Country Profile: Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, is characterized by its stunning mountain landscapes and rich nomadic heritage. The nation has experienced significant historical upheaval, including revolutions in 2005 and 2010, leading to its current parliamentary republic system of governance. With a population of over 6 million, the economy is marked by natural resource richness, particularly in hydropower and minerals, yet is hindered by corruption and recent political instability. Despite these challenges, the country continues to focus on economic growth, particularly in sectors such as tourism and agriculture.

Geography

Kyrgyzstan is situated in Central Asia, bordered by China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the Tien Shan range dominating the landscape and contributing to a high average elevation of around 2,750 meters. As a landlocked country, it has no coastline and experiences a climate that varies from dry continental to polar in the mountains and subtropical in lowland areas.

199,951 sq km total area, slightly smaller than South Dakota.
7,439 m as the highest point (Jengish Chokusu).
4,573 km of land borders with neighboring countries.
Majority rural population distribution centered around urban areas like Bishkek and Osh.

People and Society

The estimated population of Kyrgyzstan is approximately 6.17 million as of 2024, with a diverse ethnic composition mainly consisting of Kyrgyz (73.8%), Uzbeks (14.8%), and Russians (5.1%). The country has a youthful demographic with a median age of 28.3 years and a significant percentage of the population (90%) practicing Islam. Rural living is prevalent, with urban areas accounting for only 37.8% of the total population.

18.7 births/1,000 population birth rate (2024).
72.9 years life expectancy at birth (2024).
3.3% unemployment rate (2024).
0.96 male-to-female ratio in total population (2024).

Economy

Kyrgyzstan's economy is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, remittances, and natural resources. Despite its rich potential, including abundant hydropower, the country faces economic vulnerabilities from corruption and political instability. The real GDP in 2024 is projected to be $50.9 billion, with an expected growth rate of 9%.

52.1% of GDP from services sector (2024).
3.3% unemployment rate (2024).
18.8% of GDP comes from remittances (2023).
33.3% of the population living below the poverty line (2021).

Government

Kyrgyzstan operates as a parliamentary republic with a complex history of democratic transitions. The country is divided into seven provinces and two cities and has a legal system influenced by both French and Russian law. The political landscape has seen recent shifts, with Sadyr Japarov serving as president since January 2021 after a series of public protests.

18 years is the minimum voting age.
90 seats in the unicameral legislature (Supreme Council).
Constitution adopted in 2021 after referendum.
Next election scheduled for 2027.

Military and Security

The Kyrgyz Armed Forces consist of land and air defense forces along with the National Guard. The military's primary responsibilities include national defense and internal security, with military expenditures anticipated to be around 3% of GDP in 2024. Kyrgyzstan also participates in regional security organizations, including the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Approximately 10-15,000 active military personnel (2025).
3% of GDP allocated for military expenditures (2024).
Compulsory military service for men aged 18-27.

Energy

Kyrgyzstan relies heavily on hydropower, generating about 85.7% of its electricity from hydroelectric sources. Despite its natural resource potential, the country faces challenges in energy consumption and infrastructure. The electricity access rate is high, with 99.7% of the population electrified as of 2022.

14.872 billion kWh electricity consumption in 2023.
3.944 million kW installed generating capacity (2023).
428.01 million kWh in electricity exports (2023).

Environment

Environmental issues in Kyrgyzstan include water pollution and soil salinity due to irrigation practices. The country is a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity. With a significant portion of its land used for agriculture, ongoing challenges include deforestation and urban pollution from vehicles.

54% of land designated for agriculture (2022).
7% forest cover (2022).
Major environmental hazards include flooding and earthquakes.

Transportation

Kyrgyzstan has a limited transportation infrastructure, including 28 airports and about 424 km of railways. The country’s civil aviation industry is gradually developing, while road networks remain vital for domestic connectivity.

28 airports as of 2025.
424 km of railway infrastructure.
1 heliport available (2025).

Communications

Telecommunications are advancing, with about 89% of the population using the internet as of 2023. The communications sector includes several state-funded and private media outlets, while fixed and mobile telephone subscriptions demonstrate steady growth.

7.68 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
185,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).
456,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,172,101 (2024 est.)
Area	199,951 sq km
GDP	$50.907 billion (2024)	Real GDP (PPP)
Energy Consumption	27.58 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth Rate	18.7 births/1,000 population (2024)
Unemployment Rate	3.3% (2024)
Life Expectancy	72.9 years (2024)
Literacy Rate	N/A	Data not provided.
Climate Change Vulnerability	High
Urbanization Rate	37.8% (2023)