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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.

Finance economic statistics salary Economy

Kazakhstan Leads Central Asia in Average Salaries

Kazakhstan continues to hold the top position in terms of average wages among Central Asian countries, according to a study conducted by analysts at Ranking.kz. Wage Comparisons Across Central Asia Data from the Interstate Statistical Committee of the CIS reveals that as of September 2024, Kazakhstan's average nominal monthly salary stood at $817.20. This figure is nearly twice as high as in Uzbekistan ($437.80) and Kyrgyzstan ($411.20). Tajikistan trails significantly behind, with an average salary of just $242.80 - 3.4 times lower than Kazakhstan’s. Notably, the wage gap between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan would have been even greater if not for a significant increase in Tajik wages. Over the past year, nominal salaries in Tajikistan rose by 24.9%, while real wages increased by 21.1% - the highest growth rate in the region. In comparison, wage growth in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan was more moderate. Data on salaries in Turkmenistan remains unavailable as the country has not updated its wage statistics since 2023. Minimum Wage Comparison Kazakhstan also leads the region in terms of minimum wages. In 2024, the minimum wage in Kazakhstan is 85,000 KZT ($181.10). By contrast: In Uzbekistan, the minimum wage is $89.40. In Tajikistan, it is $54.90. In Kyrgyzstan, it is just $28.30. In Turkmenistan, the official minimum wage is reported as $402.90, based on the fixed exchange rate of 3.5 TMT per dollar. However, due to the country’s reliance on a "black market" exchange rate (approximately 19 TMT per dollar), the actual minimum wage is estimated to be much lower, around $74.20. Sectoral Analysis When analyzing nominal salaries by economic sector, the highest wages in the region are found in finance and insurance. In Kazakhstan, the average salary in this sector exceeds $1,700 - three times higher than in Tajikistan ($561.90). Workers in Kazakhstan's mining industry also enjoy high incomes. In Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the financial sector and IT industry offer the highest salaries. Meanwhile, in Tajikistan, relatively high wages are reported in the manufacturing and service sectors. Inflation and Its Impact Inflation remains a key factor affecting the real purchasing power of wages across Central Asia. According to the CIS Interstate Statistical Committee, the most significant price increases in 2024 occurred in the economically developed countries of the region - Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan: Inflation reached 7.7% in October 2024. Kazakhstan: Inflation stood at 6.6%. Kyrgyzstan: Inflation was lower at 4.2%. Tajikistan: The region’s lowest inflation rate was recorded at 3.2%. These inflation rates directly influence the population's purchasing power, even in countries with higher nominal salaries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan’s leadership in wages and minimum income underscores its position as the most economically advanced country in Central Asia. However, inflation and significant disparities in income distribution between sectors and regions remain challenges. While countries like Tajikistan are showing progress in wage growth, the overall gap in earnings between Central Asian nations continues to highlight economic inequalities within the region.

Foreign trade turnover statistics International trade Economy

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Trade Turnover Grows by 3.8% in 2024

Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover (FTT) reached $65.9 billion in 2024, reflecting an increase of $2.4 billion, or 3.8%, compared to the previous year, according to the Statistics Agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Exports totaled $26.95 billion, an 8.4% increase year-on-year, while imports amounted to $38.99 billion, representing a modest rise of 0.8%. China and Russia remain Uzbekistan’s top trading partners, with Kazakhstan emerging as a key partner in third place. Uzbekistan conducts trade with 198 countries, with China accounting for 18.9% of its FTT, followed by Russia (17.6%), Kazakhstan (6.5%), Turkey (4.5%), and South Korea (3.0%). Trade with state members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) reached $17.5 billion in 2024. Of this, $5.83 billion came from exports, while imports amounted to $11.66 billion. In 2024, natural gas trade played a significant role in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade activities. The country exported $628 million worth of gas but imported $1.68 billion worth, more than 2.5 times the value of its exports. Gas imports rose sharply, increasing 2.4 times compared to 2023. Purchases of natural gas from Turkmenistan and Russia surged from $694.9 million in 2023 to $1.68 billion in 2024.

passport visas statistics

Kazakhstan Leads Central Asia in Global Passport Power Ranking 2025

Kazakhstan has secured the top spot among Central Asian countries, ranking 52nd globally in the latest Passport Index by Canadian consulting firm Arton Capital. The ranking evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access visa-free or with a visa on arrival. Kazakhstan’s passport allows visa-free travel to 46 countries and visa-on-arrival access to 50 more, totaling 96 destinations. However, Kazakh citizens still require visas for 102 destinations. Uzbekistan ranks 68th, climbing two places from 2024. Uzbek passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 32 countries and can obtain visas on arrival for 46 more. Visas are required for 120 destinations. Kyrgyzstan stands at 78th in the global ranking. Its citizens can travel visa-free to 30 countries and obtain visas on arrival in 48. Like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz nationals need visas for 120 destinations. Tajikistan ranks 80th, with its citizens able to visit 27 countries visa-free and 46 with a visa on arrival. Tajik nationals require visas for 125 destinations. Turkmenistan is 85th globally, the lowest among Central Asian nations. Turkmen passport holders have visa-free access to 18 countries and visa-on-arrival privileges for 50 destinations but need visas for 130 countries. Globally, the United Arab Emirates retains its position as the most powerful passport, followed by Spain, France, Germany, and Belgium. Several countries share the same rank; for instance, German, Belgian, and Italian citizens can visit 133 countries visa-free and obtain visas on arrival in 45 countries.

statistics Shadow Economy GDP Government Economy

Kyrgyzstan Reports Decrease in Shadow Economy

Kyrgyzstan’s non-observed (shadow) economy, excluding the agricultural sector, accounted for 19.2% of GDP in 2023, marking a 1% decrease from 2022’s 20.2%, according to the latest data from the National Statistical Committee. The Committee attributes this improvement primarily to reductions in shadow activities within key sectors: wholesale and retail trade and motor vehicle repair by 0.5%, construction by 0.4%, and transportation and cargo storage by 0.2%. Historical data reveals a steady decline in the shadow economy’s share of GDP over recent years, estimated at 20.4% in 2021, 20.1% in 2020, and 22.8% in 2019. Shadow economic activities in Kyrgyzstan are concentrated in sectors such as trade, car repair, transportation, construction, processing industries, hospitality, and various services. Discrepancies persist, however, in shadow economy estimates. In January 2024, Minister of Economy and Commerce Daniyar Amangeldiev noted that international financial institutions assessed Kyrgyzstan’s shadow economy as comprising 60% to 70% of GDP. He explained this divergence by citing differences in methodologies used by the National Statistical Committee and international organizations to calculate the informal economy's size. Although the National Statistical Committee has yet to publish its shadow economy assessment for 2024, Minister Amangeldiyev recently highlighted the positive impacts of a shrinking shadow economy. He credited it, alongside growing trade volumes, with contributing to Kyrgyzstan’s GDP growth last year. For context, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration estimates Kyrgyzstan’s informal economy at 25% to 72% of GDP, underscoring the challenge of accurately quantifying this sector.

statistics Quality of Life Family Society Social

Marriage Trends in Kazakhstan: What Young People Value Most

The Research Center “Youth” has published a survey examining the perspectives of young Kazakhs on marriage and divorce. Ranking.kz analysts analyzed the main points of this research, shedding light on the preferences and values of the younger generation in Kazakhstan. According to the survey, 78% of respondents view formal marriage registration as essential, while only 15% accept civil unions. When selecting a life partner, key considerations included age (53.9%), appearance (45.4%), and nationality (39.4%). Notably, factors such as mutual love and moral values were cited by fewer than 1% of participants. Gender-Based Preferences Women prioritized their partner's age, financial stability (30.6%), career prospects (22.9%), and even gender (18.7%). Men, meanwhile, focused on their partner's physical attractiveness and youth but also emphasized the social status of the future spouse's family (17.1%) and lineage (24.6%). Trends in Marriage and Divorce Kazakhstan has seen a decline in its marriage rate, dropping from 9.9 marriages per 1,000 people in 2013 to 5.7 in the first half of 2024. Analysts attribute this to the smaller generation born between 1995 and 2000, which tends to marry later in life. The average age at first marriage has increased from 26.7 years in 2003 to 27.8 years for men in 2023, and from 23.9 years to 25.2 years for women. Divorce rates have fluctuated over the past 20 years, correlating with marriage statistics. Between 2013 and 2018, over 51,000 divorces were registered annually. However, this number dropped to 40,200 in 2023, before rising again in the first half of 2024 - 2.3 times higher than during the same period in 2023. Causes of Divorce The survey identified adultery (61%), physical violence (51%), and substance abuse (48%) as the leading causes of divorce. Women were more likely to cite physical (62.1%) and psychological (37.7%) violence, as well as gambling addiction (37.1%). Men highlighted personality incompatibility (36%) and lack of love (30.2%). The Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development (KIPD) corroborated these findings, adding a lack of mutual understanding (24%), interference from parents (10.4%), infertility (11%), and cohabitation with relatives (5.6%) as additional factors. Despite these challenges, 14% of respondents stated that divorce is unacceptable under any circumstances.