Kyrgyzstan
WEC International
July 2021
Dungan in Central Asia
Though originating in the Kansu and Shensi provinces of north-western China, the Dungan now live mostly in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. They speak a variant of Mandarin Chinese and are primarily arable farmers. The Dungan in Kazakhstan are more committed to Islam than are those in Kyrgyzstan, and the older generation observe Islamic law strictly, but young people tend to be more indifferent to Islam. Pray for the development of ministry to Dungan communities and for an open door for the gospel. Pray too that God will give creative ideas to local Christians living in these countries, as they seek to reach the younger Dungan generation who are more open to change.
WEC International
February 2021
Dungan/Hui people of Central Asia
The Muslim Dungan originated in the Gansu and Shaanxi provinces of north-western China. Today, Dungan from those areas live in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Here they speak a dialect of Mandarin Chinese and are primarily arable farmers. Many raise dairy cattle, too, and some also grow opium. They are well known for their hospitality. The Dungan in Kazakhstan are more committed to Islam than are those in Kyrgyzstan. The older people observe Islamic law strictly and the elders run village mosques, but young people tend to be indifferent towards Islam. Pray for the Dungan: that they will be open to the gospel and have many opportunities to hear the good news of Jesus.
Organisations with connections in Kyrgyzstan
Population: 6,019,480 (2016 est)
Literacy: 97%
Official languages: Kyrgyz, Russian
GDP (PPP) per capita: $3,669 (2017 est.)
Life expectancy: 69 years
Religions: 75% Muslim, 20% Russian Orthodox, 5% other religions