Kyrgyzstan, also known as the Kyrgyz Republic, independent republic in Central Asia, bordered on the north by Kazakhstan, on the east by China, on the south by China and Tajikistan, and on the west by Uzbekistan. It was formerly the Kirgiz Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The total area of Kyrgyzstan is almost completely mountainous and is subject to major earthquakes. Settlement and agriculture are concentrated in the river valleys. Total area is 198,500 sq km (76,641 sq mi). Bishkek (formerly Frunze) is the capital and largest city.