Being a secular and multi ethnic country, Kyrgyzstan by its legislation and political practice provides a variety of opportunities for all human freedoms, including freedom of faith and belief. Islam has sat relatively lightly on the Kyrgyz people because of their nomadic culture and traditions. The main confessions practiced - Islam and Christianity - relate to each other in a friendly way and are both integral parts of society. The Kyrgyz language has not been imposed forcely on non-speakers, and the use of Russian and other languages is without any obstacles. The Central Asian literature has traditionally been popularized in the form of songs, poems and stories by itinerant minstrels, called akyn. But the Kyrgyz are also associated with something rather more complex - an cycle of oral legends, 20 times longer than the Odyssey, about a hero-of-heroes called “Manas”, who is still a figure for the Kyrgyz to relate their dreams to. Kyrgyzstan is a country of world renowned author - Chinghiz Aitmatov, whose novel Djamilia was and is to present day an international bestseller.

Central Asian food resembles that of the Middle East or the Mediterranean in its use of rice, savory seasonings, vegetables and legumes, yoghurt and grilled meats. The food eaten in Kyrgyzstan has developed from the subsistence diet of the nomads - mainly meat (including entrails), milk products and bread. Kyrgyz cuisine is not particularly subtle - a bland meal of meat and potatoes may be livened up with a spicy side dish. Tea is ubiquitous, usually served without milk. You may come across kumys, fermented mare's milk, a mildly alcoholic drink available only in spring and summer when mares are foaling. Bozo, a thick, yeasty concoction made from fermented millet, is available year round.

Public holidays in Kyrgyzstan include Constitution Day (5 May), commemoration of the end of WWII on Victory Day (9 May), Armed Forces Day (29 May) and Kyrgyzstan Independence Day (31 August). The spring festival of Noorus ('New Days') is an Islamic adaptation of pre-Islamic vernal equinox or renewal celebrations. It can include traditional games, music and drama festivals, street art and colorful fairs. Important Muslim holy days, scheduled according to the lunar calendar, include Ramadan, the month of sunrise to sunset fasting; Eid-ul-Fitr (or Orozo Ait), the celebrations marking the end of Ramadan; and Eid-ul-Azha, the feast of sacrifice, when those who can afford to, slaughter an animal and share it with relatives and the poor. The orthodox Christmas is also celebrated as national holiday in Kyrgyzstan.