Overview of Turkmenistan

Profile

The Karakum Desert covers 85% of the country, with populations concentrated in Caspian Sea coastal areas and southern mountain-foot oases. The economy relies heavily on resources, backed by the world's 4th-5th largest natural gas reserves, and the capital Ashgabat features unique cityscape lined with white marble modern architecture. Since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, a strong presidential system and one-party dominance continue, with strict control over media and internet.

Official name: Turkmenistan
Common name: Turkmenistan
Numeric code: 795
Alpha-3 code: TKM
Alpha-2 code: TM
Population: Approx. 7 million (2022)
Population density: Approx. 14/km2
Primary languages: Turkmen
Major religions: Sunni Islam
National anthem: Independent, Neutral, Turkmenistan State Anthem
Calling code: +993
Internet TLD: .tm

History

Flourished as a crossroads of Silk Road trade, experienced Russian Empire and Soviet Union rule, and gained independence in 1991.

Experienced the rise and fall of many empires including ancient Persia, Seljuk, and Timurid, with oasis cities like Merv and Nisa serving as some of the largest academic and commercial centers in the medieval Islamic world. Annexed by Russia in the late 19th century, it became Turkmen SSR as a Soviet constituent republic in 1924. Gained independence upon the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and was recognized as a permanently neutral state by the United Nations in 1995.

Geography & climate

Karakum Desert covers most of the country, with Kopet Dag mountains in south and oases scattered in northeastern Amu Darya basin.

Desert climate (temperate desert)

Area: Asia / 491210 km²
Capital: Ashgabat
Largest city: Ashgabat
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Sarygamysh Lake
Bordering countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran

Natural resources

Natural gas, Petroleum, Rock salt, Sulfur, Gypsum, Limestone, Gravel, Wind energy, Solar radiation, Groundwater oases

Politics

Government: Republic with strong presidential powers (one-party dominant)

Economy

Currency: Turkmenistan Manat (TMT)

GDP (nominal): 53.1 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 134.3 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Turkmen

Time zone: Turkmenistan Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Turkmen, Uzbek, Russian, Kazakh, Tatar, Armenian

Life expectancy

71 years

Literacy rate

99.7%

National sports

Akhal-Teke horse racing, Football, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Muay Thai, Ice hockey