Kyrgyzstan

Area: 199,900 sq km (77,182 sq miles).

Population: 5,067,000 (UN estimate 2002).

Population Density: 25.3 per sq km.

Capital: Bishkek (called Frunze from 1926 to 1991). Population: 736,000 (UN estimate 2001).

GEOGRAPHY: Kyrgyzstan is bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. The majestic Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) range occupies the greater part of the area. Its highest peak is Pik Pobedy at 7439m (24,406ft).

Government: Republic. Gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Head of State and Government: President Kurmanbek Bakiev since 2005. Prime Minister: Felix Kulov since 2005.

Language: The official language is Kyrgyz, a Turkic language closely related to Uzbek, Kazakh, Turkmen and Turkish. Any attempt by a foreigner to speak Kyrgyz will be greatly appreciated. In deference to the large Russian population of Kyrgyzstan, Russian is also protected under law. In 1993, the Government undertook to replace the Russian Cyrillic Alphabet with the Turkish version of the Roman alphabet. Meanwhile, most people can speak Russian, and do so, especially in the north. English is widely spoken by those involved in tourism. Uzbek, Kazakh, Tajik and various other regional languages and dialects are also spoken.

Religion: The major religion is Islam with the majority of Kyrgyz being Sunni Muslim with Christian and Russian Orthodox minorities.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin continental plugs are standard.