8 Coworking Spaces in Kyrgyzstan

About Kyrgyzstan

A landlocked mountainous country in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan sits on the ancient trade route (aka Silk Road) between the Mediterranean and China. Bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China, its capital is Bishkek. With a history spanning over 2,000 years and numerous empires and cultures, it is geographically isolated which has aided in preserving its ancient culture. Its bygone era had the country at the mercy of numerous independent clans and tribes and it was occasionally under foreign domination. It wasn't until 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union that Kyrgyzstan gained sovereignty as a nation state. However, it still endures ethnic conflicts, economic problems, revolts and transitional governments.

With a population of around the 5.7 million mark, the official language is Kyrgyz that is closely related to other Turkic languages, although Russian is widely spoken. Internet usage has increased dramatically from a mere 0.1% in 2000 to 36.2% in 2016 and is leading the way in Central Asia. It is said that there is no censorship and guarantees freedom of the press by the government.

In 2014 a law was passed that allows for jail terms for gay-rights activists including journalists who insist on creating "a positive attitude toward non-traditional sexual relations". At the same time a further law stated that women under 23 are not allowed to travel abroad without a parent or guardian, citing the purpose of "increasing morality and preservation of the gene pool" as the reason. This is in a country that though illegal, the traditional practice of "bride kidnapping" is overlooked. Apparently this is the only way to escape an arranged marriage.

Due to its political instability tourism has declined over the last few years, but if you are game enough to head to Kyrgyzstan then you should go to the Tian Shan Mountains and see if you can find a snow leopard. Failing that, talk to some sheep or head to the ancient city of Osh and its famous chaotic bazaar that was originally a stop on the Silk Road.

To find a coworking space in Kyrgyzstan, browse through our interactive map below.