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Kyrgyzstan on the Threshold of an Aging Population: Government Develops Active Longevity Program

Kyrgyzstan is approaching a demographic milestone as the proportion of elderly citizens grows. In response to this shift, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration has developed the State Program of Active Longevity for 2025-2030, which has been submitted for public discussion. Demographic Trends and Projections According to the National Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan’s population at the beginning of 2024 stood at 7.162 million. Of this, 407,800 citizens (5.7%) were aged 65 and older. The United Nations (UN) classification considers a country to be “on the threshold of old age” when this age group comprises between 4% and 7% of the population. Once it exceeds 7%, the country is categorized as having an aging population. Forecasts suggest that by 2030, Kyrgyzstan’s 65+ population will be close to this threshold, and by 2050, it may reach 19%, while the proportion of children is expected to decline from 33% to 22%. Challenges of an Aging Society As the population ages, Kyrgyzstan faces several challenges, including: Declining workforce: A shrinking number of working-age citizens may place economic strain on the labor market. Increased demographic burden: Fewer workers supporting a growing elderly population could impact productivity and economic growth. Rising social security and healthcare costs: Increased demand for pensions, medical services, and elderly care will require policy adjustments. Labor market adaptation: Strategies will be needed to integrate older workers and extend their economic participation. Strengthening intergenerational ties: Social policies may need to promote solidarity between younger and older generations. The State Program of Active Longevity The State Program of Active Longevity (2025-2030) aims to establish strategic policies to enhance the quality of life for older citizens. The document outlines three key focus areas: Encouraging Active Aging: Initiatives to promote employment, volunteering, and social engagement among older adults. Ensuring Health and Social Well-being: Expanding access to healthcare, preventive medicine, and social support services. Creating Conditions for a Dignified Life in Old Age: Enhancing pension security, housing, and accessibility infrastructure for elderly citizens. With Kyrgyzstan on the cusp of demographic aging, long-term planning and policy reforms will be essential to ensure social and economic stability in the years ahead.

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Russia Remains Top Destination for 600,000 Kyrgyz Migrant Workers

A total of 600,000 Kyrgyz citizens are currently living abroad, with Russia remaining the primary destination for Kyrgyz labor migrants, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security, and Migration, Bakyt Darmankul uulu, said at a press conference last week, citing data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of the end of 2024, 379,949 Kyrgyz nationals were registered with Russian migration authorities. According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Labor, the distribution of Kyrgyz migrants in other countries is as follows: Kazakhstan - approximately 70,000 Turkey - around 32,000 United States - about 40,000 South Korea - more than 17,000 Germany - about 15,000 United Arab Emirates (UAE) - more than 10,000 The Role of Remittances in Kyrgyzstan’s Economy Labor migration remains a vital source of income for many Kyrgyz households, with remittances playing a crucial role in the country’s economic development. According to a recent World Bank report analyzing migration trends in Europe and Central Asia, remittances from labor migrants accounted for 24% of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP in 2024. The report also highlights that the poverty rate among Kyrgyz households with an international migrant is currently below 10% but would exceed 50% without remittances. Shifting Migration Trends In recent years, many Kyrgyz and other Central Asian migrants have left Russia, due to the country’s economic downturn, stricter regulations, and rising anti-immigrant sentiment. As a result, an increasing number of migrants from Central Asia are opting for alternative destinations such as Turkey, South Korea, and various European countries.

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Kazakh Theatrical Performance Breaks Annual Record

The play Gauhartas, directed by Kazakhstani theater artist Askhat Maemirov, has been staged over 250 times within a year, marking a record achievement in Kazakhstan’s theater industry. This widely acclaimed production is an adaptation of a work by esteemed Kazakh writer, Dulat Isabekov. His story depicts the life of a Kazakh family during the Soviet period, shedding light on the struggles of ethnic minorities under an authoritarian regime. In 1975, the Kazakhfilm studio produced a movie based on this work. With every show selling out, the play has already drawn nearly 75,000 spectators. It has been performed in several major cities across Kazakhstan, including Aktau, Atyrau, Oral, Taldykorgan, and Almaty. Plans are now in place to present the production on an international stage. “In this production, we emphasize the significance of family and cultural values in Kazakh society,” said the director of the musical drama. “We examine the roles of mothers and fathers, questioning their responsibilities and influence. By portraying the life of an ordinary Kazakh family, we aim to reflect deeper human emotions. At its core, the play conveys the importance of safeguarding love and happiness within the home.” Though Gauhartas was first introduced to readers fifty years ago, its themes remain highly relevant today. The dynamics of family life and the bond between parents and children continue to be timeless subjects in literature and theater, and currently, many young people in Kazakhstan are coming to watch this play. [caption id="attachment_29683" align="aligncenter" width="1023"] Image: TCA, Duisenali Alimakyn[/caption] This work was written by the recently deceased Kazakh writer, Dulat Isabekov, when he was 25 years old while serving in the military near Moscow. Depicting Kazakh society, including one family’s internal resistance to the system and the impact of Soviet society on people, this work became one of the author’s timeless creations. The play offers a fresh perspective to Kazakh audiences by addressing the issue of women’s equality. It delves into the fractured relationship between society, a father, and a son, highlighting their inability to connect and understand one another, ultimately leading to tragedy. In essence, this work looks back at the past, aligns with the present, and paves the way for a hopeful future.

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Uzbekistan and Hungary Use Nobel-Winning Discovery to Develop Health Supplements

Scientists from Uzbekistan and Hungary are collaborating to develop new health supplements derived from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a plant known for its medicinal properties. The research is being conducted by the Pharmaceutical Institute of Tashkent and Hungary’s Meditop Pharmaceutical Ltd. The project is based on the groundbreaking work of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering artemisinin, a compound extracted from sweet wormwood that effectively treats malaria. The joint initiative aims to produce antiseptic and anti-inflammatory supplements in various forms, including capsules, ointments, hydrogels, mouthwashes, and ear drops. These products are classified as food supplements rather than medicines. Currently, researchers are testing the active compounds on animals to evaluate their effectiveness. While still in the early stages of development, with prototypes being tested, mass production is planned to take place in Uzbekistan using Hungarian pharmaceutical expertise. It remains uncertain whether all prototypes will reach large-scale production, but both sides express optimism about the project’s potential. This collaboration is part of a broader partnership between the two countries. In 2023, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov announced plans to establish a special industrial zone in Uzbekistan for Hungarian companies. Sweet wormwood has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Chinese medicine, where it has been employed to treat fever and infections. In recent years, artemisinin has been investigated not only for malaria treatment but also for its potential applications in cancer therapy and respiratory health, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Home Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Features

Kyrgyzstan Prepares for Spring Field Work

Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, has reported to parliament on the country's preparations for the 2025 spring agricultural season. Key topics discussed included the reconstruction of irrigation facilities, the availability of fuel, seeds, and fertilizers, and the issuance of soft loans for purchasing agricultural machinery. According to Torobaev, the government has secured 42,000 tons of diesel fuel and 12,000 tons of gasoline to support farmers. This year’s total sowing area will cover 1.25 million hectares, an increase of 3,300 hectares from the previous year, which is expected to result in a larger harvest. Irrigation System Challenges Judging by questions raised by deputies from various regions, the main concern for farmers remains irrigation water supply. The discussion covered the construction of additional irrigation canals and the overall condition of the country’s irrigation system. Last year, a drought and deteriorating irrigation infrastructure led to significant water shortages for farmers, prompting widespread criticism of the Ministry of Agriculture. In response, the ministry developed a plan to construct dozens of Seasonal Regulation Basins, reservoirs designed to store excess water from snowmelt and rainfall for use in dry months. By 2028, the ministry aims to build 106 of these reservoirs. Seed and Fertilizer Supply Deputies also inquired about the availability of seeds ahead of spring planting. Torobaev gave assurances that 90% of the required seed volume has already been secured, and there will be no shortages of seeds, fertilizers, or pesticides. “This year, 64,600 tons of grain seeds will be sown. As of today, 58,500 tons have been accumulated, ensuring 91% of the required supply. For crops such as cereals, rice, tobacco, legumes, and soybeans, we are fully stocked at 100%,” Torobaev stated. Additionally, more than 12 million fruit and berry seedlings have been prepared for planting in state nurseries, with mineral fertilizers and pesticides actively being stocked. Advancements in Irrigation In southern Kyrgyzstan, enhanced water-saving irrigation has already begun. This technique involves providing crops with a high volume of water early in the growing season, which promotes better growth, increases stress resistance, and improves soil structure.

Central Asia Life & Culture Kazakhstan Life & Culture Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan to Require Parents to Purchase Special SIM Cards for Children

Kazakhstan plans to introduce special SIM cards for children, limiting their access to the internet. Deputy Minister of Education Yedil Ospan announced the initiative on March 12, stating that discussions are ongoing with authorized government agencies as part of a comprehensive plan. “We assume that operators should issue special SIM cards intended for use by children. That is, a parent will be obliged to buy these very SIM cards for their children,” Ospan said. According to him, these SIM cards will include built-in security filters restricting access to inappropriate content, including certain websites and social networks. Parents will also be able to monitor their child’s phone usage and track their location through a dedicated application. Ospan emphasized that while Kazakhstan already offers children’s mobile plans with access to educational resources, they do not provide full control over internet safety. The new initiative aims to enhance digital protection for minors. Research from Kazakhstan Kids Online indicates that official access to digital platforms is permitted from age 13. However, 60% of children aged 9-10 and 66% of those aged 11-12 already have personal internet accounts. In response, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with experts, is developing legislative amendments to strengthen internet safety measures for children. The introduction of child-specific SIM cards is part of broader efforts to regulate mobile communications in Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Digital Development has also proposed limiting individuals to a maximum of 10 SIM cards, although this measure remains under discussion.