Kyrgyzstan is divided into seven regions (Kyrgyz: облус, romanized: oblus; Russian: область, romanized: oblast).[1] The capital, Bishkek, is administered as an independent city of republican significance, as well as being the capital of Chüy Region. Osh also has independent city status since 2003.[2]
The regions, with their areas, census populations and capitals, are as follows:
Each region is further divided into districts (rayon), administered by government-appointed officials. Rural communities (ayyl aymagy) consisting of up to twenty small settlements have their own elected mayors and councils.