Weather & climate

Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. In the lowlands, the temperature ranges
from around -6°C (21°F) in January to 24°C (75°F) in July. In the low-lying Fergana Valley of the south
temperatures may peak as high as the low 40s in summer.
In the highlands, the temperatures range from between -20° (-4°F in January to 12°C (54°F) in July, although some
high mountain valleys can drop as low as -30°C (-22°F) in winter. Rainfall is fairly low throughout the country but
there can be heavy snowfalls during winter. The wettest area is the mountains above the Fergana Valley; the driest,
the southwest shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. March to May and October to November are usually the wettest months
Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is between May and October as getting around outside this period can be difficult.
Trekking is best between June and September, although July and August are the busiest times for foreign visitors.
The south of the country, and even Bishkek, can be uncomfortably warm at this time of year, so if these are the
prime destinations to be visited, spring or autumn may be a better choice.
Geography
The landlocked nation of Kyrgyzstan is bordered to the north by Kazakhstan, to the west byUzbekistan, and to the
south and east by Tajikistan and China. The majestic Tien Shan (Heavenly Mountains) range occupies the greater
part of the area and 90% of the country stands above 1,500m, with 71% above 2,000m. The highest peak in
Kyrgyzstan is Pik Pobedy at 7,439m (24,406ft) and the lowest point is Kara-Daryya at 132m (433ft). Kyrgyzstan is
also home to several sizeable lakes, by far the largest being Lake Issyk-Kul in the northwest of the country, which
stands at 1,606m (5,269 ft) above sea level and is the second largest alpine lake in the world. The climate is extreme
and varied, ranging from dry continental to polar in the high Tien Shan, from subtropical in the southwest to
temperate in the northern foothill zone.

Religion
Religious Beliefs. The Kyrgyz consider themselves Sunni Muslim but do not have strong ties to Islam. They
celebrate the Islamic holidays but do not follow Islamic practices daily. Many areas were not converted to Islam
until the eighteenth century, and even then it was by the mystical Sufi branch, who integrated
local shamanisticpractices with their religion. Ethnic Russians and Ukrainians tend to be Orthodox Christians.
Religious Practitioners. In the past, the Kyrgyz people relied on shamans as healers. Some theorize that
the manaschis were originally shamanistic and that the Manas epic is derived from calling on ancestor spirits for
help. There are still professional shamans, called bakshe, and usually there are elders who know and practice
shamanistic rituals for families and friends. The Islamic mullah is called for marriages, circumcisions, and burials.
The Kyrgyz believe that the spirits of the dead can help their descendants. Ancestors are "offered" food in prayers,
and people pour water on graves when they visit so the dead will not be thirsty. It is forbidden to step on a grave,
and cemeteries are placed on hilltops because high places are sacred.

Form of state

The Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic declared its independence in August 1991 and changed its name to the
Kyrgyz Republic. A constitution was approved on May 5th 1993. The president’s powers were enhanced by
referendums held in February 1996, February 2003 and October 2007. The provisional government held a
referendum on a new constitution restoring powers to parliament in June 2010; a parliamentary election under this
new constitution was held in October 2010

National legislature

The Jogorku Kenesh is a unicameral chamber elected for a five-year term. Under changes approved by referendum
in June 2010, the number of seats in the legislature has been raised from 90 to 120

National elections

October 10th 2010 (parliamentary) and October 30th 2011 (presidential); the next parliamentary election is due in
October 2015 and the next presidential election is due in 2017
National government

If a party holds more than half of the seats in parliament, it has the right to nominate the prime minister, who must
then be approved by the president (if no party wins a majority, the president will entrust one of parliament’s parties
with forming a coalition)

Head of state

Almazbek Atambayev won the election in October 2011 and took over from the interim president, Roza
Otunbayeva, on December 1st 2011

Main political parties

Ata-Jurt (Fatherland); Ak Jol (True Path); Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK); Communist Party of
Kyrgyzstan (KPK); Socialist Party Ata-Meken (Fatherland); Alga (Forward), Kyrgyzstan!; Adilet (Justice); Ar-
Namys (Dignity); Asaba (Banner); Democratic Party of Women of Kyrgyzstan; Erkindik (Freedom); Mekenim
(Fatherland) Kyrgyzstan movement; Moya Strana (My Country); Progressive-Democratic Party Erkin Kyrgyzstan
(ErK); Respublika; Party of Communists of Kyrgyzstan (PKK); Protection Party; Republican People’s Party; Butun
Kyrgyzstan (United Kyrgyzstan)

Government

Prime minister: Djoomart Otorbaev

First deputy prime minister: Tayyrbek Sarpashev

Deputy prime ministers:

  Valeriy Dil

  Abdyrakham Mamataliev

Key ministers

Agriculture: Taalaibek Aydaraliev

Defence: Abibilla Kudayberdiev

Economy & competition policy: Temir Sariev

Emergency situations: Kupatbek Boronov

Energy & industry: vacant

Finance: Olga Lavrova

Foreign affairs: Erlan Abdyldayev

Internal affairs: Melis Turganbayev

Justice: Almambet Shykmamatov

Labour, employment & migration: Aliyasbek Alimkulov

Transport & communications: Kalykbek Sultanov

Head of National Security

Bursurmankul Tabaldiev

Acting central bank chairman

Tolkunbek Abdygulov 

 Beshbarmak

Beshbarmak may or may not be considered a food delight. For me, personally, I am not a fan, but you might love it
if you love meat.

The main premise of beshbarmak consists of horse or sheep meat that has been boiled in its own broth and fat. This
broth is then served over noodles and eaten with the hands.

Beshbarmak would not be considered especially flavorful in a spice sense, but it is a very traditional dish that is
usually eaten at special occasions like births or deaths. It is also a custom to place a boiled sheep head in front of the
guest of honor.

Like I said before, this may or may not be considered a food delight.