Remote Kyrgyzstan contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in Central Asia, with magnificent mountains rising over lush valleys. This land has a history that dates back thousands of years, yet the nation of Kyrgyzstan is relatively new. For much of the 20th century, the region and its people were part of the Soviet Union, but in 1991 Kyrgyzstan became independent. Since then, Kyrgyzstan has struggled with a variety of economic, political, and social issues-including privatization of state-owned industries, the expansion of democratic freedoms, and ethnic tensions. Although most residents of Kyrgyzstan are Muslims, the government has worked to stop the spread of Islamic extremism and to fight terrorism. This book examines the economic and political issues facing Kyrgyzstan today. It provides up-to-date information about the country's geography and climate, history, society, important cities and communities, and relations with other countries. Book jacket.