The Kyrgyz Republic declared independence on 31 August 1991. Kyrgyzstan is an independent, secular, democratic and lawful state.
Arak (Kyrgyz for Vodka) the most common and popular form of hard alcohol – watch out for Samagonka – home made vodka. When drinking vodka - watch your hosts – Russians tend to drain their glasses – “down in one” – and so do many Kyrgyz – but a lot of Kyrgyz only drink half the glass.
The republic of Kyrgyzstan consists of seven provinces and 40 administrative districts.