Kyrgyzstan, officially known as the Kyrgyz Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the southwest, and China to the east. Bishkek is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan. The country has a mountainous terrain, with peaks reaching over 7,000 meters, including the famous Tien Shan mountain range. Kyrgyzstan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since transitioned to a democratic system of government. The economy of Kyrgyzstan is primarily agricultural, with a focus on livestock and crops such as wheat and cotton. Tourism is also a significant industry, with visitors drawn to the country's natural beauty, including Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Kyrgyzstan is known for its rich nomadic heritage, traditional yurt dwellings, and vibrant cultural festivals.