199,951 sq km
land: 191,801 sq km
water: 8,150 sq km
country comparison to the world: 87

Climate:
dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar’ya) 132 m
highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

Natural resources:
abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc

Land use:
arable land: 6.38%
permanent crops: 0.37%
other: 93.24%
note: Kyrgyzstan has the world’s largest natural-growth walnut forest (2011)

Irrigated land: 10,210 sq km (2005)
Total renewable water resources: 23.62 cu km (2011)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 8.01 cu km/yr (3%/4%/93%)
per capita: 1,558 cu m/yr (2006)

Environment — current issues:
water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices

Geography — note:
landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien Shan range; 94% of the country is 1,000 m above sea level with an average elevation of 2,750 m; many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes

People and society
Ethnic groups:
Kyrgyz 64.9%, Uzbek 13.8%, Russian 12.5%, Dungan 1.1%, Ukrainian 1%, Uighur 1%, other 5.7% (1999 census)

Languages: Kyrgyz (state language) 64.7%, Uzbek 13.6%, Russian (official language) 12.5%, Dungun 1%, other 8.2% (1999 census)

Religions: Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%

Population: 5,604,212 (July 2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Age structure:
0-14 years: 29.8% (male 854,029/female 815,300)
25-54 years: 39.4% (male 1,079,691/female 1,127,520)
55-64 years: 7.1% (male 171,960/female 224,450)
65 years and over: 4.9% (male 105,651/female 169,816) (2014 est.)

Dependency ratios:
total dependency ratio: 53.2 %
youth dependency ratio: 46.9 %
elderly dependency ratio: 6.3 %
potential support ratio: 15.8 (2014 est.)

Median age:
total: 25.7 years male: 24.7 years female: 26.7 years (2014 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.04% (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Birth rate: 23.33 births/1,000 population (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Death rate: 6.74 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Net migration rate: -6.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Urbanization:
urban population: 35.3% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization: 1.31% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas — population: BISHKEK (capital) 839,000 (2011)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

Net migration rate: -6.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Mother’s mean age at first birth: 22.6 note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2012 est.)

Infant mortality rate: total: 28.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 67

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 70.06 years country comparison to the world: 153
male: 65.89 years
female: 74.51 years (2014 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.68 children born/woman (2014 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Health expenditures: 6.2% of GDP (2010) country comparison to the world: 102

Physicians density: 2.47 physicians/1,000 population (2011)
Hospital bed density: 4.8 beds/1,000 population (2011)
Drinking water source:
improved: urban: 97.1% of population rural: 82.3% of population total: 87.6% of population

Sanitation facility access: urban: 91.9% of population rural: 91.7% of population total: 91.8% of population
HIV/AIDS — adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 95
HIV/AIDS — people living with HIV/AIDS: 8,700 (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 109
HIV/AIDS — deaths: 300 (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 101
Literacy: total population: 99.2%
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): 13 years
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: 14.6% country comparison to the world: 86

Government
Country name:
conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic
conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan
local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy
local short form: Kyrgyzstan
former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic
Government type: republic
Capital: Bishkek

Administrative divisions:
7 provinces (oblustar, singular — oblus) and 2 cities* (shaarlar, singular — shaar); Batken Oblusu, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblusu (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad Oblusu, Naryn Oblusu, Osh Oblusu, Osh Shaary*, Talas Oblusu, Ysyk-Kol Oblusu (Karakol)
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence: 31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

Constitution: previous 1993; latest adopted 27 January 2017, effective 1 December 2017

Legal system: civil law system which includes features of French civil law and Russian Federation laws

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Sooronbai JEENBEKOV (since 1 December 2017)
head of government: Prime Minister Muhammedkalyi ABALGAZIEV (since 20 April 2018)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president; ministers in charge of defense and security are appointed solely by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for one six-year term; election last held on 15 October 2017 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister nominated by the parliamentary party holding more than 50% of the seats; if no such party exists, the president selects the party that will form a coalition majority and government
elections: last held on 4 October 2015 (next to be held in 2020)
election results: Sooronbai JEENBEKOV elected president; percent of vote — Sooronbai JEENBEKOV 54.22%, Omurbek BABANOV 33.49%, Adahan MADUMAROV 6.57%, Temir SARIEV 2.55%;

Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council or Jogorku Kengesh (120 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

Judicial branch:
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 25 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the Supreme Council on the recommendation of the president; Supreme Court judges serve for 10 years, Constitutional Court judges serve for 15 years; mandatory retirement at age 70 for judges of both courts
subordinate courts: Higher Court of Arbitration; oblast (provincial) and city courts

Political parties and leaders:
Ata-Meken (Fatherland) [Almambet SHYKMAMATOV]
Bir-Bol (United) Party [Altynbek SULAIMANOV]
Onuguu-Progress (Development) [Bakyt TOROBAEV]
Respublika – Ata-Jurt [Zhyrgalbek TURUSKULOV]
Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK) [Almazbek ATAMBAEV]

International organization participation:
ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Flag description:
red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kyrgyz 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 a «tunduk» — the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt; red symbolizes bravery and valor, the sun evinces peace and wealth

Economy
overview:
Kyrgyzstan is a developing, mountainous country with a dominant agricultural sector. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, and electricity. The economy depends heavily on gold exports — mainly from output at the Kumtor gold mine — and on remittances from Kyrgyzstani migrant workers primarily in Russia. Following independence, Kyrgyzstan was progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. Much of the government’s stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995, production began to recover and exports began to increase. The overthrow of President BAKIEV in April 2010 and subsequent ethnic clashes left hundreds dead and damaged infrastructure. Under President ATAMBAYEV, Kyrgyzstan has developed a plan for economic development in coordination with international donors, and has also expressed its intent to join the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Progress in fighting corruption, improving transparency in licensing, business permits and taxations, restructuring domestic industry, and attracting foreign aid and investment are key to future growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity): $14.3 billion (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 145
$13.32 billion (2012 est.)
$13.44 billion (2011 est.)
note: data are in 2013 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate): $7.234 billion (2013 est.)

GDP — real growth rate: 7.4% (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 17
-0.9% (2012 est.)
6% (2011 est.)

GDP — per capita (PPP): $2,500 (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 185
note: data are in 2013 US dollars

Gross national saving: 9.1% of GDP (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

GDP — composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture: 20.8%
industry: 34.4%
services: 44.8% (2013 est.)
Agriculture — products: tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool
Industries: small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals
Industrial production growth rate: 12% (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Labor force: 2.344 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 115
Labor force — by occupation:
agriculture: 48%
industry: 12.5%
services: 39.5% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 8.6% (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Population below poverty line: 33.7% (2011 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 27.8% (2009 est.)

Distribution of family income — Gini index: 33.4 (2007) country comparison to the world: 99

Budget: revenues: $2.128 billion expenditures: $2.458 billion (2013 est.)

Taxes and other revenues: 29.4% of GDP (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):-4.6% of GDP (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.8% (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Exports: $1.881 billion (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 143
Exports — commodities: gold, cotton, wool, garments, meat, tobacco; mercury, uranium, electricity; machinery; shoes
Exports — partners: Kazakhstan 26.2%, Uzbekistan 26.1%, Russia 14.6%, China 7%, UAE 6.1%, Afghanistan 5.2% (2012)

Imports: $5.082 billion (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 127
Imports — commodities: oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs
Imports — partners: China 55.2%, Russia 17.4%, Kazakhstan 7.9% (2012)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.199 billion (31 December 2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Debt — external: $3.859 billion (31 December 2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Energy

Electricity — production: 14.9 billion kWh (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Electricity — consumption: 7.326 billion kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Electricity — exports: 2.62 billion kWh (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Electricity — imports: 0 kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Electricity — installed generating capacity: 3.64 million kW (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Electricity — from fossil fuels: 20.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Electricity — from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Electricity — from hydroelectric plants: 79.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Electricity — from other renewable sources: 0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Crude oil — production: 1,000 bbl/day (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Crude oil — exports: 0 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Crude oil — imports: 0 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Crude oil — proved reserves: 40 million bbl (1 January 2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Refined petroleum products — production: 0 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Refined petroleum products — consumption: 16,640 bbl/day (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Refined petroleum products — exports: 2,433 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Refined petroleum products — imports: 35,040 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Natural gas — production: 10 million cu m (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas — consumption: 462.5 million cu m (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Natural gas — exports: 0 cu m (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas — imports: 390 million cu m (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas — proved reserves: 5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy: 7.793 million Mt (2011 est.)

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