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Turkmenistan

General Information about Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is located in central Asia and is bordered by Kazahkstan, Uzebekistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistan has a population of around 5 million people. Turkmenistan's primary language is Turkmen which is spoken by 72% of the population. Russian is also spoken by around 50% of the population. 89% of Turkmenistan's population follow Muslim religions.

Turkmenistan's capital city Ashgabat, which is loosely traslated to mean "the city of love" in English is home to around 700,000 people. Ashgabat is situated between the Kara Kum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, not far from it's neighbouring country Iran. Between 70 and 80% of Turkmenistan is occupied by the Kara Kum Desert.

The Arch of Neutrality found in Ashbagat is one of the more recent additions to the city. This monument is 75 metres high and has a 12 metre tall revolving gold statue of former President President Niyazov at the top. Another popular site to visit in Turkmenistan's capital city is the Palace of Turkmenbashi. This palace is inspired by Islam and is made of white marble, decorated by gold mirrored glass.

Climate

Find Out About The Climate In Turkmenistan

The climate of Turkmenistan can be described as arid continental with long summers and mild winters. Summer begins in May lasting up until September with temperatures reaching as high as 46 degrees. January is the coolest month with temperatures with averages of 6 degrees going as low as minus 15 degrees, although these do vary from region to region. Rainfall occurs most in the spring with averges of 3 inches in the northwest desert and up to 12 inches in the mountainous regions.

Geography

Geographical Information On Turkmenistan

Set in Central Asia, Turkmenistan became a Soviet Republic in 1924 and gained its independence from the USSR in 1991 and can be found between Iran and Kazakhstan. Turkmenistan has a total landmass of 488,100 square kilometres with 1,768 kilometres bordering along the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sean is the largest enclosed body of water on Earth with a total surface area of 371,000 square metres. Turkmenistan shares the Caspian Sea with Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and the Russian Federation. Much of the terrain in Turkmenistan is flat to rolling sandy desert with dunes rising to mountains in the south. Along the border of Iran the terrain is full of low mountains. The highest point in Turkmenistan is Gora Ayribaba which rises to over 3,139 metres, while the lowest point is Vpadina Akchanaya at 81 metres below sea level.

Economy

Learn About The Economy In Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan used to be one of the world's top ten largest cotton producers but due to poor harvests over the years there has been a significant decline of as much as 50 percent. Because over half of Turkmenistan is desert the agricultural industry doesn't offer much support to the economy with a contribution of 17 percent being recorded in 2006. However the agricultural industry does employ over 48 percent of the population with the main produces being cotton, grain, and livestock. The service industry and the industry sector are almost equal in their contribution. Turkmenistan had a unemployment rate of 60 percent recorded in 2004 with over 27 percent of the population living below the poverty line in 2002. Turkmenistan mainly exports gas, crude oil, cotton fibre, textiles and petro chemicals. The official currency of Turkmenistan is the Turkmen Manat.

Must Explore would like to wish you an enjoyable stay in Turkmenistan.

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