Training
The population of Kyrgyzstan has been relatively well educated since the Soviet era (1918–1991) and the illiteracy is few. Almost all children complete the nine-year compulsory compulsory school – both boys and girls.
The children start school at the age of seven. The elementary school should be free of charge, but there is no money in the education system. The quality of teaching has therefore fallen since independence in 1991. Teacher salaries are low and money is missing for textbooks and maintenance of school premises. In practice, the tuition-free schooling ceased as early as 2001. Well-off families send their children to private schools.
- COUNTRYAAH: Country facts of Kyrgyzstan, including geography profile, population statistics, and business data.
After compulsory schooling, there is the possibility of another two to four years of voluntary continuing studies. Russian was a dominant teaching language for a long time, but since 1989 the position of Kyrgyz has strengthened.
In the capital Bishkek there are universities and specialized colleges, including an American university. Russian dominates as a university language but is increasingly replaced by Kyrgyz.
- Topmbadirectory: Offers information about politics, geography, and known people in Kyrgyzstan.
FACTS – EDUCATION
Proportion of children starting primary school
89.9 percent (2017)
Number of pupils per teacher in primary school
25 (2017)
Reading and writing skills
99.2 percent (2009)
Public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP
18.5 percent (2017)
Public expenditure on education as a percentage of the state budget
18.5 percent (2017)
2018
September
UN criticism for bridesmaids
September 20
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) accuses Kyrgyzstan of systematic human rights violations when the country does not prosecute perpetrators who remove girls to force them into marriage (groom). According to UN experts, the country is characterized by a “culture of abduction, rape and forced marriage” (see also Social Conditions).
June
Two top politicians are charged with corruption
June 25
Former prime ministers Zhantoro Satibaldiev and Sapar Isakov have been charged with corruption in connection with the procurement of construction contracts for the modernization of an electric power plant in Bishkek. The power plant was equipped for the equivalent of $ 400 million in the fall of 2017. A Chinese company won the tender. Already in January 2018, the newly renovated power plant broke down and stood still in the middle of the icy Kyrgyz winter, which made many residents upset. Kyrgyz judges say the two defendants have close ties to President Atambayev and that the charges may be part of the power struggle between him and President Jeenbekov.
April
New presidential government takes office
April 20
Muchammetkali Abulgazyev, who is close ally to President Jeenbekov, is elected new Prime Minister by Parliament. One out of 115 members votes no. His government will be installed on the same day. It contains many important ministers, such as the Foreign, Home and Finance Ministers.
Prime Minister Isakov is forced to resign
April 19
Prime Minister Isakov resigns after losing a vote of confidence in Parliament with the numbers 105-5. Isakov has been considered loyal to former President Atambayev and the vote is interpreted as a strong support for current President Jeenbekov. The shift in the Prime Minister’s post is a way for him to consolidate his power. Jeenbekov and Atambayev were previously close to each other, but the relationship between them has deteriorated significantly since Jeenbekov dismissed several in Atambayev’s circle in, for example, military and security services.
