Written By John Bradley
Turkmenistan is bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. It covers about 491,200 square kilometers, ranking as the 52nd largest country globally.
With around 5.6 million people, most reside in urban areas. Ashgabat, the capital, is the most populous city.
The capital, Ashgabat, is known for its modern architecture, including the Golden Mosque and the Palace of Happiness.
Turkmen is the official language, part of the Oghuz Turkic family. Russian remains widely spoken, especially among older generations.
The Turkmenistan manat (TMT) replaced the Russian ruble in 2009, marking a significant economic shift.
Authoritarian Governance: Turkmenistan’s government is a presidential system with strict media control. Serdar Berdimuhamedow has been president since 2022.
The nation thrives on oil and natural gas, though this dependency makes it vulnerable to global market changes.
Once a Silk Road hub, Turkmenistan was part of empires like the Persian and Achaemenid, and later conquered by Alexander the Great and the Mongols.
Dishes like “plov,” “shashlik,” and “kivi” highlight Central Asian and Middle Eastern flavors.
Nowruz and Independence Day on October 27th are major celebrations, reflecting the nation’s cultural pride.
With a literacy rate over 99%, Turkmenistan values education, offering both public and private schooling.
Strict visa policies and limited infrastructure make tourism difficult, despite the country’s rich history.
Turkmenistan has one of the worst human rights records in the world - including for its treatment of minorities, and its lack of press and religious freedoms.
Desertification and pollution pose significant challenges, exacerbated by climate change.
Cotton, wheat, and vegetables are key crops, supported by a thriving livestock industry.
