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          KYRGYZSTAN
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Kyrgyzstan, a central Asian
republic of the former USSR,
declared itself independent in
1991. It is located on the
border with northwest China.
Much of the country is
occupied by the Tian Shan
Mountains which rise to
spectacular peaks. Most of the
country is semi-arid or
desert, but climate is greatly
influenced by altitude. Soils
are poor except in the
valleys, where wheat and other
grains can be grown. Grazing
of sheep, horses and cattle is
carried out extensively. In
the west the raising of
silkworms is important. Other
industries include non-ferrous
metallurgy, coal mining,
tobacco, food processing,
textiles and gold mining.

Area (Sq. Km.): 199,000

Population: 4,300,000

Capital: Bishket

Language:
Kyrghiz
Russian

Religion:
Sunni Islam

Government Type:
Republic

Currency: Rouble

Embassy:
None

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Foreign Office Advice:

Within Kyrgyzstan travel by
road is generally difficult
because of the terrain and in
spring landslides are common
in mountain areas, especially
around Osh. Domestic flights
are an alternative, there are
no flights from outside the
CIS.

Incidents of mugging and theft
are increasing, both in cities
and in deprived rural areas.
Visitors should not walk
streets alone at night nor use
unofficial taxis.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129