Kyrgyzstan| Population: | 5,284,149 |
|---|---|
| Area: | 76,641 sq. miles |
| Location: | Asia |
| Capital: | Bishkek |
| Major Cities: | Osh |
| Language(s): | Kyrgyz, Russian (both official) |
| Winter Olympic Debut: | 1994 |
Kyrgyzstan is a former Soviet Republic located in the southeastern corner of Central Asia, bordering Kazakhstan to the north and China to the east. It is one of 14 countries that borders China - China is tied with Russia for having the most international neighbors. The region was annexed by Russia in 1964. It declared independence from the Soviet Union in August 1991, four months before the Soviet Union disbanded.
Kyrgyzstan made its first Winter Olympics appearance as an independent nation in 1994 when Yevgeniya Roppel competed in two women's biathlon events (7.5km sprint and 15km individual) at the age of 17. Kyrgyzstan has never won a Winter Olympic medal.
Vancouver Outlook: Kyrgyzstan is not expected to contend for a medal in Vancouver.
Images of the Parade of Nations at the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Images of the U.S. delegation at the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 12.
