Talas is a small town in northwestern Kyrgyzstan, located in the Talas River valley between two imposing mountain ranges. Its geographical location is 42°31′N 72°14′E / 42.517°N 72.233°E / 42.517; 72.233 and its population is 32,538 (as of 1999). It is the administrative headquarters of Talas province. The town was founded by East Slavic settlers in 1877. To the south is the Besh-Tash (five rocks) valley with the Besh-Tash National Park.