What is the capital of Kyrgyzstan?
Bishkek lies in northern Kyrgyzstan at about 800 metres above sea level, close to the border with Kazakhstan, and is also the capital of the Chuy Region.
Bishkek is the capital and seat of government of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan itself has an estimated population of 7,343,064 (2025).
Bishkek is also the largest city in Kyrgyzstan, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.
Bishkek at a glance
| City population | 1,120,827 (2025) |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan area | 1,321,900 (2025) |
| Country | 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan |
| Founded | 1825 |
| Largest city in Kyrgyzstan | Bishkek |
| Time zone | UTC+06:00 (KGT) |
| Currency | Kyrgyzstani som (KGS) |
About Bishkek
The Khanate of Kokand built the fortress of Pishpek here in 1825 to control the caravan routes; Russian forces destroyed it in 1860 and a Russian settlement took its place in 1868.
The city was called Pishpek until 1926 and Frunze from 1926 to 1991, after the Soviet military commander Mikhail Frunze, who was born here.
Bishkek has carried its present name since 1991, the year Kyrgyzstan became independent.
The ruins of the original Pishpek fortress still lie just north of Jibek Jolu Street, near the city's main mosque.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Bishkek.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Kyrgyzstan?
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Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Kyrgyzstan on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.