Kyrgyz Republic

The Kyrgyz Republic is a land of ice-capped mountains and fertile river valleys; frigid, barren plateaus and rolling hills covered with wildflowers. Volunteers living in this breathtaking country will experience the richness of the Kyrgyz Republic's culture and the warmth of its people.

A former republic of the Soviet Union, the Kyrgyz Republic declared independence in August 1991. Two years later, the first Peace Corps Volunteers arrived to teach English.

During 75 years under the Soviet Union, the Kyrgyz Republic relied on Moscow for everything, from banking and postal services to decision-making. Since independence, the Kyrgyz Republic has worked to establish institutional and economic stability with the help of foreign aid programs. Two Peace Corps programs operate in the Kyrgyz Republic: sustainable organizational and community development (SOCD), and education.

The Kyrgyz Republic has had little contact with the outside world, even before being absorbed by the Soviet Union. The first American a Kyrgyzstani will meet is often a Peace Corps Volunteer, and Volunteers must be flexible and understanding of these circumstances. At the same time, working in a part of the world few people have even heard of is one of the unique aspects of Peace Corps/ Kyrgyz Republic. Volunteers will have the chance to learn about this little-known land, far from our own in every respect.

The Kyrgyz Republic is changing every day as it emerges from the shadow of the Soviet Union and becomes its own nation. Life here is not easy, but Volunteers will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Kyrgyzstani culture in an important transitional era that will soon be gone forever.

Last updated Sep 27 2008