Over the years of independence, the processes of social development in the country have significantly affected the demographic situation and its trends. The transformation of the country's economic system has led to structural changes in the social environment — the conditions and way of life of people have changed.
GENERAL DEMOGRAPHIC SITUATION
Kyrgyzstan is a unitary state. As previously mentioned, the territory of the country is administratively divided into seven regions: Batken, Jalal-Abad, Osh, Naryn, Talas, Chui, and Issyk-Kul. The capital is the city of Bishkek. The average population density is 26 people per km² (2005). The most densely populated regions are Chui region and Bishkek (in the north of the country), and Jalal-Abad, Batken, and Osh regions (in the south).
Chui region occupies only 10% of the country's territory, but it is home to nearly a third of the entire population (30%) and maintains the highest density of 76 people/km² (Chui region and Bishkek). Following in population density is Osh region — 44 people per km², which is home to 25% of the country's population. The least populated is Naryn region. It occupies about 23% of the country's territory, with a population density of 6 people per km². This can be explained by the fact that the region is located in high mountainous areas, at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 6000 meters above sea level.
From 1991 to 2005, the population of the country increased by 608.3 thousand people, or by 13.6%, reaching 5 million 92 thousand people by the beginning of 2005. The urban population grew by 102 thousand people, or by 6%, while the rural population increased by 552.2 thousand people, or by 19.8%.
The largest population increase during the observed period was noted in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek (by 22.4%), and in Jalal-Abad (by 18%) and Batken (by 15%) regions. In the first case, this is explained by the increased influx of internal migrants to the capital, while in the second case, it is due to high birth rates in the southern regions of the country. A significant role in the population increase in these areas is played by the influx of people from the neighboring territories of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
The situation in Osh region requires separate explanation. The population decrease of 5.2% from 1991 to 2005 is related to the fact that in 1991, Batken region was part of Osh region. However, examining the dynamics of the population in Osh region from 2000 to 2005, there was an increase of 8%.
A slowed population growth was noted in Naryn region — by 0.9%, and in Talas region — by 5.1%. The decrease in population in Issyk-Kul and Chui regions is primarily associated with the migration of residents from these regions to Bishkek. Additionally, many Russian-speaking residents and Germans from Talas, Issyk-Kul, and Chui regions have left the Kyrgyz Republic. This situation is primarily due to economic reasons: a decline in production volumes, worsening socio-economic conditions, and a low standard of living for the population.
Thus, the demographic situation in the country is as follows: the southern regions account for about 62% of the population growth; the northern part of the country is experiencing a population decline; by the beginning of 2005, the country's population growth was 27.5%. Bishkek occupies a special position, where the population increases every year due to the intense influx of internal migrants. In 2000, the largest share of migration growth in the capital came from Issyk-Kul region — 26%, Naryn region — 19%, Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Talas regions — 13-15%, Chui region — 7%, and Batken region — 6%. By the beginning of 2005, 14,805 people had moved to the capital, and 8,960 people to Chui region. Bishkek's infrastructure is under immense strain, as it is not designed to handle such an influx of people.
The country is experiencing population aging. The main reason for this is the decline in birth rates. For instance, in 1989, the population aged 65 and older constituted 5%, while in 2005 it was 5.6%. The situation is exacerbated by the increasing aging process in rural areas, which is due to the active emigration of youth and working-age individuals to Bishkek, Russia, and Kazakhstan.
Although the number of children and adolescents aged 0-15 years has significantly decreased during the observed period (due to declining birth rates): from 38% in 1991 to 34% in 2005, the population of the Kyrgyz Republic is demographically young: 33.7% are children and adolescents, 58.5% are of working age, and 8.3% are older than working age.
It should be noted that there is a trend of increasing the proportion of the working-age population from 50.3% in 1991 to 58.5% in 2005. This is due to a surge in birth rates in the mid-1980s. Overall, the age structure pyramid of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic remains positive compared to countries with a higher proportion of the population over working age.
Kyrgyzstan is a multinational state, home to representatives of more than 90 nationalities and ethnic groups. Over the years of independence, changes in the ethnic structure of the population have significantly impacted the development of the demographic situation (see Fig. 2.13). The number of Russian-speaking residents has nearly halved. Many regions of the country are gradually becoming mono-ethnic. For example, in Naryn region, the Russian population was 2,600 in 1991, but by the beginning of 2005, only 366 Russians remained. Recognizing the importance of preserving a polyethnic and multicultural society, the government, with the support of international organizations and NGOs, has undertaken a number of radical measures.
1. An important step in managing ethnic development and interethnic relations was the establishment of the Assembly of the People of Kyrgyzstan (ANK) in 1994. This public organization is intended to shape the ethnic policy of Kyrgyzstan.
2. In 2000, the Russian language was granted the status of an official, effectively the second state language. The recognition of Russian as a language of interethnic communication promotes the development of intercultural dialogue and helps to retain the Russian-speaking population in the country.
3. In 2004, at the IV Kurultai of the People of Kyrgyzstan, a draft concept titled "Foundations of Ethnic Development of the Kyrgyz Republic" was adopted. This document contains a general vision, key principles, and directions within which the ethnic development of the country should be carried out.
4. An organization of Ethnic Development Councils (EDC) has been created under local self-government bodies (LSG).
