nouna republic in central Asia: came under Russian rule in the 19th century, became a Soviet republic in 1936 and gained independence in 1991; it has deposits of minerals, oil, and gas. Official languages: Kyrgyz and Russian. Religion: Muslim majority. Currency: som. Capital: Bishkek. Pop: 6 045 117 (2017 est). Area: 198 500 sq km (76 460 sq miles)