Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: QSI International School of Bishkek: 2020-2021 Fact Sheet
![Kyrgyzstan [Shutterstock]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Kyrgyzstan-2198x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
August 30, 2020
July 27, 2020
U.S. Relationship
U.S. Kyrgyzstan Relations
The United States established diplomatic relations with Kyrgyzstan in 1991 following Kyrgyzstan's independence from the Soviet Union. The United States supports Kyrgyzstan in its development of an inclusive democracy based upon the rule of law and respect for human rights. Kyrgyzstan's 2017 presidential election marked the first peaceful transfer of presidential power from one democratically-elected President to another in post-Soviet Central Asia. Significant impediments to Kyrgyzstan's development include corruption, aging infrastructure, high unemployment, and endemic poverty. Kyrgyzstan, however, benefits from a robust civil society and a relatively free media sector.
U.S. Assistance to Kyrgyzstan
U.S. Government assistance goals in Kyrgyzstan are to strengthen democratic institutions, support broad-based economic opportunity, enhance regional security, promote greater respect for human rights and the rule of law, and address development challenges in health and education.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Kyrgyzstan exports apparel, textiles, and pharmaceutical products to the United States. It imports merchandise, machinery, electronics, and food products from the United States. Kyrgyzstan has signed a bilateral investment treaty with the United States. The treaty on double taxation that was signed by the United States and the Soviet Union remains in effect between the United States and Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan also signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the United States and other Central Asian countries establishing a regional forum for addressing trade issues and enhancing trade and investment between the United States and Central Asia.
![Kyrgyzstan Flag: Red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of a "tunduk" - the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt; red symbolizes bravery and valor, the sun evinces peace and wealth [CIA World Fact Book]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/kg-lgflag.gif){kind=small}