Kyrgyzstan Country Report

The Kyrgyz Republic, a post-Soviet state located in Central Asia, is a developing market economy and a constitutional republic with strong presidential powers. The country has significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals as well as resources of coal, oil, and natural gas, which are seen to serve as drivers for future development. The country's major exports include gold, energy (uranium, hydropower) and agricultural products. The Kyrgyz government has embarked on an important path of reforms to improve the country's business climate. However, despite the progress in liberalizing foreign trade regulations, high levels of poverty and political instability, endemic corruption, and organized criminal activity still remain as serious concerns. These have posed serious challenges to foreign investors and local entrepreneurs. The primary security threat to foreign travelers is from criminal activity and traffic accidents due to poor traffic regulation, ineffective law enforcement and unsafe road conditions. The existing level of infrastructure is generally poor, particularly outside of the capital, Bishkek. Additionally, the country is divided along ethnic lines, with nationalist movements capable of inciting considerable levels of instability, mainly in their southern strongholds. Election periods are prone to unrest.

Petty crime is the main threat to travelers in Kyrgyzstan. Armed criminals have threatened foreigners in Bishkek to steal cash and valuable items. Demonstrations occur over various political and economic issues. These are typically small-scale but can turn violent during security force interdiction. Ethnic and communal tensions can escalate into clashes, particularly in the south. Tensions with neighboring Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and China tend to revolve around territorial disputes. Cross-border skirmishes can occur on the border, particularly with Uzbekistan. The terrorist threat is low, although several militant groups are active.

Some airlines registered in the Kyrgyz republic such as Kyrgyzstan Airlines and Itek Air do not meet the European Union's standards of aviation safety. Flights can be delayed or canceled by inclement weather and fog, particularly in the winter (November to March).

Road travel in much of the country can be hazardous as a result of poorly maintained and narrow roads. Road traffic accidents are a common occurrence.

Kyrgyzstan's only port is Balykchy, a fishing town on Issyk Kul Lake. None of Kyrgyzstan's rivers are navigable, and the country has no canals.

Public utility infrastructure is poor and out-of-date, particularly in rural areas.

There is growing concern over cyber attacks, and government websites have been targeted.

Batken Province along the Tajik and Uzbek borders is littered with unmarked landmines. Kyrgyzstan is in an active seismic zone and experiences frequent and occasionally severe earthquakes. Flash floods, heavy snowstorms, avalanches, and rock falls can occur in the mountainous areas, particularly in the winter and spring months.

Medical care is extremely limited in Kyrgyzstan and standards are not equivalent to those in the West. Medical emergencies or problems will most likely require medical evacuation. Pharmacies are prevalent in city centers and may be less frequently available in rural areas. Tap water is safe to drink.

Kyrgyzstan is a unitary multi-party presidential republic. The President is the head of state and the head of government. The President and the Council of Ministers form the government and exercise executive power. Presidential elections take place once every five years. In theory, the unicameral parliament, or the Supreme Council, exercises legislative power, but the President actually holds major legislative powers. Parliamentary elections take place once every five years. Early presidential and parliamentary elections were called several times in response to political evolutions. The judiciary is nominally independent of the executive and the legislature but is widely regarded as corrupt and under the control of the executive and senior legislators.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are not required to form the government. Government collapses occasionally occur. State institutions are moderately competent but provide unreliable services outside of the largest cities.