Kyrgyzstan: History

Kyrgyz people settle in what is now Kyrgyzstan.

Russian forces conquer the area of Kyrgyzstan and incorporate into the Russian empire.

Area of present-day Kyrgyzstan becomes part of the Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR).

Kirgiz Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR), also known as Kirgizia, becomes a constituent republic within USSR.

Kyrgyzstan acquires its present name, dropping Kirgiza, and declares independence.

Kyrgyzstan joins the United Nations and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; economic reform program launched.

The Russian rouble is replaced by the som as the unit of currency.

The Kyrgyzstani government signs into law a deal to allow the US to continue using Manas airbase to support troops in Afghanistan, after the US agreed to more than triple the annual rent it pays for the base to $60m (£37m). The base is later on closed in 2014 due to the unrest in the country's area.

Government grants U.S. and allied forces the right to establish a base at Manas to conduct operations against the Taliban and al-Qaeda. 

Russian air base is established in Kyrgyzstan to support a Commonwealth of Independent States rapid reaction force to defend countries from Islamist guerrillas. 

The Tulip Revolution leads to the collapse of the Akayev government, making the president flee the country and resign. Kurmanbek Bekiyev is chosen as president in July.  

Kyrgyzstan holds its first parliamentary elections under the new constitution, resulting in an election without violence or significant voting irregularities. 

U.S. forces withdraw from the base established in 2001.