3. Society

Reiter

Demographics

Source: Own Graph, based on data from CIA.gove (2023): The World Factbook. Kyrgyzstan, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kyrgyzstan/#people-and-society .

Migration

Migration plays an important role in Kyrgyzstan, as the country both sends labour migrants abroad and attracts workers from neighbouring countries. Labour migration, mainly to Russia and Kazakhstan, contributes to the economy, while return migration brings new skills to the country. Economic insecurity, low wages and limited opportunities are the drivers for migration. Kyrgyzstan has put in place protection mechanisms and laws to ensure migrants' rights, and migration has both positive and negative impacts on society.

Ethnic Groups

Source: Own Graph, based on data from CIA.gove (2023): The World Factbook. Kyrgyzstan, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kyrgyzstan/#people-and-society .

The group of others includes Uyghur, Tajik, Turk, Kazakh, Tatar, Ukrainian, Korean, German.

Religion

Source: Own Graph, based on data from CIA.gove (2023): The World Factbook. Kyrgyzstan, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kyrgyzstan/#people-and-society .

Muslim 90% (majority Sunni), Christian 7% (Russian Orthodox 3%), other 3% (includes Jewish, Buddhist, Baha'i) (2017 est.)

Poverty

Population below poverty line: 20.1% (2021 est.)

Poverty is a serious problem in Kyrgyzstan, affecting rural areas in particular. The causes include economic instability, low incomes, unemployment and limited access to education and health care. Agriculture plays an important role, but productivity problems and social inequality contribute to poverty. The government is focusing on social programmes, education reforms and economic growth to advance poverty reduction. Kyrgyzstan works with international organizations to improve living conditions and reduce poverty.