Kyrgyzstan, officially the Kyrgyz Republic, is a landlocked country situated in the heart of Central Asia, primarily defined by the dramatic mountain ranges of the Tian Shan and Pamir. It is bordered by China to the east, Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, and Tajikistan to the south. The country's geography is characterized by high plateaus, deep valleys, and glacial meltwater rivers, making it a major center for pastoralism and tourism. The population is predominantly ethnic Kyrgyz, who inhabit a culture deeply connected to nomadic traditions, while the capital, Bishkek, serves as the primary urban hub.