Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is a country located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. Its capital and largest city is Ashgabat. The official language is Turkmen, with Russian still used in some sectors and education. The population is about six million, and the country is predominantly Sunni Muslim with a secular state apparatus.

Geography and economy are dominated by the Karakum Desert, which covers much of the interior, and by a short Caspian Sea coastline. The climate is arid or semi-arid, with hot summers. The economy relies heavily on natural gas and petroleum, with exports to neighboring and regional markets. The state plays a central role in economic life, and revenues from energy underpin government finances. The government has pursued diversification and modernization projects, but the economy remains vulnerable to energy price changes and investment conditions.

Historically, Turkmenistan emerged as a modern state after the collapse of the Soviet Union, gaining independence in 1991. The country has been governed by a presidential system with a highly centralized authority and limited political freedoms. The first post-Soviet leader was Saparmurat Niyazov, followed by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and since 2022 by Serdar Berdimuhamedow. The political environment emphasizes national identity and state control over media and public life.

Culture and society reflect Turkmenistan’s Turkmen heritage, with traditions in carpet weaving, horsemanship (notably the Akhal-Teke horse), music, and crafts. Turkmen cuisine features dishes such as plov and specialty breads. Education and infrastructure have expanded, while religious and cultural institutions operate under state supervision.

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