The Country
Below is a map of Kyrgyzstan illustrating the regions where the Kyrgyzstan New Zealand Rural Trust is working to help this third world country and improve the livelihoods of the people.
Kyrgyzstan is a small, mountainous nation in Central Asia (199,900 sq km), located along the famous Silk Road between China and Eastern Europe. It became independent in 1991 at the collapse of the Soviet Union and is one of the poorest countries in the world. Kyrgyzstan is 45 degrees north, while New Zealand’s south island is about 45 degrees south.
The mountain regions of Kyrgyzstan enjoy warm, dry summers, and long, harsh winters. Most rain falls in spring, and temperatures are typically negative 20 to 30 degrees c in winter, while summer temperatures are in the 25 to 35 degrees c range.
Kyrgyzstan’s three main economic resources are fertile land and pastures, water, and some gold. It is a spectacularly beautiful country and the Kyrgyz people have a fascinating culture. As a result, Kyrgyzstan has potential for tourism growth. The Kyrgyzstan New Zealand Rural Trust is designed to educate the Kyrgyz people in many local trades and improve economic growth and stability.