Pink Star Rating
Capital
Bishkek
Other Main Cities/Resorts
Osh, Dzhalal-Abad, Tokmak, Przhevalsk
Scene and Culture
Homosexuality has only very recently been legalised in Kyrgyzstan. Since then a small gay scene has developed in Biskkek.There are currently a couple of gay bars/clubs in Bishkek. Reputedly Kyrgyzstan has become a haven of tolerance drawing gays from more repressive neighbouring countries like Uzbekistan and Tukmenistan where homosexuality is illegal.
Despite these changes in the law many local gays are still quite closeted and homophobia remains rife. There have been reports of gays being blackmailed by corrupt police officers contacting victims through internet adverts.
Gay Age of Consent
Legal
Lesbian Age of Consent
Legal
Legal Notes
The new Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan which entered into force in 1998 decriminalised consenting same-sex relations between adults.
Population
4.68 million
Currency
Som S
Climate
The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is during the summer months of May to August.
Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate with conditions influenced by elevation. Average annual precipitation varies from 250 to 280 mm and is carried by the northwest, west and southwest air masses. In general, the summers are hot and dry while the winters are cold. Average temperature ranges are from 2c to 4c in January to 16c to 18c in July but vary according to elevation.
