# Balykchy

> city in Kyrgyzstan

**Wikidata**: [Q805876](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q805876)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balykchy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/balykchy

## Summary
Balykchy is a city in Kyrgyzstan, located in the Issyk-Kul Region. It has a population of 54,132 as of 2023 and covers an area of 38 square kilometers. The city is known by various aliases, including Ketmaldy, and has historical administrative affiliations with the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic and earlier administrative divisions.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Balykchy is classified as a city.
- **Area**: The city has a total area of 38 square kilometers.
- **Population**:
  - 54,132 (2023)
  - 51,305 (2021)
  - 42,380 (2009)
  - 42,438 (1989)
  - 33,319 (1979)
  - 28,164 (1970)
  - 17,872 (1959)
  - 5,426 (1939)
- **Coordinates**: Located at approximately 42.4667° N, 76.1833° E.
- **Elevation**: The city is situated at an elevation of 1,900 meters above sea level.
- **Timezone**: Balykchy operates on UTC+06:00.
- **Postal Code**: The postal code for Balykchy is 721900.
- **Administrative History**:
  - Capital of Issyk-Kul Region (1989–1992)
  - Located in Issyk-Kul Region (since 1970)
  - Previously part of Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic (1962–1970)
  - Earlier part of Q4077046 (1930–1962)
  - Formerly part of Q4213915 (1926–1930)
- **Identifiers**:
  - FAST ID: 1875739
  - VIAF ID: 315149481
  - Geonames ID: 1527004
  - GNS Unique Feature ID: -2333239
  - OpenStreetMap Node ID: 247786262
  - UN/LOCODE: KGBYK
  - Who’s On First ID: 421202011
- **Official Names**:
  - Иссык-Куль (1989–1992)
  - Рыбачье (before 1989)
- **Local Dialing Code**: 3944
- **Wikipedia Title**: Balykchy
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in 28 languages, including Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, and Russian.

## FAQs
- **What is the population of Balykchy?**
  The city had a population of 54,132 as of 2023, with previous estimates including 51,305 in 2021 and 42,380 in 2009.

- **Where is Balykchy located?**
  Balykchy is situated in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan, with coordinates approximately 42.4667° N, 76.1833° E.

- **What is the area of Balykchy?**
  The city covers an area of 38 square kilometers.

- **What are the official names of Balykchy?**
  The city was officially known as Иссык-Куль from 1989 to 1992 and as Рыбачье before that.

- **What is the timezone of Balykchy?**
  Balykchy operates on UTC+06:00.

- **What is the postal code of Balykchy?**
  The postal code for Balykchy is 721900.

- **What are the administrative affiliations of Balykchy?**
  Balykchy was the capital of the Issyk-Kul Region from 1989 to 1992 and is currently located within the Issyk-Kul Region. It has historical ties to the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic and earlier administrative divisions.

## Why It Matters
Balykchy serves as an administrative and cultural hub in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan. Its population has fluctuated over the years, reflecting broader demographic trends in the region. The city's historical administrative roles, including its period as the capital of the Issyk-Kul Region, highlight its significance in regional governance. Balykchy's geographic and demographic data provide insights into urban development and population dynamics in Kyrgyzstan.

## Notable For
- **Administrative History**: Balykchy was the capital of the Issyk-Kul Region from 1989 to 1992.
- **Population Growth**: The city's population has seen significant changes, with notable increases in the 1970s and 1980s.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Balykchy is located at a specific latitude and longitude, providing precise geographic data.
- **Elevation**: The city's elevation of 1,900 meters above sea level is a key geographic feature.
- **Postal Code**: The postal code 721900 is unique to Balykchy, aiding in postal services.
- **Local Dialing Code**: The local dialing code 3944 is specific to Balykchy, facilitating local communication.

## Body
### Geography
Balykchy is situated in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan, with precise coordinates of 42.4667° N, 76.1833° E. The city covers an area of 38 square kilometers and is located at an elevation of 1,900 meters above sea level. These geographic details provide a clear understanding of Balykchy's location and physical characteristics.

### Demographics
The population of Balykchy has varied over time, with notable figures including 54,132 in 2023, 51,305 in 2021, and 42,380 in 2009. Earlier population estimates include 42,438 in 1989, 33,319 in 1979, 28,164 in 1970, 17,872 in 1959, and 5,426 in 1939. These data points illustrate the city's demographic trends and changes.

### Administrative History
Balykchy has had significant administrative affiliations, including being the capital of the Issyk-Kul Region from 1989 to 1992. It is currently located within the Issyk-Kul Region, having been part of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic from 1962 to 1970. Earlier, it was affiliated with Q4077046 from 1930 to 1962 and Q4213915 from 1926 to 1930. These historical affiliations provide context for Balykchy's administrative evolution.

### Identifiers and Codes
Balykchy is associated with various identifiers and codes, including:
- **FAST ID**: 1875739
- **VIAF ID**: 315149481
- **Geonames ID**: 1527004
- **GNS Unique Feature ID**: -2333239
- **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 247786262
- **UN/LOCODE**: KGBYK
- **Who’s On First ID**: 421202011
- **Postal Code**: 721900
- **Local Dialing Code**: 3944

These identifiers and codes are essential for administrative, geographic, and communication purposes.

### Official Names
Balykchy has had official names that reflect its historical and administrative changes. From 1989 to 1992, it was officially known as Иссык-Куль, and before that, it was called Рыбачье. These names provide insight into the city's administrative and cultural evolution.

### Wikipedia and Language Availability
Balykchy's Wikipedia page is titled "Balykchy" and is available in 28 languages, including Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, and Russian. This multilingual availability enhances accessibility and knowledge sharing about the city.

### Significance and Impact
Balykchy's role as a regional administrative center and its demographic trends provide valuable insights into urban development and population dynamics in Kyrgyzstan. Its geographic and administrative history contribute to the broader understanding of the region's evolution.

## References

1. GEOnet Names Server. 2018
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. census of Kyrgyzstan 2009
5. 1939 Soviet census
6. 1959 Soviet census
7. 1970 Soviet census
8. 1979 Soviet census
9. 1989 Soviet census
10. 1999 census of Kyrgyzstan
11. Great dictionary of geographical names
12. GeoNames
13. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/kg.htm)