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Kyrgyzstan: Bakiyev Courts Support of Believers
BY ALISHER KHAMIDOV
With Kyrgyzstan’s July 23 presidential election fast approaching, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s administration is trying to court the support of Muslims, while cracking down on suspected members of radical Islamic groups.

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ALMANAC FACTS
Area: 198,999 sq km (76,834 sq mi)
Population: 5,081,429
Capital: Bishkek 589,000
President: Kurmanbek Bakiyev
Religion: Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%
Life Expectancy: 67.84 years
GDP per capita: $1,600
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