World Happiness Report for Kyrgyzstan 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Kyrgyzstan: 75
- Happiness Score Kyrgyzstan:5.714
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Kyrgyzstan. KG.
Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country with a parliamentary republic political structure. It has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and epic poetry. The economy is largely based on agriculture and natural resources.
- Kyrgyzstan is home to the beautiful Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world.
- The country’s national dish is beshbarmak, a traditional meat and noodle dish.
- Kyrgyzstan has a nomadic tradition, and yurts are still commonly used as portable homes.
Kyrgyzstan – A Comprehensive Overview
Brief History
Early History: The territory of modern-day Kyrgyzstan has been inhabited since ancient times, with the Saka and Wusun tribes settling in the area during the 7th century BC. The Kyrgyz people, who are of Turkic descent, first emerged as a distinct ethnic group in the 9th century AD.
Kingdoms and Empires: The region was part of various nomadic empires, including the Göktürk Khaganate (6th-8th centuries AD), the Uyghur Khaganate (8th-9th centuries AD), and the Kara-Khanid Khanate (10th-12th centuries AD). The Kyrgyz people established the Kyrgyz Khaganate in the 9th century, which lasted until the 13th century.
Colonial Period: In the 19th century, the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan became part of the Russian Empire, following the Russian conquest of Central Asia. The region, known as Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast, was incorporated into the Russian Empire in 1876.
Independence and Modern Era: Kyrgyzstan declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 31, 1991, becoming a sovereign state. The country faced political instability and economic challenges in the early years of independence. In 2005 and 2010, popular uprisings known as the Tulip Revolution and the Second Kyrgyz Revolution led to the overthrow of the ruling regimes.
Current Political Situation: Kyrgyzstan is a unitary parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The current president is Sadyr Japarov, who took office in 2021 after winning the presidential election.
International Relations: Kyrgyzstan maintains close relations with Russia and is a member of several regional organizations, including the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The country also has ties with China and other Central Asian nations.
Human Development and Economy: Kyrgyzstan’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and hydropower. The country has made progress in reducing poverty and improving human development indicators, but challenges remain in areas such as education and healthcare. The service sector, including tourism, has also been growing in recent years.
Cultural Highlights: Kyrgyzstan has a rich cultural heritage, with nomadic traditions deeply rooted in its history. The country is known for its hospitality, traditional yurt dwellings, and epic tales like the “Manas” epic. Islam is the predominant religion, and the Kyrgyz language is the official language, written in the Cyrillic script.
Kyrgyzstan faces challenges such as political instability, economic development, and environmental issues like water scarcity and land degradation. Opportunities lie in further developing its natural resources, promoting tourism, and strengthening regional cooperation and integration.
Travel Tips for Kyrgyzstan
– Best times to visit: Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.
– Cultural etiquette: Remove shoes when entering homes or yurts, dress modestly, and respect local customs.
– Safety precautions: Avoid political demonstrations, be cautious in remote areas, and consult travel advisories.
– Must-see landmarks: Issyk-Kul Lake, Ala-Archa National Park, Burana Tower, Osh Bazaar.
– Culinary experiences: Try national dishes like beshbarmak (meat with noodles), laghman (noodles with meat and vegetables), and traditional drinks like shoro (fermented milk) and maksym (fermented mare’s milk).
Main facts
1. Location
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the southwest, and China to the east. Kyrgyzstan is situated in the Tian Shan mountain range, which runs through its territory.
2. Map References
Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia.
3. Area – Comparative
Kyrgyzstan has an area of approximately 199,951 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than the U.S. state of South Dakota.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Kyrgyzstan shares a total of 3,551 km of land borders with:
– Kazakhstan (1,051 km)
– Uzbekistan (1,099 km)
– Tajikistan (910 km)
– China (491 km)
5. Coastline
As a landlocked country, Kyrgyzstan does not have a coastline.
6. Maritime Claims
Kyrgyzstan does not have any maritime claims as it is a landlocked country.
7. Climate
Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The climate varies across different regions due to the country’s mountainous terrain, with the lowlands experiencing a more temperate climate and the highlands having a more severe alpine climate.
8. Terrain
Kyrgyzstan is dominated by the Tian Shan mountain range, which covers approximately 94% of the country’s total area. The terrain consists of high mountains, valleys, and basins, with the highest peaks reaching over 7,000 meters. Major rivers and lakes are also present in the valleys.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Kyrgyzstan is Jengish Chokusu (also known as Pik Pobedy) at 7,439 meters, while the lowest point is the Kara-Daryya (Syr-Daryya) at 132 meters.
10. Natural Resources
Kyrgyzstan’s significant natural resources include abundant hydropower resources, rare earth metals, gold, uranium, antimony, coal, oil, natural gas, and other valuable mineral deposits.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The main bodies of water in Kyrgyzstan are:
– Issyk-Kul Lake (shared with Kazakhstan)
– Naryn River
– Chu River
– Saryjaz River
– Kara-Daryya (Syr-Daryya) River
12. Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards in Kyrgyzstan include earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, and mudflows.
13. Geography – Notes
Kyrgyzstan is a highly mountainous country, with over 90% of its territory covered by mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. The country’s unique geography and diverse landscapes make it a popular destination for outdoor activities and ecotourism. However, Kyrgyzstan also faces environmental challenges, such as water scarcity, soil erosion, and pollution, due to its fragile mountain ecosystems and limited natural resources.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 3.30%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 9,787. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 55.00%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 41.2043874.766098.
- Capital: The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek
- Major Cities:
- Bishkek – population: 1 million
- Osh – population: 300,000
- Jalal-Abad – population: 100,000
- Karakol – population: 75,000
- Population: 6,456,900
- Area(Km2): 199951
- Population Density( P/Km²):34. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:996
- Official Language(s):Kyrgyzstan is spoken in Kyrgyzstan, with approximately 70% of the population speaking it as their primary language.
- Currency: KGS
Main Economic Indicators
Kyrgyzstan’s economy is small and heavily dependent on agriculture, mineral extraction, and remittances from citizens working abroad. The country faces significant challenges, including high poverty rates, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a lack of economic diversification. Notable economic policies have focused on pursuing market-based reforms and attracting foreign investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 13.3% (Source: International Monetary Fund)
2022: 14.5% (Source: International Monetary Fund)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B (Stable)
Moody’s: B3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: B- (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 20.8%
Industry: 28.4%
Services: 50.8%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Cotton, tobacco, wool, meat, milk, fruits and vegetables, grains
Industrial Products: Gold, rare earth metals, electricity, machinery, shoes
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 2.85 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 110th out of 195 countries
Current Account Balance
2021: -$645 million (Source: International Monetary Fund)
2022: -$540 million (Source: International Monetary Fund)
Comparative Ranking: 184th out of 195 countries
Exports and Imports
Exports (2021): $2.04 billion (Main Partners: Switzerland, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China)
Imports (2021): $5.98 billion (Main Partners: Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan)
Main Exports: Gold, cotton, rare earth metals, agricultural products
Main Imports: Machinery, oil and gas, chemicals, vehicles
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (2022): $2.77 billion
Gold Reserves (2021): 10.7 tonnes
- GDP (Current US$):$8,454,619,608. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 18.00%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 29.00%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.56. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.09. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 6.33%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Kyrgyz (plural: Kyrgyz)
Adjective: Kyrgyz
2. Ethnic Groups
Major Ethnic Groups:
– Kyrgyz: 73.3%
– Russian: 5.8%
– Uzbek: 14.6%
– Ukrainian: 0.9%
– Uighur: 1%
3. Religions
Religious Affiliations:
– Islam: 90% (predominantly Sunni)
– Russian Orthodox: 7%
– Other: 3%
4. Age Structure
Population Distribution:
– 0-14 years: 31.4%
– 15-64 years: 62.6%
– 65 years and over: 6%
5. Dependency Ratios
Dependency Ratios:
– Total Dependency Ratio: 59.5%
– Youth Dependency Ratio: 50.2%
– Elderly Dependency Ratio: 9.6%
6. Median Age
Median Age:
– Total: 26.8 years
– Male: 26.2 years
– Female: 27.4 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 13.8% of the adult population
Alcohol Consumption: 6.5 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
Tobacco Use: 29.6% of adults smoke tobacco
Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.6 years (male: 68.3, female: 75.1)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.4. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.2%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:27.1. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.9. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 35.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 2,362,644. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):48.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan consists of the following main branches:
- Kyrgyz Land Forces – The largest branch responsible for ground operations
- Kyrgyz Air Force – Operates a limited number of aircraft for air defense and transport roles
- Internal Troops – A paramilitary force under the Ministry of Internal Affairs responsible for internal security, counter-terrorism, and border protection
The National Guard and the Border Troops also play a role in maintaining internal security and border control.
Military Expenditures
Kyrgyzstan’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2021: 1.4%
- 2020: 1.6%
- 2019: 1.4%
- 2018: 1.5%
- 2017: 1.5%
Kyrgyzstan ranks relatively low globally in terms of military spending.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel in Kyrgyzstan is approximately 10,000:
- Land Forces: 8,500
- Air Force: 1,500
Other security services include the Internal Troops (5,000) and Border Troops (7,000).
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Kyrgyzstan’s military equipment is largely inherited from the Soviet era, with some upgrades and limited acquisitions from Russia and other countries. Key assets include:
- Main Battle Tanks: T-72 and T-55
- Armored Personnel Carriers: BTR-60, BTR-70, and BTR-80
- Artillery: 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers, D-30 towed howitzers
- Aircraft: MiG-29 fighters, Mi-24 attack helicopters, and various transport and utility helicopters
Future acquisitions are likely to focus on modernizing and replacing aging Soviet-era equipment, with potential purchases from Russia and other partners.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Kyrgyzstan has a mandatory military service obligation for male citizens aged 18-27. The length of service is 12 months for ground forces and 24 months for the air force and special forces.
Military Deployments
Kyrgyzstan has a small contingent of troops deployed as part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) peacekeeping mission in Kazakhstan.
Strategic Military Notes
Kyrgyzstan’s defense strategy is focused on maintaining internal stability, border security, and counterterrorism operations. The country relies heavily on military cooperation with Russia and the CSTO for security assistance and regional security.
Kyrgyzstan hosts a Russian military airbase and is part of the CSTO and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) security frameworks. The country plays a limited role in international peacekeeping missions but contributes forces to CSTO operations.
- Armed Forces Size: 10900. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.88
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 59.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.