Kyrgyzstan in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Kyrgyz Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Security, Bishkek, Osh, Jalal-Abad, Issyk-Kul, Tien Shan, Fergana, Uzbek, Bakiyev, Islamic

This is a professionally-formatted, free flowing ebook reproduction of unique, up-to-date guides produced by the Department of Defense that provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Kyrgyzstan, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

CHAPTER 1: GEOGRAPHY * Geography and Topography * Tien Shan Mountains * Pamir Mountains * Fergana Valley * Bodies of Water * Lake Issyk-Kul (Ysyk Kul) * Lake Song (Song Kul) * Toktogol Reservoir * Naryn and Kara Darya Rivers * Other Rivers * Glaciers * Climate * Major Cities * Bishkek * Osh * Jalal-Abad * Karakul * Naryn * Environmental Concerns * Mining Pollution * Water * Deforestation and Overgrazing * Natural Hazards * CHAPTER 2: HISTORY * Early History of the Kyrgyz * The Great Game * Russian Rule * Rebellion * Civil War * Soviet Kyrgyzstan * Stalin and Khrushchev * The Collapse of the Soviet Union * Kyrgyzstan Independence and Political Corruption (1991-2005) * Nepotism During the Bakiyev Years (2005-2010) * Continuing Ethnic Violence * Islamic Extremism and the War on Terrorism * CHAPTER 3: ECONOMY * Agriculture * Crops * Animal Husbandry * Land Reforms * Forestry * Industry * Mining * Energy and Natural Resources * Services Sector * Banking and Finance * Monetary Policy * Fiscal Policy * Employment Issues * Standard of Living * Public-Private Sector * Privatization * Foreign Direct Investment * Trade * Imports and Exports * Outlook * CHAPTER 4: SOCIETY * Ethnic and Tribal Groups * Kyrgyz * Kyrgyz Tribal Structures * Uzbeks * Russians and Ukrainians * Uighurs, Dungans, and Tajiks * Language * Religion * Cuisine * Traditional Dress * Gender Issues * The Arts * Decorative Arts * Literature * Oral Traditions * Performing Arts * Music * Sports * Traditional Sports * Modern Sports * CHAPTER 5: SECURITY * United States-Kyrgyzstan Relations * Relations with Neighboring Countries * Afghanistan * China * Kazakhstan * Tajikistan * Uzbekistan * Police Force * Border Guard * Drug Control Agency (AKN) * Military * Army * Air Force * Foreign Forces * Issues Affecting Stability * Terrorist Organizations * Political Turmoil * Ethnic Violence * CHAPTER 1: PROFILE * Geography * The Northwest * Issyk-Kul and the Central Tien Shan * Fergana Valley * Climate * Bodies of Water * Lake Issyk-Kul (Ysyk Kul) * Lake Song (Song Kul) * Toktogol Reservoir * Naryn and Kara Darya Rivers * Major Cities * Bishkek * Osh * Jalal-Abad * Karakul * Naryn * History * Early History Through Soviet Rule * Independent Kyrgyzstan * Government * Media * The Economy * Ethnic Groups * Kyrgyz * Uzbeks * Russians * CHAPTER 2: RELIGION * Major Religions * Islam * Care and Handling of the Quran * Sufism * Shamanism/Totemism * Religion and Government * Influence of Religion on Daily Life * Religious Conventions and Gender Roles * Religious Holidays * Buildings of Worship * Behavior in Buildings of Worship * CHAPTER 3: TRADITIONS * Honors and Values * Codes of Politeness * Kyrgyz and Russian Greetings * The Use and Importance of Names * Gender Issues * Hospitality and Gift Giving * Eating Habits and Types of Food * Dress Codes * Nonreligious Celebrations * Kyrgyz National Holidays * Dos and Don'ts * CHAPTER 4: URBAN LIFE * Urbanization * Infrastructural Problems * Housing and Political Discontent * Urban Employment Issues * Health Issues * Education * Religious Education * Restaurants * Marketplace and Street Vendors * Transportation and Traffic * Cars * Public Transportation * Street Crime and Solicitations * CHAPTER 5: RURAL LIFE * Tribal Distribution * Land Distribution * Economy * Diversifying Income in Rural Areas * Transportation * Healthcare * Education * Effects of Harvests and Quranic Schools * Village Life * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Landmines * CHAPTER 6: FAMILY LIFE * Migration's Impact.