Salam! Welcome to the “Switzerland of Central Asia”—Kyrgyzstan, a rugged and breathtaking landlocked country defined by its towering peaks and nomadic spirit. There are around 7 million people living here, and the capital is Bishkek, a city known for its wide boulevards and marble-faced public buildings. The official languages are Kyrgyz and Russian.

Kyrgyzstan covers about 199,951 square kilometers (77,202 square miles). To imagine its size, the country is roughly the same size as the state of Nebraska in the U.S., or it is approximately the same size as Belarus. Over 90% of the country is covered by mountains, dominated by the massive Tian Shan range.

The most popular sports are Wrestling and Football, but the most traditional are horse games like Kok-Boru, a rugged polo-like sport played with a goat carcass. Their national animal is the Snow Leopard, a majestic and elusive cat that roams the high mountain altitudes.

The flag consists of a red field with a yellow sun in the center featuring 40 rays, where the red symbolizes bravery, the sun represents peace and wealth, and the center of the sun depicts a tunduk—the top of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt.

The food is built for the nomadic lifestyle, focusing on meat and dairy. You must try Beshbarmak, a dish of boiled meat and noodles that is the heart of Kyrgyz celebrations. Another favorite is Samsa, flaky pastries filled with meat and onions, and Kumis, a traditional drink made from fermented mare’s milk. Because of the Silk Road history, you will also find excellent Laghman (hand-pulled noodles).

Kyrgyzstan is home to Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world; despite being surrounded by snow-capped peaks, its name means “Warm Lake” because it never freezes. The country is the land of the Epic of Manas, one of the longest epic poems in the world, which tells the story of the hero who united the Kyrgyz tribes. For adventurers, the Arslanbob forest is home to the largest natural walnut forest on Earth. Many travelers come here to experience life in a Yurt, the traditional portable felt home of the nomads, while trekking through the “jailoos” (summer pastures).

From the eagle hunters of the Issyk-Kul region to the bustling Osh Bazaar, Kyrgyzstan is a land of wild beauty and ancient traditions. Rahmet! That means “Thank you!”