Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous country with a population of 7 million, has a harsh continental climate. In winter, temperatures may go below -30°C in the highland villages and approach -5°C in the capital Bishkek. After Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan is the second poorest country in the former CIS (Community of Independent States).The economy is primarily agricultural. The USSR's collapse considerably reduced the country's output. Currently, farming employs half the population and accounts for 35.6% of GDP. Since 2000, the country has experienced a series of energy and food crises.