Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Factbook

For the first time in centuries, the people of Kyrgyzstan are experiencing freedom of religion. Although there are few native Kyrgyz Christians, there is a unique opportunity to reach the people with the gospel.

Kyrgyzstan is located in central Asia. It shares borders with China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It is a beautiful land with high mountains.

A little less than 5 million people live in Kyrgyzstan. Approximately two thirds are Turkic people and one quarter of Slav.

Kyrgyzstan has moved steadily toward a free-market economy since the fall of communism. It is still a relatively poor country focused primarily on agriculture, but there has been encouraging growth in recent years.

Kyrgyzstan has been dominated by foreign powers for much of its history. After centuries of Turkish rule, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864 and later became part of the Soviet Union. It was the first central Asian republic to gain independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It currently operates as a republic. There is freedom of religion but Muslims are pushing for implementation of Islamic law.

Approximately 60% of the population is Muslim. Occult practices are also widespread. Nearly all Christians are among the minority ethnic groups, and many of them are leaving the country. Most Christians are Eastern Orthodox and most of them are nominal. There are very few evangelicals.

Independence has opened a great opportunity in Kyrgyzstan. For the first time in centuries, there is freedom of religion within some limits. People can share their faith with others. Expatriates and aid workers are reaching out to the people. However, wisdom is required in evangelism. The gospel is largely unknown to the people, and the occult and Islam are firmly entrenched. Some early evangelistic campaigns caused backlash among the people. Pray for a sensitivity among those preaching the gospel.

A New Testament is now available in the Kyrgyz language. Printed Bibles and other Christian literature are in short supply. Pray for the availability of more materials and for wise use of them. Pray as well for opportunities to spread the gospel through other media while religious freedom is still available.

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