I’ve been continuing to think about the real situation here and what the chances for improved development in Kyrgyzstan actually are. Here, one wants to refer to statistics to give us an idea of where we are.

Kyrgyzstan has an agricultural-based economy, despite the fact that the country is 95% mountainous and only 7% arable land. An estimated 44% of the land is used permanently for grazing. As one can imagine from these figures, it is not realistic to expect agriculture to be a significant source of exports for the country.

According to figures for water resources on Development Gateway Kyrgyzstan, more than 90% of crops are grown on irrigated land. Water shortages during the irrigation season together with ineffective water distribution are the main problems faced by farmers. Statistics say that 75% of water flow goes outside of the country and only 25% of water is used by the country.

As for other natural resources, the CIA World Factbook reminds us that the republic has an abundance of gold and rare ores, which together with hydropower should be source of significant potential economic development. However, along with gas and oil, of which the country has far more limited quantities, these resources have not translated into large amount of production. It is worth noting that the country’s gas production is estimated at 16 million cubic feet, whilst the country’s population consumes 2 billion cubic feet annually. Meanwhile, according to the CIA World Factbook, oil production runs at up to 2 thousand barrels per day, while consumption is 20 thousand barrels a day.

Then let’s think about the demographics. Of the republic’s 5-million-strong population, 40 percent live below the poverty line, meaningthat they are incapable of moving or travelling any significant distance.

The Kyrgyzs’ ancestors were nomads who, until the late 19th Century, migrated throughout the huge territory of Central Asia. Throughout the Twentieth Century Kyrgyz people have continued to travel to find work, and this phenomenon of labour migration has taken on new importance since Kyrgyzstan gained independence.

Having an urban population of approximately 33%, where can Kyrgyz people best go to find a job? The obvious answer is to other former Soviet republics, where they can easily communicate in Russian. But look at Russia’s migration policy, which restricts migrants with a severe registration policy. Most Central Asian jobseekers in Russia are illegal workers, contributing to an estimated total of 4 million illegal migrants in Russia.

For many, what this means is that if one does not wish to behave illegally, one has no choice but to stay where one is with little opportunity to improve one’s life.