Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous nation dominated by the Tian Shan (Celestial Mountains) range, which covers over 80% of the country. Kyrgyzstan is known for its nomadic heritage, and many people still practice seasonal migration with their livestock. A unique cultural epic is the 'Epic of Manas,' one of the longest poems in history, which tells the story of a legendary hero who united the Kyrgyz tribes. The country is home to Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca; despite its elevation, the lake never freezes due to its slight salinity and thermal activity. Bishkek itself is known for being one of the greenest cities in the former Soviet Union, with wide boulevards and marble-faced public buildings, serving as the gateway to the 'Switzerland of Central Asia.'