Central Asia Countries

Central Asia is a vast region situated between Europe and Asia, bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Afghanistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. It comprises five countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, covers an area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers. It shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan is renowned for its diverse geography, including vast steppes, mountains, deserts, and the Caspian Sea. The country is famous for its rich energy resources, particularly oil and gas, as well as its modern cities and ancient Silk Road heritage sites.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1991
  • Population: Approximately 18.9 million
  • Capital City: Nur-Sultan
  • Language: Kazakh, Russian
  • Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
  • Time Zone: GMT+6
  • Country Area Code: +7
  • Top-Level Domain: .kz
  • ISO Country Codes: KZ, KAZ

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan, located in the heart of Central Asia, spans an area of approximately 199,951 square kilometers. It is bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. Kyrgyzstan is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, including the Tian Shan range and Issyk-Kul Lake. The country is famous for its nomadic traditions, hospitality, and cultural heritage, as well as its vibrant festivals and handicrafts.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1991
  • Population: Approximately 6.5 million
  • Capital City: Bishkek
  • Language: Kyrgyz, Russian
  • Currency: Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)
  • Time Zone: GMT+6
  • Country Area Code: +996
  • Top-Level Domain: .kg
  • ISO Country Codes: KG, KGZ

Tajikistan

Tajikistan, a mountainous country in Central Asia, covers an area of approximately 143,100 square kilometers. It shares borders with Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and China. Tajikistan is famous for its rugged terrain, including the Pamir Mountains, known as the “Roof of the World.” The country is renowned for its Persian-influenced culture, ancient Silk Road cities, and traditional music and dance.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1991
  • Population: Approximately 9.5 million
  • Capital City: Dushanbe
  • Language: Tajik
  • Currency: Tajikistani Somoni (TJS)
  • Time Zone: GMT+5
  • Country Area Code: +992
  • Top-Level Domain: .tj
  • ISO Country Codes: TJ, TJK

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan, situated in southwestern Central Asia, covers an area of approximately 491,210 square kilometers. It shares borders with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Turkmenistan is famous for its vast deserts, including the Karakum Desert, as well as its rich natural gas reserves. The country is known for its extravagant architecture, particularly in the capital city of Ashgabat, and its ancient Silk Road heritage sites.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1991
  • Population: Approximately 6.2 million
  • Capital City: Ashgabat
  • Language: Turkmen
  • Currency: Turkmenistan Manat (TMT)
  • Time Zone: GMT+5
  • Country Area Code: +993
  • Top-Level Domain: .tm
  • ISO Country Codes: TM, TKM

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, located at the crossroads of the Silk Road, spans an area of approximately 448,978 square kilometers. It shares borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan is famous for its rich history, cultural heritage, and ancient Silk Road cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. The country’s diverse landscape includes deserts, fertile valleys, and mountain ranges.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1991
  • Population: Approximately 33.5 million
  • Capital City: Tashkent
  • Language: Uzbek
  • Currency: Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
  • Time Zone: GMT+5
  • Country Area Code: +998
  • Top-Level Domain: .uz
  • ISO Country Codes: UZ, UZB