4,635,000 (1998).

23.3 per sq km.

Bishkek (Frunze).

585,800 (1996).

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

Republic. Gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Head of State and Government: President Askar Akaev since 1990. Acting Prime Minister: Amangeldy Muraliyev, appointed by the President in 1999.

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, albeit often reluctantly. English is widely spoken by those involved in tourism. Uzbek, Kazakh, Tajik and various other regional languages and dialects are also spoken.

Predominantly Sunni Muslim with a Russian Orthodox minority.

GMT + 5 (GMT + 6 from second Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in September).

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 2-pin continental plugs are standard.