[1] The main highway runs from the Chinese border at Torugart Pass north to Balykchy on Lake Issyk-Kul.

The economy is dominated by animal herding (sheep, horses, yaks), with wool and meat as the main products.

Mining of various minerals developed during the Soviet era has largely been abandoned as uneconomical.

[4] It boasts mountains, alpine pastures, and Song Köl Lake which during summer months attracts large herds of sheep and horses with their herders and yurts.

[1] According to the 2009 Census, the ethnic composition of the Naryn Region (de jure population) was:[3] The economically active population of Naryn Region in 2009 was 106,673, of which 96,862 were employed and 9,811 (9.2%) were unemployed.