The Kyrgyz Republic, with its capital in Bishkek, is located in Central Asia and is bordered to the north by Kazakhstan, to the west by Uzbekistan, to the south by Tajikistan, and to the east by the People's Republic of China. The current population of the Kyrgyz Republic is 7,295,034. Kyrgyz is the official language of the country, while Russian is also an official language of communication among the various ethnic groups that make up the Kyrgyz people. Kyrgyzstan's terrain is characterized by mountainous terrain, which covers approximately 90% of the country's area, including the Tian Shan Mountain range. It is also distinguished by its breathtaking natural attractions, which reflect the majesty of God. It contains glaciers, mountain pastures, national parks, and numerous rivers and lakes, the most famous of which is Lake Issyk-Kul, a large, deep lake that never freezes throughout the year. The climate in the Kyrgyz Republic is considered continental, with cold winters and hot summers. The Kyrgyz Republic gained independence from the Soviet Union on August 31, 1991. It is a presidential republic with Sadyr Japarov as its current president. The political system is a multi-party democracy. The official currency is the Kyrgyz som. The main economic sectors are agriculture (fruits, vegetables, livestock), mining, especially gold, hydropower, and remittances from Kyrgyzstan, particularly from Russia. Most of the population is Muslim (Sunni), with a Russian Orthodox minority. The literacy rate among the Kyrgyz people is over 98%. Kyrgyz society is characterized by deep-rooted traditional cultures, including, but not limited to, the yurt, or nomadic tents, widespread in rural areas, and national games such as kokboru, a horse polo game. The Manas epic is the most popular and revered by the Kyrgyz people. It is a famous heroic poem that tells the story of the greatness and struggle of the Kyrgyz people. Komuz music, which uses a stringed instrument, is beloved by the Kyrgyz people.