What you probably did not know about Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgystan

Official Name: Republic of Kyrgyzstan
Capital: Bishkek
Language: Kyrgyz (official) 64.7%, Uzbek 13.6%, Russian (official) 12.5%, Dungun 1%, other 8.2% (1999 census)
Size: 199,951 sq km
Population: 5,496,737 (July 2012 est.)
Average age: 25.2 years
GDP Per Capita: $2,400 (2011 est.)
Religion: Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%
Type of government: republic
Currency: Soms

Which would you say is the National Food Dish of the country?

Besh-Barmak,which means “5 fingers” because it is supposed to be eaten by fingers without the use of spoons or forks.

In Kyrgyzstan people also drink Kumis the fermented milk of a horse. According to their nomadic traditions, Kyrgy´s should drink unfermented milk at least once a year to purify their stomach and their blood veins. This unfermented horse milk causes in most cases a severe diarrhea, so if you decide to try, expect this to happen. On the other hand fermented Kumis can be a great source of nutrition to lactose intolerant due to the process of fermentation that result in it´s own kind of alcohol, much like wine.

Which do you consider the National Favorite Sport?

It is called “Kok-boru” (or “ulak-tartysh”). The game consists in driving a goats or calf carcass into the end zone of the opposing team while riding a horse. Although it may be seen with defying eyes among the animal protection society´s, this game has been played for hundred´s of years and it is part of their nomadic heritage and cultural identity. To read more about it, we suggest this article from the Smithsonian Society.

Who do you consider to be the National Hero?

In the most important avenue in the capital of Bishkek there are two monumental statues not more than one kilometer apart. The statues belong to Manas, the national hero. Although their is a strong debate that questions the time he set foot on earth and some even dare to doubt of his existence, Kyrgyzstan´s people do not seem to mind and prefer to believe in the legend that he represents rather than in scientific facts. Manas is known through the epic poem entitled The Epic of Manas made up of more than 210,000 lines. The epic describes the story of Manas, his descendants and his followers.

If you wish to read them all we suggest to click here.

Most popular Brand of car here in KYZG?

Audi cars are seen in several numbers in Bishkek.

The latest and most popular movie in Kyrgyzstan?
“Bishkek, I love you” («Бишкек, я люблю тебя»)

Where would you consider to be the number 1 touristic destiny here in KYRG?

Issyk-Kul lake, which is the second largest mountain lake in the world after Titicaca. In the lake you can also find Peak Jengish Chokusu, at 7,439 m (24,406 ft), is the highest point and is considered by geologists to be the northernmost peak over 7,000 m (22,966 ft) in the world.

On a personal note Kyrgyzstan along with Georgia have been two geographical revelations because of there beauty and breathtaking scenery´s. The untouched landscapes of mountains and rivers make this country very attractive for eco tourism. Another great advantage that is shared with Georgia is that many western countries do not require visa for entry for up to 60 days. We strongly recommend visiting this countries during autumn, spring or summer. Winter might just be too cold.

Roberto in the mountains.

Most common name for Male and Women? Male: Azamat; Women: Aigerim.

A Kyrgyg Couple

How many letters are there in your alphabet? 36 (there are 33 in the Russian Alphabet and the Kyrgyz Alphabet has three more).

A Music group loved by young and old?
We could not identify a group in particular but we did go to a street art festival in Bishkek and witnessed the dance art of hip hop in there local competition. So we guess Hip Hop is as big as in any other U.S city.