Turkmenistan is a country located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. Geographically, it lies between latitudes 35° and 43° N, and longitudes 52° and 67° E. With an area of about 488,100 square kilometers (188,500 square miles), it is the world’s 52nd-largest country. Its terrain is predominantly flat-to-rolling sandy desert, with mountains to the south and southeast. The Karakum Desert covers much of Turkmenistan’s territory, making it one of the world’s most arid countries. The capital and largest city of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat, located in the southern part of the country.
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Turkmenistan, officially known as the Republic of Turkmenistan, is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country’s population is predominantly Turkmen, with significant minorities of Uzbeks, Russians, and other ethnic groups. The official language is Turkmen, a member of the Turkic language family, although Russian is widely spoken and used in government and business.
Turkmenistan is known for its rich history, which dates back to ancient times. The region was once part of the Persian Empire and later came under the rule of various Central Asian tribes, including the Seljuks and the Mongols. In the 16th century, it became part of the vast Turkic-speaking empire of the Timurids. In the 19th century, it fell under Russian imperial control and became part of the Russian Empire. After the Russian Revolution, it became a Soviet republic until its independence in 1991.
The economy of Turkmenistan is heavily dependent on its vast reserves of natural gas, which are among the largest in the world. The country is one of the world’s leading exporters of natural gas and has attracted significant foreign investment in its energy sector. However, the economy is highly centralized and has been criticized for its lack of diversification and transparency.
Turkmenistan has a presidential system of government, with the president serving as both the head of state and the head of government. The country has been ruled by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow since 2007, following the death of the country’s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov.
The country has faced criticism from human rights organizations for its authoritarian government, lack of political freedoms, and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. The government controls the media and suppresses dissent, and political opposition is effectively banned.
Despite these challenges, Turkmenistan is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its traditional music, dance, and art. The country is home to numerous historical sites, including the ancient city of Merv, which was once one of the largest cities in the world and a major center of trade and culture along the Silk Road.
In recent years, Turkmenistan has sought to increase its international profile and has pursued closer ties with countries in the region and beyond. It has also embarked on ambitious infrastructure projects, including the construction of new roads, airports, and other facilities.
Overall, Turkmenistan is a country with a complex history and a unique cultural identity, facing both opportunities and challenges as it seeks to navigate the modern world while preserving its traditions and values.