The Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked country located in north-eastern Central Asia between two major mountain systems, the Tien Shan and the Pamirs. Over 80% of the country is within the Tian Shan mountain chain and 4% is permanently under ice and snow. The majority of the population lives in the foothills of the mountains, where they are most vulnerable to climate hazards. Forty-three percent of the population lives below the poverty line and 50% are rural dwellers. Agriculture is by far the most important livelihood activity, contributing to one-third of gross domestic product (GDP) and employing 65% of the population. In fact, over half of Kyrgyz Republic’s GDP is derived from climate and weather-sensitive activities. Notably, Kyrgyz Republic experiences between 3,000 and 5,000 earthquakes every year, with large-scale catastrophes taking place every 5-10 years. On average, destruction and loss from natural disasters totals up to US $30-35 million per year.

The State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry of the Kyrgyz Republic (established in 2005) is the focal point for coordination and implementation of environmental and climate change policies. The Law on the State Regulation and Policy of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Absorption (2007) sets the legal framework for national policies that mitigate climate change. The Kyrgyz Republic also submitted their Second National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2007. The country's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution can be found here.