Central Asia, north of Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

GMT + 6.

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

5 million (UN estimate 2002).

25.3 per sq km.

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

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).

Under the constitution accepted by referendum in 1994, legislative power is vested in the bicameral 105-strong Jogorku Kenesh. One-third of its members sit in a permanent lower chamber; the other two-thirds meet twice a year in the upper chamber. The whole parliament is elected every five years, as is the president, who holds executive power along with an appointed prime minister and Council of Ministers, subject to the approval of the Jogorku Kenesh.

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.

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.

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

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