Indicators Report v. 5 12 15

May 2015
Economic and Social
Indicators for the Kyrgyz
Republic
Tian Shan Policy Center, American University of Central Asia
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INDICATORS.KG

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1 
Contributors to the Report
Director, TSPC
Kanat Sultanliev
Lead Researcher
Seth Fearey
Project Coordinator and Researcher
Beksultan Ibraimov
Resarchers, Interns
Adis Skydykbaev, TSPC
Maria Marchenko, AUCA MBA student
Haley Goss-Holmes, Bard College Intern
Rachel Yarger, Bard College Intern
Justin Derrick, Bard College Intern
Website
Emil Ahmatbekov
Indicators Advisory Council
Andrew Wachtel, President, AUCA
Aisulu Sulaimanova, Director of Development,
AUCA
Aktilek Tungarov, International Business
Council
Janyl Kojomurativa, CAMP Ala Too
Bakyt Dubashov, World Bank
Bakyt Satybekov. RECCA
Dinara Asanovna Aytkulova, Women's
Discussion Club on Democracy
Dojee Kinlay, FAO
Fred Huston, Judicial Reform, USAID
Kumar Kylychev, UNDP
Nurgul Ukueva, Economics, AUCA
Osconbek Moldokulov, WHO
Ram Saravanamuttu, UN World Food
Program
Gerhard Gunther, UN Women
UNDP (Kumar or Daniyar)

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Letter from the President of the American University of Central Asia
Overview of the findings with comments on what it all means.

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About this report
The goal of this report is to provide Kyrgyzstani policy makers, international donor
organizations, and local leadership with objective, reliable data on the key issues facing the
country. The Tian Shan Policy Center plans to update and release the report annually. We
hope the data in this report will support informed, constructive debate that will lead to new
programs to better the nation’s competitiveness and quality of life.
This report was prepared by the staff of the Tian Shan Policy Center with the help of a
consultant and a number of student interns. The report is based on the concept of community
indicator reporting as developed in the United States and Europe.
To support the work of the research team, the TSPC created an Indicators Advisory Council
consisting of experts from local and international NGOs, AUCA faculty, and other stakeholders.
The Council reviewed a preliminary draft of the report in September 2014, making several
suggestions for improvements. The committee reviewed a full draft of the report in May 2015,
contributing a few more suggestions for improving the descriptions of the issues.
The charts, text, and special reports are being posted on the Web at www.indicators.kg. The
website will be updated more frequently that the report.
Tian Shan Policy Center, American University of Central Asia
The Tian Shan Policy Center (TSPC) is an innovative, nonprofit, public interest organization
focused on research, analysis, and implementation of appropriate and effective public policy in
the nations and communities of Central Asia. The TSPC specializes in the critical fields of
strategic development policy, human rights, and sustainable environment programs, and
through its efforts strives to strengthen good governance as the bedrock for efforts to better
the lives of the peoples of our emerging countries. The Center seeks to collaborate with
international organizations, foundations, national and local governments, NGOs and other civil
society organizations and citizen activists, in order to identify best governmental practices and
put them into place through this collaboration. In conjunction with this effort, TSPC projects
provide opportunities for faculty and students of AUCA to engage in timely policy-relevant
research and interact with other researchers and public policy makers.
Primary Fields of Interest:
 Democratic Governance
 Sustainable Development and Environment
 Human Rights and Rule of Law
 Migration and Social Protection

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Table of Contents
1. Summary of Results ..............................................................................................5
2. What are Community Indicators? ...........................................................................7
3. Overview of the Kyrgyz Republic ............................................................................9
4. Selection of Comparator Countries .......................................................................11
5. Overview Statistics for Comparator Countries........................................................12
6. Selection of Issues ..............................................................................................14
7. Issues and Indicators ..........................................................................................15
Issue #1 – Improving the Investment Climate.......................................................15
Issue #2 – Tracking the Economy and Cost of Living.............................................24
Issue #3 – Improving Life Expectancy ..................................................................29
Issue #4 – Public Safety ......................................................................................38
Issue #5 – Gender Equality..................................................................................45
Issue #6 – Improving Access to Quality Education.................................................52
Issue #7 – Protecting the Environment.................................................................55

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1. Summary of Results
1. Improving the Investment Climate
It is easier to do business in the Kyrgyz Republic than in 44% of the world’s countries, but the
country is seen as being harder to do business in than in all of the comparator countries but
Tajikistan.
The level of perceived corruption in the country is the same as in Russia, and worse than all the
other comparator countries.
When it comes to starting a business, the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the fastest in the world.
The Kyrgyz Republic is about average in terms of the tax rate on businesses, and the
complexity of the tax system.
In terms of purchasing power, the cost of a construction permit is highest in Kyrgyzstan, but
the time needed to obtain the permit is competitive with the comparator countries.
It costs more money and it takes longer to process import and export documents in Kyrgyzstan
than it does in most of the comparator countries.
2. Tracking the Economy and Cost of Living
The recent growth of the GDP is modest, but consistent with that of the comparator countries.
With the exception of Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and the comparator countries have been able to hold
inflation between 5% and 15%.
The percent of the population living below the poverty line has declined sharply since the year
2000.
Government expenditures on research and development have remained flat at about 0.2% of
the Gross Domestic Product.
3. Improving Life Expectancy
Life expectancy has increased by two years since independence for both women and men and
is comparable to most of the comparator countries.
Kyrgyzstan has lost 26% of its physicians and 50% of its hospital beds since 1991, while the
population has grown by 25%.
Kyrgyzstan has been able to reduce maternal mortality, but is now lagging behind the
comparator countries.

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6 
Access to sanitation and water in schools is poor, particularly in rural communities.
Substantial progress has been made in reducing stunting in children.
Kyrgyzstan has seen a decline in alcohol consumption since independence.
4. Public Safety
In 2010, Kyrgyzstan had the second highest incidents of traffic fatalities as compared to the
other countries. Local data indicates that the rate of traffic accidents is increasing rapidly.
The number of reported sexual assaults in Kyrgyzstan remained stable at a rate of about 5.8
per 100,000 population between 2003 and 2010. The great majority of reports come from the
Chuy and Issyk kul oblasts.
Non-consensual bride-kidnapping has been highly controversial in Kyrgyzstan in part because of
the lack of reliable, historical, national data. Selected studies have indicated that it is a serious
problem, but a new data resource indicates that the incidence of involuntary marriages may be
declining.
5. Gender Equality
Women are under-represented in national and local government, failing to achieve the
Millennium Development goal of 30% of seats in the national parliament.
Women are more likely to get a university level education than men.
Women are less well represented in the official workforce than men.
Women are under-represented as managers in the private sector. Women appear to be making
progress in the small business sector, but not in the medium size business sector.
Women appear to be heavily concentrated in lower paid positions in sectors that are
traditionally seen as more appropriate for women, like education and social services.
6. Improving Access to Quality Education
Government expenditures on the educational system grew as a percent of GDP in the 2000’s
but have leveled off in the last few years.
Kyrgyzstan’s universities are rated lower than those of the comparator countries.
7. Protecting the Environment
Thanks to an economy that is based largely on hydropower, Kyrgyzstan’s emissions of air
pollutants is low compared to other Central Asian countries.

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2. What are Community Indicators?
Community indicators are measurements that provide information about past and current
trends and assist policy makers and community leaders in making decisions that affect future
outcomes. They provide insight into the overall direction of a community: whether it is
improving, declining, or staying the same, or is some mix of all three.1
A “community” can be a
neighborhood, city, region, nation, or group of nations. For this report, “community” refers to
the whole of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Unlike economic indicators, community indicators incorporate social factors and are linked to
current community issues. They can provide insight into quality of life, the environment,
health, education, climate change, leisure, safety, and governance. To make the data easier to
understand, community indicators are often provided as time series graphs with comparisons to
similar communities. They can also use other formats, such as maps and tables.
Community indicators help answer fundamental questions about quality of life and the success
of local programs:
 Where are we improving?
 Where are we declining?
 How do we compare to other communities?
 Are our initiatives working?
Good indicators,
 reflect fundamentals of long-term community sustainability;
 reflect the interests and concerns of the community;
 are statistically measurable on a regular basis at an affordable cost; and
 measure outcomes, rather than inputs
Where does the data come from?
Every effort is made to find accurate data from reliable sources. Much of the data in this report
comes from the publications of the Government’s National Statistics Committee. In some cases,
data was obtained directly from Governmental Ministries or from local Non-Governmental
Organizations.
Data also comes from international organizations like the World Bank and the UN World Health
Organization. These organizations use a consistent methodology to support comparisons
1
Based on definition in Wikipedia, 1/15/15

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between countries, but they depend on the accuracy of official data sources. When data cannot
be trusted, they often omit the information.
As with any data-driven report, caution should be exercised before making decisions based on
this data. The researchers for this report have excluded data that seemed untrustworthy, and
in some cases explored how the data was collected to ensure that the reader understands what
is being measured.

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3. Overview of the Kyrgyz Republic
The Kyrgyz Republic is a mountainous country in Central Asia. Bordered by Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The country has a long history as trading center with well-
established overland logistics resources that link the east to the west.
For hundreds of years the region that is now Kyrgyzstan was occupied by nomadic herders and
traders of a wide variety of ethnicities. The borders of modern-day Kyrgyz Republic were
established in 1936 when it was established as a Republic within the Soviet Union. During the
20th
Century the Russians built cities, housing, power plants and water systems throughout
Central Asia. They developed agriculture, and established factories that served the member
countries of the Soviet Union.
The country declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and began a transition to
a democratic government with a free enterprise economy and a President and parliamentary
system of governance. The state language is Kyrgyz; Russian is an official language of the
government.
The first President, Askar Akaev, lost power in 2005. His successor, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, was
removed from power in 2010. Under the leadership of Interim President Roza Otunbaeva, the
people approved a new constitution in 2010. Almazbek Atambaev was elected President in
2011 for a term of six years.
The country has a population of 5.6 million people of which about 65% are ethnic Kyrgyz, 14%
Uzbek, 12% Russian. The remaining 9% of the population includes Dungans, Uighurs, Koreans,
and a variety of other groups. The country is approximately 75% Muslim and 20% Russian
Orthodox. The population is young, with 49% under the age of 25, and 40% between the ages
of 25 and 54. 2
One third of the population is registered in the major cities; two thirds are registered in rural
communities. Over 500,000 citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic work or study in other countries
and remit a portion of their earnings back to family members in Kyrgyzstan.
Major trading partners include Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, and Russia. Major exports
include gold, cotton, wool, garments, meat, tobacco, and electricity.
The Gross Domestic Product is approximately 21% from agriculture, 34% industry, and 45%
services. The country has a workforce of about 2.3 million; about 48% of the workforce is in
agriculture, 12% in industry, and 40% in services. Unemployment for young people, age 15 –
24, is officially about 15%. Per capita gross national income is about $3,080 per year at
purchasing power parity.
2
Data on this page provided by the National Statistics Committee, Kyrgyz Republic

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20.8
34.4
44.8
% of Gross Domestic Product,
2013 estimate
Agriculture
Manufacturing
Services
31.7%
6.9%
61.4%
Workforce by Sector
Agriculture Manufacturing Services

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4. Selection of Comparator Countries
It is often difficult to know if a single number or a trend is good or bad. Many factors can
contribute to a change in a statistic from one year to the next. One factor can be the success
of a new government program, another factor can be a fundamental change in the global
economy, such as the recent worldwide fall in the price of energy.
To help put figures into context it is often helpful to compare a community with other
communities that are comparable in size and economy, or of particular interest as a role model.
Today there are a number of organizations, like the World Bank and the UN World Health
Organization, that publish data for countries using a consistent methodology for all countries.
For some indicators, however, data was not available for all the countries of interest, or the
data was seen as not reliable. Given the challenges of collected accurate data for many
countries, it is sometimes better to look at trends rather than absolute numbers.
With the help of the Advisory Council, the team decided to compare the Kyrgyz Republic with
the following countries:
 Armenia
 Belarus
 Georgia
 Kazakhstan
 Mongolia
 Russia
 Tajikistan

5. Overview Statistics for Comparator Countries

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Kyrgyz Republic and Comparator Countries
Kyrgyzstan Armenia Belarus Georgia Kazakhstan Mongolia Russia Tajikistan
Area in sq km 198,500 29,800 207,600 69,400 2,717,300 1,564,116 17,098,252 143,100
Population Millions (2013) 5.7 3.0 9.5 4.5 17.0 2.8 143.5 8.2
GDP $ billion (current USD, PPP)
(2013)
$ 18 $ 234 $ 167 $ 32 $ 395 $ 27 $ 3,623 $ 21
GDP per capita (current USD, PPP)
(2013)
$ 3,213 $ 7,775 $ 17,620 $ 7,176 $ 23,208 $ 9,435 $ 25,247 $ 2,512
GDP growth rate % (2013 est) 10.5% 3.5% 0.9% 3.3% 6.0% 11.7% 1.3% 7.4%
Unemployment rate % (2013 est) 8.0% 16.2% 5.8% 14.3% 5.2% 4.9% 5.6% 10.7%
Population below poverty line %
(2012 est) 38.0% 32.4% 6.3% 27.4% 3.8% 14.8% 10.7% 47.2%
Maternal mortality ratio
(deaths/100,000) (2013) 75 0.3 1 41 26 68 24 44
Infant mortality ratio
(deaths/1,000 live births)(2010) 21.6 14 3.7 11.7 14.6 26.4 8.6 40.9
Life expectancy at birth (2013 est)
total 70 75 72 74 70 68 71 67
male 66 67 67 70 63 64 63 67
female 73 75 78 78 72 72 75 69
Russia, Belarus, Armenia, and Kazakhstan are members of the Eurasian Economic Union. Kyrgyzstan joined in May 2015.

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6. Selection of Issues
The selection of what indicators to use is often linked to the priorities of the community. In
some communities there are extensive meetings with residents to identify areas of concern and
build consensus on the most important topics. Because this is the first community indicators
report for the Kyrgyz Republic, the team decided to develop a list of priority issues with the
assistance of an Industry Advisory Council.
To be considered for the list, an issue had to meet the following criteria.
 The topic should be of general interest to the people, governmental leadership of the
Kyrgyz Republic, and donor organizations.
 The topic should be a current topic of discussion among the people.
 Data on the issue should be readily available.
 It should be possible to compare Kyrgyzstan with countries that are of interest to
Kyrgyzstan.
The Council’s recommendations were informed by the National Sustainable Development
Strategy for the Kyrgyz Republic, 2013 (English version), prepared by the National Council for
Sustainable Development of the Kyrgyz Republic. The report identifies the Government’s
national development priorities for 2013 – 2017.
For this first report, the Council approved the following list of issues:
1. Improving the Investment Climate
2. Tracking the Economy and Cost of Living
3. Improving Life Expectancy
4. Improving Public Safety
5. Gender Equality
6. Improving Access to Quality Education
7. Protecting the environment
Following the public release of this first report, we hope to engage with the public and refine
the list for the next report. The list will evolve over time as issues are resolved and new issues
arise.

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7. Issues and Indicators
Issue #1 – Improving the Investment Climate
Issue Summary
Growing the economy sustainably is a high priority for Kyrgyzstan. As the economy grows,
there are more jobs, the quality of life improves, poverty declines, and there is greater political
and social stability. To increase the growth rate of the economy and maintain the momentum,
the country needs to attract foreign investment and encourage the population to invest locally.
Businesses see opportunities in the Kyrgyz Republic, but they also see risks. Businesses look
for countries where the rewards out-weigh the risks. Risks include the cost of capital, the
enforceability of contracts, the political stability of the country, corruption, the quality of the
workforce and infrastructure, and the overall cost of doing business.
1.1. Ease of Doing Business
It is easier to do business in the Kyrgyz Republic than in 44% of the world’s countries, but the
country is seen as being harder to do business in than all of the comparator countries but
Tajikistan.
Source: World Bank, Doing Business website accessed 2/20/15
Why is this indicator important?
Kyrgyzstan
Armenia
Belarus
Georgia
Kazakhstan
Mongolia
Russia
Tajikistan
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Ease of Doing Business
Percentile Rank out of 189 countries

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16 
The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rating is based on several quantitative factors,
including the time and cost of starting a business, access to reliable electricity and the
enforceability of contracts. Businesses looking for investment opportunities in other countries
use the World Bank’s ratings to help them evaluate the level of risk in a country. The
comparison of risk with the potential return on investment in each country, helps businesses
decide where to invest.
How is Kyrgyzstan doing?
The composite ranking of the Kyrgyz Republic is 102 out of 189 countries based on ratings in
mid-2014. The country fell three places in the ranking between the 2014 and 2015 reports.
Rankings in the different factors for the Kyrgyz Republic range from 6th
out of 189 countries for
registering properties, to 183rd
for trading across borders. The ranking for dealing with
construction permits rose 7 places to 42nd
place between 2014 and 2015. For getting
credit, the rankings fell 6 places to 36th
place.
Business Monitor International, another respected source of data and opinion on business
climates, sees the Kyrgyz Republic as a risky place for business investment.
1.2. Perceived Corruption
The level of perceived corruption in the country is the same as in Russia, and worse than all the
other comparator countries.
Corruption makes doing business in a country more risky. Businesses that refuse to pay extra
fees may find that it takes longer to get permits approved. They may find it more difficult to
Doing Business Rankings, World Bank, 2015
Out of 189 countries.
Economy
Ease of
Doing
Business
Rank
Starting a
Business
Dealing with
Construction
Permits
Getting
Electricity
Registering
Property
Getting
Credit
Protecting
Minority
Investors
Paying
Taxes
Trading
Across
Borders
Enforcing
Contracts
Resolving
Insolvency
Kyrgyz
Republic 102 9 42 168 6 36 35 136 183 56 157
Armenia 45 4 81 131 7 36 49 41 110 119 69
Belarus 57 40 51 148 3 104 94 60 145 7 68
Georgia 15 5 3 37 1 7 43 38 33 23 122
Kazakhstan 77 55 154 97 14 71 25 17 185 30 63
Mongolia 72 42 74 142 30 61 17 84 173 24 90
Russia 62 34 156 143 12 61 100 49 155 14 65
Tajikistan 166 106 168 178 70 116 56 169 188 40 149
http://www.doingbusiness.org/rankings

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17 
compete against businesses that are willing to pay the extra fees to get accelerated processing
and waivers of regulations. International businesses seek out countries where the rules are
clear and enforced.
In order to attract foreign direct investment, countries need to demonstrate that contracts are
enforceable. They need to establish a history of stability in the legal system, and show that the
courts able to rule on contract disputes quickly and according to the law. They also need to
demonstrate that the rulings of the courts are enforced; that fines are levied and collected, and
that guilty parties go to jail if appropriate.
Source: Transparency International website, accessed 2/18/15
Kyrgyzstan is perceived to be more corrupt than 82 percent of 175 countries in the world
according to Transparency International in 2014. This is the same perception as for Russia.
Georgia is the least corrupt country in the group; Georgia is seen as less corrupt than 70% of
the 175 countries.
According to news reports, international and local businesses are concerned about the
enforceability of contracts. Terms in signed contracts are questioned later by government
officials and attempts are made to re-negotiate. International businesses have taken the
Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to international courts for breach of contract and won.
Kyrgyzstan
Armenia
Belarus
Georgia
Kazakstan
Mongolia
RussiaTajikistan
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0 5 10 15 20
PercentileOutof175Countries
GDP per Capita, $K at PPP in 2013 estimate
Corruption Perception vs.
GDP/Capita 2014

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18 
The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic has launched several programs to reduce corruption,
but even when effective, such programs can take years to change public and business
perceptions. Georgia launched very visible and aggressive reform programs in the 2000’s and
was able to dramatically change how it is perceived.
1.3. Opening a business
When it comes to starting a business, the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the fastest in the world.
The Kyrgyz Economy needs to grow its Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in order to
diversify its economy and increase employment. When considering registering a new business,
entrepreneurs look at three factors: cost, time, and complexity. The less the time it takes, the
less money it costs, and the simpler the paperwork, the more likely the entrepreneur will take
on the risk of starting something new.
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Cost of Starting Up a Business
Cost (in USD, PPP) Cost (% of GNI per capita)

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19 
Source – World Bank, www.doingbusiness.org
It takes just eight days to register a new business in the Kyrgyz Republic; only two procedural
steps are involved. The cost of registering a business is competitive with the comparison
countries. Belarus has the lowest filing cost, but the complexity is relatively high. Georgia
charges more, but uses the Internet to move more quickly, completing the process in just 2
days.
1.4. Tax system evaluation
The Kyrgyz Republic is about average in terms of the tax rate on businesses, and the
complexity of the tax system.
Two key factors in the decision of where to invest for international businesses are the tax rate
on business profits and the complexity of the tax system. A high tax rate can make it more
difficult to achieve a competitive rate of return on investment. A low tax rate may indicate that
government services and infrastructure are of poor quality or unreliable. When the tax rate is
high, businesses expect high quality services and publicly funded benefits for employees.
2 2
5
2
6 5 5 4
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Days Time and Procedures Required to Start a New
Business
Days Needed to Register a New Business Number of Required Procedures

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20 
A complicated tax system can lead to confusion about taxes owed and uncertainty about the
fairness of the tax system. Businesses also look at the effectiveness of the government at
collecting taxes owed by all businesses and residents to ensure that the tax burden is shared
fairly.
Source – www.doingbusiness.org
There is wide disparity in the national tax rates on business profits among the comparator
countries. Tajikistan has the highest rate, at 80.9%, while Georgia has the lowest at 16.4%.
These rates reflect differences in national priorities for social programs and economic growth.
The Kyrgyz Republic’s tax rate is comparable to that of Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
29.0% 28.6%
49.0%
80.9%
52.0%
20.4% 24.4%
16.4%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
Total Amount of Tax Payments as
Percent of Net Profit
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Kyrgyzstan
Kazakhstan
Russia
Tajikistan
Belarus
Armenia
Mongolia
Georgia
Hours
time spent for tax operations per year

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21 
Likewise, the tax system in the Kyrgyz Republic requires an average amount of time for tax
return preparation as compared to the other countries. While the tax rate is relatively low in
Georgia, businesses there spend much more time preparing their tax returns. Mongolia appears
to have the simplest system, requiring less than 150 hours of labor per year.
1.5 Construction Permits
In terms of purchasing power, the cost of a construction permit is highest in Kyrgyzstan, but
the time needed to obtain the permit is competitive with the comparator countries.
0.0%
0.5%
1.0%
1.5%
2.0%
2.5%
$-
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
Cost of a Construction
Permit
Cost (USD, PPP) Cost as % of GNI/capita
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Days Required for Building
Permit
Days Needed to Get a Building Permit Number of procedures

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22 
Source: World Bank, Doing Business
For businesses, time is money. The faster they can get a building permit from the government
authorities, the more quickly they can complete their project and begin making money. The
cost of a permit is a significant factor for small projects, but is of less importance for
international developers. However, when a developer pays the fees, they expect to get efficient
service.
The cost of a construction permit in Kyrgyzstan is low in dollar terms as compared to the other
countries, but it is the highest when converted to percent of Gross National Income. This
means that the cost of a permit is expensive for local businesses and individuals. The high cost
holds back smaller businesses from starting or expanding businesses, or from building much
needed affordable housing.
Kyrgyzstan is about average in terms of the number of days it takes to get a construction
permit through the system, but in terms of the number of procedures in the approval process,
only Georgia does better. The number of procedures is a good indicator of the complexity of
the process. The more procedures, the more likely that there will be delays.
1.6 International trade
It costs more money and it takes longer to process import/export documents in Kyrgyzstan than
it does in most of the comparator countries.
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
USDollars
Cost to Export/Import One Container
Export Import

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23 
Source: World Bank, Doing Business
The world’s economy is connected by trade. Countries find and develop their comparative
advantages to produce goods that are wanted by other countries. Profits from exports are then
used to buy goods and services from countries than can produce them at a better price. Friction
in the trading system, in the form of barriers created by high costs and slow travel times, lead
countries to seek countries where the pathway is smoother and cheaper.
Kyrgyzstan was an important hub on the ancient Silk Road, but as a country that is almost
entirely double landlocked, it has special challenges. Shipping by sea is often cheaper than by
land, and airfreight makes it possible to bypass countries entirely. Kyrgyzstan has made
progress on improving its roads, but the rail system is no longer a major carrier. The airport
has potential to handle additional freight.
The charts show that Kyrgyzstan’s position in international trade is further hindered by the costs
and time needed for goods to receive government approval to cross borders. Such barriers to
trade have been addressed by other developing countries by streamlining approval procedures
and through the use of information technology to eliminate the use of paper and speed the flow
of documents.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Days Days to Process Export/Import
Documents
Export Import

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24 
Issue #2 – Tracking the Economy and Cost of Living
Issue Summary
In recent years the growth rate of the GDP of the Kyrgyz Republic has been positive, but
modest. The political stability of the last four years has improved business confidence, but
growth needs to become more inclusive, equitable and consistent.
The cost of living is an important indicator of economic health and a factor in political unrest.
With the globalization of trade, the cost of living is being driven by forces outside the control of
any one nation. Kyrgyzstan is a net importer of food and energy, putting it at the mercy of
global forces. The rising cost of energy was a trigger for the revolution of 2010. The price of
wheat is critical to those living in extreme poverty. The prices of gasoline and diesel fuel affect
the cost of food production and the ability of people to travel for business or leisure.
The government has been aggressive about trying to hold prices to affordable levels, but the
cost of living needs to be monitored closely to support awareness of how the people are doing.
2.1 Growth Rate of the Gross Domestic Product
The recent growth of the GDP is modest, but consistent with that of the comparator countries.
Source: World Bank, May 2015
-30.0%
-20.0%
-10.0%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Growth Rate per Year of the GDP
in current US$
Kyrgyzstan Average of Comparator Countries

DRAFT
25 
Why is this Indicator Important
The Gross Domestic Product is the output of a country. It is the most fundamental indicator of
the ability to sustain its population. The growth rate of the GDP tells us if the economy is
getting better or worse. It is a measure of how well public policies are encouraging economic
development and of how well the country is competing in the global economy.
How is Kyrgyzstan Doing
Kyrgyzstan and all of the comparator countries fell into recession during the financial crisis of
2008 – 2009. The economies recovered quickly in 2010, but growth in 2012 and 2013 was
substantially less than during the 2000’s. The Kyrgyz Republic has followed the same pattern
as the other countries with the exception of 2010 and 2011 because of the uncertainties
created by the revolution and civil unrest in the South. Since then the political situation has
been stable and the economy has been growing.
2.2 Consumer Price Index
With the exception of Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and the comparator countries have been able to hold
inflation between 5% and 15%.
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013
Consumer Price Index
Kyrgyzstan Armenia Belarus Georgia
Kazakhstan Mongolia Russia Tajikistan

DRAFT
26 
2.3 Price of Energy (data needs to be updated)
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
40000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
somsfor1,000liters
Source: National Statistics Committee Yearbooks
Average Prices of Petrol and Diesel in Kyrgyz
Republic
Petrol, 1000 L Diesel fuel
for 1000 L
Heating Oil (Mazut) per ton
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
10000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
KGSom
Average Prices of Oil, Coal and Gas in Kyrgyz
Republic
Oil, t Natural gas,
per K cubic meters
Coal, M tonnes
+96%
+768%
-38%

DRAFT
27 
2.4 Poverty
The percent of the population living below the poverty line has declined sharply since the year
2000.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Poverty level
Source: National Statistic Committee
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
KGSomsperMegaWattHour
Average Price of Electricity in Kyrgyz
Republic

DRAFT
28 
2.5 Investment in Research and Development
Government expenditures on research and development have remained flat at about 0.2% of
the Gross Domestic Product.
Patents Issued
0.00%
0.05%
0.10%
0.15%
0.20%
0.25%
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
General Expenditures on Research & Development
as a Percent of GDP
Source: World Bank
152
123
155
110
55
5 3 1
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
1997 2002 2007 2012
Количествопатентов
Количество патентов за 1997-2012 гг.
Patents for residents of Kyrgyzstan Patents for non-residents of Kyrgyzstan
Источник: Всемирный Банк

DRAFT
29 
Issue #3 – Improving Life Expectancy
Issue Summary
Life expectancy is one of the fundamental indicators of the quality of life in an economy. Since
independence, the quality of healthcare has been a major concern. The medical schools have
lost their older faculty. Healthcare infrastructure has declined, especially in the regions. As
private medical practices have opened and public facilities have closed, gaps have emerged in
access to healthcare services between the rich and poor, the rural and urban.
3.1 Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy has increased by two years since independence for both women and men and
is comparable to most of the comparator countries.
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
1992 1995 2000 2005 2010 2012
Years
Data Source: World Bank
Life Expectancy at Birth in the Kyrgyz
Republic
Female Male

DRAFT
30 
Population
(K) Physicians
Hospital
Beds
1991 4,464 15178 54014
2012 5,607 11214 26914
Number lost -3964 -27101
Percent lost -26% -50%
Why is This Indicator Important
Life expectancy is a good indicator for the overall quality of the health system. Many factors
contribute to overall health, including access to doctors, the number of hospital beds, the
quality of medical education, access to medications, nutrition for children, and healthy
behaviors such as walking and avoiding cigarettes and managing alcohol consumption.
How Are We Doing
Despite many difficult years since independence, Kyrgyzstan’s life expectancy at birth has
increased by just two years, from 68 years to 70 years. This compares favorably with the
comparator countries, but it could be better. Life expectancy at birth is 79 years in the United
States and 83 years in Japan and Switzerland, the two countries with the longest life
expectancy.
The Government is spending 7% of the Gross National Product on healthcare. This is the
second highest rate after Georgia at 9%, the country with the highest life expectancy.
0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
7.0%
8.0%
9.0%
10.0%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Yearsfrombirth Life Expectancy in 2012
Males Females Health Expenses as % of GNP

DRAFT
31 
Improving health services is a high priority of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic,
particularly in the rural regions.
3.2 Number of Physicians and Hospital Beds
Kyrgyzstan has lost 26% of its physicians and 50% of its hospital beds since 1991, while the
population has grown by 25%.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
1991 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012
NumberodPhysicians
Data Source: World Bank
Number of Physicians per 1,000
People
0
5
10
15
1991 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012
Bedsper1,000People
Hospital Beds per 1,000
People

DRAFT
32 
Source: World Bank
Why are these indicators important?
Having access to qualified medical care is necessary to improve health and life expectancy.
Receiving prompt treatment from a trained health care worker is vital to a patient being
correctly diagnosed and treated. The number of hospital beds indicates how well equipped a
society is for treating sick or injured individuals. Having physicians and a place for physicians to
practice safely saves lives and thus increases life expectancy.
Following independence, the healthcare system restructured. Many doctors moved to other
countries, and private clinics emerged as an alternative to the public hospitals. The adoption of
evidence-based medicine has changed many procedures, including shortening the amount of
time patients stay in the hospital. Rural patients prefer to travel to the big cities for treatment,
reducing the need for hospitals and doctors in the regions.
While all the comparator countries have seen declines in doctors and hospital beds, it would
appear that the changes are greater in Kyrgyzstan than in most of the countries.
Given the dramatic changes in the healthcare system, additional data and analysis is needed to
determine if the country needs more doctors and facilities, and how many.
Sources of data
The data are from the World Bank from years 1991 to 2012.

DRAFT
33 
3.3 Maternal Mortality
Kyrgyzstan has been able to reduce maternal mortality, but is now lagging behind the
comparator countries.
Source: World Bank
While the great majority of childbirths are normal, sometimes a mother needs special
assistance. Maternal mortality is an indicator of the ability of the healthcare system to detect
potential problems early, to provide mothers with pre-natal care, and to deal promptly and
effectively with any problems during delivery. The indicator may also be affected by a lack of
rapid access to hospitals by mothers living in rural village.
Maternal deaths per 100,000 births rose after independence, but has declined steadily since
then to 75 per 100,000. The comparator countries have had greater success, reducing their
maternal mortality rates further, with Belarus reporting zero deaths. The Millennial
Development goal for Kyrgyzstan of 18 per 100,000 in 2015 has not been achieved.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2014
Maternaldeathsper100,000births
inyear
Maternal mortality per 100,000 births

DRAFT
34 
3.4 Sanitation in Schools
Access to sanitation and water in schools is poor, particularly in rural communities.
A lack of access to clean water and sanitary facilities at schools is connected to a host of
diseases, including diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, and helminthic infections (worms).
Children are particularly vulnerable to these illnesses which can lead to life-long health
problems. When confronted with unsanitary facilities at their schools, students and teachers
will refuse to use them, returning home and missing classes.
A UNICEF study in 2011 reported that according to official government statistics, 100% of
schools have consistent access to an improved water system. UNICEF conducted a field study
in the north and south found that in fact fewer than 50% of schools had access to water on
site. Many schools reported that the water system did not run on some days or only for a few
hours.
UNICEF’s field survey revealed that sanitation in rural and urban schools in Kyrgyzstan is in
need of substantial improvement. The field survey and inspection of schools in the northern
28.60%
42.90%
0%
28.60%
11.50%
28.80%
59.60%
0%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
Has a functioning
sewage system
Has a non-
functional sewage
system
Never had a
sewage system
No answer
Percentaccess
Data Source: UNICEF (Equity of Access to WASH in Schools)
2011
Percent of schools with functional sewage infrastructure
Urban Rural

DRAFT
35 
oblasts revealed that only 11% of rural schools had a functioning sewage system. The picture
is not much better for urban schools. When asked how they felt about the latrines in their
schools, 64% of children reported that their latrines were mostly or always dirty.
UNICEF also found that the Government did not have a national policy for access to water and
sanitation in schools or a coordinating body.
Sources of data
UNICEF report “Equity of Access to WASH in Schools,” 2011
3.5 Stunting in Children
Substantial progress has been made in reducing stunting in children.
Stunted child growth, especially under the age of 5, leads to long-term disabilities and a
reduced capacity for physical labor. The condition results from a poor diet and childhood
diseases such as acute diarrhea and infections from parasites. Stunted growth is indicative of
poor living conditions and inadequate attention to nutrition.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Percent
Year
Data Source: UNICEF
Percent of Children <5 Years Old
Showing Stunting
Kyrgyzstan Kazakhstan Tajikistan Georgia

DRAFT
36 
Kyrgyzstan has made substantial progress reducing stunting in children. Since 1997, the rate
has fallen from 36% to 18% of children under the age of 5 years old. Worldwide, stunting has
declined from about 36% to 25%. The comparator countries have also made substantial
progress with this challenge, but more work needs to be done to get the incidence down to
zero.
Source of the data
The data are from UNICEF and the World Health Organization
Note: Data was not available for some of the comparator countries. The chart has filled in gaps
between data points.
3.6 Alcohol Consumption
Kyrgyzstan has seen a decline in alcohol consumption since independence.
High levels of alcohol consumption have serious health consequences. Consumed in excess and
over a long period, high alcohol consumption is associated with cardiovascular problems, liver
disease, malnutrition, chronic pancreatitis and cancer. It can also damage the central nervous
system and peripheral nervous system. Chronic over-consumption of alcohol can lead to a
reduced life expectancy.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010
LitersofPureAlcoholperYear
Alcohol Consumption

DRAFT
37 
Kyrgyzstan has gone down from 4.5 liters of pure alcohol equivalent consumption per capita in
1990 to 2.4 in 2010. It has the second lowest alcohol consumption of the comparator countries,
second only to Tajikistan, which went from 2.4 liters in 1992 to .32 liters in 2009.
While the reliability of data for alcohol consumption is questionable, there is some evidence that
people in most of the comparator countries are converting from hard liquor to beer, particularly
in Russia. Consumed in moderation, beer is less harmful than vodka.
Source of data
The data is from the World Health Organization, recorded from 1990 to 2010.

DRAFT
38 
Issue #4 – Public Safety
Issue Summary
Public safety is a serious concern of the people and for visitors. The impression that a country
is not safe keeps tourists away, and makes it harder to attract new businesses.
On the Social Progress Imperative Index, Kyrgyzstan ranks 106th out of 132 countries on public
safety. Crime rates are relatively high, traffic accidents occur frequently, and there is the
perception that the streets of the cities are not safe, especially for women and visitors. Road
conditions are improving, but many streets in the cities are dark, encouraging criminal activity
at night. Corruption in law enforcement agencies and the courts has led to the loss of respect
for the rule of law.
4.1 Traffic Accidents
In 2010, Kyrgyzstan had the second highest incidents of traffic fatalities as compared to the
other countries. Local data indicates that the rate of traffic accidents is increasing rapidly.
Source: World Health Organization
0
5
10
15
20
25
Traffic Death Rate per
100,000 population in 2010
Traffic Death Rate per 100,000 population

DRAFT
39 
Source: UNECE Transport Statistics Database & GAI (State Traffic Police) Records. Data from
2010 and 2011 was not recorded
Why is indicator important?
Traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities are indicators of road quality, driver training, pedestrian
signals, and enforcement of traffic laws. Traffic includes personal vehicles, as well as the public
system of transportation that includes trucks, buses, taxis, and marshrutkas. Causes of
accidents include alcohol, speeding, broken traffic signals, poor lighting at night, and
distractions in vehicles like cell phones. Traffic injuries and fatalities are a tragedy for the
families of victims; the risks of travel are a barrier to commerce and the quality of life.
The number of traffic accidents has increased steadily over the last 13 years, from included in
this analysis, increasing from 2,671 in 2000 to 7,492 in 2010. Traffic fatalities, however, have
remained stable since 2006 at between 1,000 and 1,200 per year.
The growth in accidents correlates with the growth in the number of passenger vehicles in the
country. In recent years, with growing incomes and shifting customs regulations, many more
individuals have purchased cars and taken up driving, particularly in the cities. Migration to
cities from the regions has also increased the number of people using public transportation and
walking or bicycling to work.
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
20002001200220032004200520062007200820092010 2011 2012 2013
Numberofincidentsreported
Yearly Traffic Injuries, Accidents, and
Fatalities in Kyrgyzstan
Fatalities Injuries Accidents

DRAFT
40 
The incidence of accidents per 100,000 population in Kyrgyzstan (19.2) is comparable to some
of the comparator countries, better than in Kazakhstan (21.9), but significantly worse than in
Georgia (15.7).
For road quality, in 2010-2011, Kyrgyzstan ranked 131 out of 140 countries according to a
report from the World Economic Forum. This was higher than the Russian Federation (134)
and Mongolia (137).
(http://www3.weforum.org/docs/TTCR/2013/TTCR_DataTables7_2013.pdf)
4.2 Sexual Assault
The number of reported sexual assaults in Kyrgyzstan remained stable at a rate of about 5.8
per 100,000 population between 2003 and 2010. The great majority of reports come from the
Chuy and Issyk kul oblasts.
Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. “Statistics: Crime: Sexual Assault”
http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/statistics/crime/CTS12_Sexual_violence.xls
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Reported Rapes per 100,000 population
Source: UNODC

DRAFT
41 
Source: Kyrgyz Republic Department of the Interior, 2014.
Why is this Indicator Important?
Violence against women is an indicator of public safety and of respect for the rights of women
in a country. Women are an important factor in the workforce and in the political and civic
sectors. To the extent that women fear for their safety, they are less likely to become
productive members of society.
Data on sexual assaults is difficult to obtain and subject to conflicting factors. Many assaults go
unreported because of embarrassment and fears of retaliation. As women’s rights are
strengthened, reports of violence tend to increase as women feel more comfortable making a
report. Assaults are more likely to be reported in urban areas than in rural areas because it is
more difficult to avoid retaliation for reporting an attack in a village. Another factor relating to
the reporting of assaults is the presences of women in the police force. Kyrgyzstan has made a
push to recruit more women to the militsia, but it is not clear how many of them are on the
street and in a position to help the victim of a sexual assualt. In addition, legal procedures
make it difficult for law enforcement to protect the identity and safety of a victim.
The data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the chart above indicates that
Krygyztan has been doing better than Kazakhstan and Mongolia, but less well than the other
the comparator countries.

DRAFT
42 
4.3 Bride-Kidnapping
Non-consensual bride-kidnapping has been highly controversial in Kyrgyzstan in part because of
the lack of reliable, historical, national data. Selected studies have indicated that it is a serious
problem, but a new data resource indicates that the incidence of involuntary marriages may be
declining.

DRAFT
43 
Known locally as Ala Kachuu, bride kidnapping has captured the attention of the world’s media.
Regarded by some in the country as a venerated tradition, much of the world sees the practice
as a terrible violation of women’s rights. The negative attention has created an image of the
country that deters tourism and business in the region that will be difficult to dispell.
The marriages of kidnapped women are often not registered with the government. This means
that kidnapped women are not entitled to the normal rights of being part of a married couple.
The numbers in the charts reflect specific studies in different parts of the country conducted in
past years by academic researchers. The costs of collecting comprehensive data that would
allow us to draw conclusions about the pervasiveness of the practice and trends is too high for
private researchers to afford. The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic has only recently begun
collecting reports of involuntary kidnappings, but the concern is that very few women will be
willing to make a public report because of embarassment and fears of retaliation.
Involuntary marriage is prohibited by Article 36 (5) of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic.
A law was passed in 2013 that increased the maximum punishment for involuntary kidnapping
from 3 years in prison to 10 years. Annecdotal evidence from a few communities indicates that
kidnappings have declined since the law was passed, but supportive data is lacking.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
marriagesper1,000population
numberofmarriages Registered Marriages in
Kyrgyzstan
Number Per 1,000 Population

DRAFT
44 
Registered marriages have increased from 8 to 10 per 1,000 people. This could indicate that
involuntary kidnapping is becoming less popular and lawful registration is becoming more
popular, but additional data is needed.
A new database, Life in Kyrgyzstan, has been developed by the University of Central Asia in
partnership with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in Sweden. The
study follows a cohort of about 9,000 individuals living in all the oblasts of the country. A
preliminary review of the data suggests that the incidence of involuntary marriage has been
declining over several years, but further research is needed to substantiate the preliminary
finding.

DRAFT
45 
Issue #5 – Gender Equality
Issue Summary
Women represent slightly more than half the population of the country, but they are less well
integrated into the government and the economy. Women in Kyrgyzstan are not as active in
positions of public leadership as men, and they are under-employed in the private sector. While
women’s rights are enshrined in the Constitution, in practice women are often denied access to
those rights.
5.1 Percent of women in national and local government
Women are under-represented in national and local government, failing to achieve the
Millennium Development goal of 30% of seats in the national parliament.
Source: World Bank
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
35.0%
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
Proportion of women in National Parliaments
KYRGYZS KAZAKHS RUSSIA TAJIKIST ARMENIA BELARUS MONGOLI GEORGIA

DRAFT
46 
Soruce: Third Periodic Report on the Millennium Development Goals in the Kyrgyz Republic
published in 2013.
For women to gain access to their rights as described in the Constitution, women need to be in
a position to create and vote on legislation that determines how their rights will be enforced. If
they are to achieve elected office, women need to represented in the political parties, and they
need to vote.
The United Nations Millennium Development goals set an international minimum of 30% of
seats in national elected bodies. Some would say that full empowerment will not come until
women have at least 50% of the seats.
Kyrgyzstan is the only country in Central Asia to have had a female President. Though the
position was interim, following the revolution of 2010, President Otunbaeva was able to restore
peace and reform the national Constitution before stepping down for newly elected President
Almazbek Atambayev.
Kyrgyzstan and all of the comparator countries have substantially increased the representation
of women in their parliaments, but none are currently at the 30% level. The situation is far
worse in the local councils where representation does not reach even the 10% level. Various
women’s groups in Kyrgyzstan have developed educational programs to encourage women to
run for political office and to train them on the roles of elected officials.
0
20
40
60
80
100
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Batken Jalalabad Naryn Talas Issyk-Kul Osh Chui
Oblasts
Data Source: Third Periodic Report on the Millennium Development Goals in
the Kyrgyz Republic 4/21/2014
Percent Women in local councils by
oblasts versus quota of 30% in 2012
Women Men KG Quota

DRAFT
47 
5.2 Access to education
Women are more likely to get a university level education than men.
Why is this indicator important
Access to education for girls is one of the most important indicators of a developing economy.
When girls are educated they have better opportunities to contribute to the economy and
advance economically.
Kyrgyzstan is doing very well in educating girls. 54% of students in universities and other
tertiary schools are females. This follows a trend in developed nations. There may be reasons
for concern about why fewer males than females are getting higher level educations. It could
be due to a higher number of males taking advantage of trade schools to help them find
employment more quickly.
5.3 Female to male employment rate
Women are less well represented in the official workforce than men.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Ratio of Males to Females in
Tertiary Schools
Female Male

DRAFT
48 
Source: National Statistics Committee, published in the Third Periodic Report on the Millennium
Development Goals in the Kyrgyz Republic published in 2013.
The economic potential of a country is held back when a substantial percentage of the working
age population is not in the workforce. In addition, the ability to work and earn a cash income
gives women more economic power and independence. In most societies, women tend to
spend disposable income on goods that contribute to the quality of life in the home and support
the education of children; men tend to spend their disposable cash on social activities.
The share of women in the workforce is an important indicator of how a nation’s economy is
evolving from agriculture to industry and services.
The data shows that only 50% of working age women in Kyrgyzstan are employed, vs. 70% of
men. As a largely agrarian economy, most women in the villages work to raise and market
crops, but they are not likely to be recorded as employed in national statistics. Men are more
likely to work for factory or business.
Following independence from the Soviet Union, the economy of Kyrgyzstan evolved from
manufacturing to services, while the agricultural sector has remained a backbone of the
country’s exports.
5.4 Percent of male to female managers
Women are under-represented as managers in the private sector. Women appear to be making
progress in the small business sector, but not in the medium size business sector.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
2008 2009 2010 2011
Employmentrate(%)
Year
Data Source: National statistics committee
Female and male employment rate
Women Men

DRAFT
49 
Business management research studies have shown that men and women employ
different styles of leadership and decision making in the workplace. There are
indications that having a mix of styles correlates with long term business success. With
the growing numbers of women with higher education degrees, more women are
entering the workforce. Female managers are more likely to be able to create a
supportive atmosphere for women in the workplace. As more women rise through the
ranks of management their earnings increase, creating additional income for their
families.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) were chosen for this indicator because there are
many more companies and jobs in this category than large corporations.
In small businesses, the number of women in management has grown from 31% in
2008, to 37% in 2011. For medium size businesses, the percent has grown from 38% in
2008 to 40% in 2011. While there is room for improvement, the data shows that
women are being welcomed into management positions in Kyrgyzstan. The data does
not show how many women work at senior management positions. Additional research
is needed to determine if women are paid equally with men for equal work, if there is a
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2008 2009 2010 2011
Percentwomen
Year
Data Source: National Statistics Committee
Female Managers in Small and Medium
Businesses
Women managers in small bussinesses Women managers in medium bussinesses

DRAFT
50 
“glass ceiling” that is preventing women from reaching the top levels, and if women are
taking positions on boards of directors.
Source of data
The data is from the National Statistics Committee, published in the third Millennium
development goals report published in 4/21/14.
5.5 Proportion of women in different economic sectors
Women appear to be heavily concentrated in lower paid positions in sectors that are
traditionally seen as more appropriate for women, like education and social services.
Source: The third periodic report on the millennium development goals in the Kyrgyz
Republic, published in 4/21/14.
Women do not have equal opportunity in employment if they are excluded from some
professions. In many countries, women find opportunities in occupations that have
been traditionally for women, such as teachers, waitresses, and service workers. These
occupations are also among the lowest paid jobs in an economy. In the most
0
20
40
60
80
100
Construction Transport and
communication
Education Health care and
social services
%employed
Economic Activity
Data Source: Third periodic report on the millenium development goals
in the Kyrgyz Republic 4/21/14
Proportion of women among the
employed population by types of
economic activity in 2007 and 2011
2007
2011

DRAFT
51 
developed countries, women are free to work in almost any occupation and are
therefore able to earn higher wages.
The data in the chart suggests that women in Kyrgyzstan do not have equal access to a
wide range of occupations. The share of women working in the healthcare and
education sectors continues to grow, while it declines in the construction and
transportation & communications sector. During the Soviet era, when the
manufacturing sector was much larger, there was greater access for women to higher
paid positions. Following independence, most of the manufacturing jobs disappeared
and many women returned to agricultural work. This indicator will help us see if
women benefit equally as the economy continues to grow.

DRAFT
52 
Issue #6 – Improving Access to Quality Education
Issue Summary
There is a great deal of concern in the country about the quality of the educational system.
Education is the key to economic growth, national competitiveness, and quality of life. A good
educational system is needed to provide workers for businesses. With the decline of the
Republic’s economy in the 1990s, the quality of the educational system and facilities weakened,
particularly in the rural regions. School buildings have not been well maintained, and many
need repairs to their heating and sanitary facilities. Corruption of the grading system is a
concern. The country has many universities and vocational schools, but the quality of the
system is no longer competitive in the global market. As a result, many young people leave the
country to find a good quality education, and to find work.
6.1 Expenditures on Public Education
Government expenditures on the educational system grew as a percent of GDP in the 2000’s
but have leveled off in the last few years.
The great majority of students attend schools that are funded by the government. Government
funds support teacher salaries and training, the purchase of textbooks, and the maintenance of
school facilities.
How is Kyrgyzstan Doing?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
%
Government Expenditures on Education as a % of GDP
Source: World Bank

DRAFT
53 
Improving the educational system is a high priority of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Teacher salaries have improved, but the challenges are immense. The Government has been
able to increase funding for the schools as a percent of GDP, but the economy is not strong
enough to support a dramatic change in funding.
6.2 Ranking of Universities
Kyrgyzstan’s universities are rated lower than those of the comparator countries.
Source: European Scientific-Industrial Chamber
The quality of the higher education system in a country is essential to economic development.
A university education opens doors to higher paying jobs and opportunities to create businesses
that create more jobs for the country. Access to higher education is also critical; affordability of
the tuition, the number of universities a country has, and the number of students they can train
are also important metrics.
While Kyrgyzstan has the lowest score among the comparison countries, achieving the same
rating as Armenia is a remarkable accomplishment given that Armenia’s GDP per capita is more
than double that of the Kyrgyz Republic ($3,213 vs. $7,775 at PPP).
As in the secondary school system, the universities in Kyrgyzstan have lost many of their best
instructors since independence and the system is plagued with corruption. Nonetheless,
0
5
10
15
20
25
Highest Scoring University
for country
Average Grade
for top-5 universities
Universities Ranking - 2014
European Scientific-Industrial Chamber (ARES)
Kyrgyzstan Armenia Belarus Georgia Kazakhstan Russia
BBB BBB+
A
AA AA
AA+
BBB BBB+
A
AA AA
AA+
BB+ BB+
BBB+
A+ A+ AA

DRAFT
54 
students come to Kyrgyzstan from many countries to get baccalaureate and advanced degrees
to prepare them for rewarding occupations. Private universities like the American University of
Central Asia and the University of Central Asia lead the way in setting high standards for their
students.
6.3 Literacy
Over 99% of the population of Kyrgyzstan can read and write.
Why is this indicator important
The ability to read and write enables learning and advancement.
How is Kyrgyzstan doing
Kyrgyzstan and all of the comparator countries have achieved literacy rates exceeding 98% of
their populations. This is a remarkable accomplishment given the challenges of reaching young
people in remote villages and the deterioration of the primary and secondary school systems
over the last 20 years.
96.5
97
97.5
98
98.5
99
99.5
100
Kyrgyzstan Armenia Belarus Georgia Kazakhstan Mongolia Russia Tajikistan
%
Literacy rate
age 15 and over
1999 2009
Source: World Bank

DRAFT
55 
Issue #7 – Protecting the Environment
Issue Summary
All countries are dependent on the environment for water, energy, extraction of natural
resources, food, and more. As countries deplete these resources they become less able to
support their populations.
Kyrgyzstan depends heavily on water for drinking, agriculture, energy, and recreation. Many
years of wasteful practices have led to a decline in water resources and pasturelands. Irrigation
systems have fallen into disrepair, leading to water being wasted by breaks in the lines.
Climate change is making water resources less dependable. Environmental regulation of the
mining industry is improving, but the many radiation zones created by uranium mining during
the Soviet era are not being cleaned and restored. Lake Issyk Kul is a vital resource for
recreation and tourism; the quality of the lake’s water must be protected.
7.1 Air Quality
Thanks to an economy that is based largely on hydropower, Kyrgyzstan’s emmisions of air
pollutants is low compared to other Central Asian countries.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan Kazakhstan Turkmenistan
KT/100000
Source: UNDP, 1999
Volume of Discharge of Air Pollutants Per 100,000
People 1999

DRAFT
56 
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Metrictonspercapita CO2 emissions per 100,000 people
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Emission(measuredintons)
Year
Air Pollution from Stationary Sources in
Kyrgyzstan
Total emission of pollutants into the atmosphere from…
Source: Kyrgyz Republic National Statistics

DRAFT
57 
Why is this indicator Important?
Environmental quality directly affects the health and well-being of the citizens of the Kyrgyz
Republic. High levels of air pollution can lead to negative health effects such as heart disease,
lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases. Low air pollution leads overall to
a better quality of life. Air pollution also reflects industrialization within the country, and
whether or not effective environmental policies are being used.
Air pollution in the Kyrgyz Republic saw a major decline from 1992 to 1995. In 1992, carbon
dioxide emissions were at 2.43 metric tons per capita and by 1995 the carbon dioxide emissions
per capita had decreased by 1.46 metric tons to .97 metric tons per capita. Since then, air
pollution in the Kyrgyz Republic has remained around 1.0 metric tons per capita, only with
minor deviations. In 2011, the main contributors to air pollution in the Kyrgyz Republic were
gaseous and liquid pollutants (34%), solid pollutants (34%), and sulfur dioxide (15%).

DRAFT
58 
In comparison to the rest of Central Asia, the Kyrgyz Republic is doing well concerning air
pollution. It emits fewer pollutants into the environment than Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and
Uzbekistan, and it is similar in air pollution levels to countries such as Tajikistan and Georgia.
Sources of Data
The data in graph 1 is from the United Nations Development Program in the Regional
Environmental Action Plan. Data from graph 2 & 3 is from the United Nations Statistics Division.
Data found in graph 4 & 5 was retrieved from the Kyrgyz Republic National Statistics
Committee.
europeandcis.undp.org/files/uploads/Milada/REAP/Reap-air.doc
http://www.indexmundi.com
7.2 Water Usage
Placeholder chart. More research needs to be done.
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
1997 2002 2007 2013
inthousandsofcubicmeters
Annual freshwater withdrawals per capita

Indicators Report v. 5 12 15

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