Part of the Soviet Union until 1991, Kyrgyzstan boasts incredible natural beauty, with its unspoiled mountainscapes, vast glaciers, and pristine lakes. Its history dates back over a thousand years too, increasingly influenced by China, Iran, and the Middle East as it became a crucial part of the Silk Road route. Centuries-old traditions and a semi-nomadic way of life are still going strong here, and despite gaining popularity as a climbing destination, there’s still not much tourism infrastructure here. Well there’s quite a bit you don’t know about this fascinating country but, fear not, we’ve rounded up some of the most interesting facts about Kyrgyzstan to lend a helping hand.