Turkmenistan
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 7
Currency
💱 Turkmenistan manat
Languages
🗣️ Russian, Turkmen
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Turkmenistan
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Turkmen
Independence
October 27, 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Top-Level Domain
.tm
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+993
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+05:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Ashgabat
ISO Alpha-2
TM
ISO Alpha-3
TKM
UN Code
795
Geographic Coordinates
40,60
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
488,100#53 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
7,057,841#107 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
15.67
Highest Point (m)
Mount Ayrybaba, 3,139 m
Lowest Point (m)
Akcha Sea, -18 m
Land Use
72.4% pasture land; 9.4% agricultural land; 18.2% forest
Irrigated Land
Approximately 22,000 sq km
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Subtropical desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Natural Resources
Oil, natural gas, sulfur, salt
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Major Rivers
Amu Darya, Murghab
Major Lakes
Sarygamysh Lake, Köwser Lake
Government Type
Presidential Republic
Administrative Divisions
5 provinces (welayatlar) and 1 city (Aşgabat)
Legal System
Based on civil law system, influenced by Soviet legal traditions; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.
Chief of State
President Serdar Berdimuhamedow
Head of Government
President Serdar Berdimuhamedow
Cabinet
Cabinet of Ministers
Elections
President elected by popular vote for a 7-year term.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament (Mejlis)
Major Political Parties
Democratic Party of Turkmenistan (dominant party)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Turkmenistan manat
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
49.83#98 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
172.2#87 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6,540.18#126 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
12.36
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
35.97
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
48.88
Inflation Rate (%)
The inflation rate is approximately 8%.
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,202,574
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.27#114 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt is approximately 17% of GDP.
Budget
The government budget is primarily funded by revenues from the energy sector.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.21#121 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.82#131 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are estimated to be around $19 billion.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online or at local banks.
GDP by Sector
The economy is largely driven by natural gas and oil extraction and processing, with smaller contributions from agriculture and manufacturing.
Major Industries
Major industries include natural gas and oil extraction, processing, chemicals, and textiles.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include China, Turkey, and Italy.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include Turkey, Russia, and China.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
99.9#6 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
20.9
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.8
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is approximately -1 migrant per 1,000 people.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 30 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
47.11#154 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is around 1.3% annually.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
70.2#151 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
5.5
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly Turkmen, with minorities including Russians, Uzbeks, and others.
Religions
Islam is the predominant religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Russian, Turkmen
Education
Education System
The education system in Turkmenistan is centralized and state-controlled, with primary, secondary, and higher education levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
12.9
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education in Turkmenistan is around 3-4% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include Magtymguly Turkmen State University and Turkmen Agricultural University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Turkmen culture is influenced by Turkic, Persian, and Russian traditions, emphasizing hospitality, family, and a strong sense of national identity.
National Holidays
National holidays include Independence Day (October 27th), Neutrality Day (December 12th), and various religious holidays.
Popular Music
Popular music often incorporates traditional Turkmen instruments and melodies, with modern influences.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes dishes like palaw (pilaf), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and various types of bread.
Sports
Popular sports include football (soccer), wrestling, and horse racing.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include national holidays and celebrations marking important historical and cultural events.
Famous People
Famous people include poets, musicians, and leaders who have contributed to Turkmen culture and history.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Cultural heritage sites include ancient cities and monuments reflecting Turkmenistan's historical significance.
UNESCO Sites
Turkmenistan has multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Ancient Merv and Kunya-Urgench.
Annual Tourist Visits
Limited tourist arrivals; data not readily available.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is developing; focus on historical sites and natural attractions.
Top Tourist Attractions
Ancient Merv, Darvaza gas crater (Door to Hell), and historical sites.
Famous Cities
Ashgabat, Turkmenabat, and Balkanabat.
National Parks
Repetek Biosphere Reserve, Koytendag Nature Reserve.
Protected Areas
Several protected areas; information is limited.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa required for most visitors; e-visa available.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution; consult your country's travel advisories.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is moderate.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service.
Number of Hospitals
There are hospitals located throughout the country.
Universal Healthcare
Turkmenistan has a state-run healthcare system, but quality and access may vary.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available in urban areas, but can be limited in rural regions.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but response times can vary.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police in Turkmenistan is 02.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for an ambulance in Turkmenistan is 03.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department in Turkmenistan is 01.
Crime Rate
Information on specific crime rate indexes may vary and should be consulted from up-to-date sources.
Safety Index
Information on specific safety indexes may vary and should be consulted from up-to-date sources.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure in Turkmenistan is a significant portion of the national budget.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are provided by the state, including police, ambulance, and fire departments.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Turkmenistan's military branches include the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is generally widespread throughout Turkmenistan.
Water Access
Access to improved water sources is generally available, but may vary by location.
Sanitation Access
Access to improved sanitation facilities is present, but varies across the country.
Railways
Turkmenistan has a railway system connecting major cities and facilitating trade.
Roadways
Roads connect major cities and towns, though conditions may vary.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes a mix of roads, railways, and air travel.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), Dashoguz International Airport (TAZ), Türkmenabat International Airport (CRZ), Balkanabat International Airport (BKN), Mary International Airport (MYP), Turkmenbaşy International Airport (KRW)
Ports
Turkmenistan has a port on the Caspian Sea, Turkmenbashi International Seaport.
Public Transit
Public transit options are available in major cities, including buses and taxis.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2016)Checked September 29, 2026
17.99#197 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Information unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited information available; startup ecosystem underdeveloped.
Innovation Index
Information unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Information unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited, state-controlled television stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited, state-controlled radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.86#18 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality data is limited; often poor in urban areas due to industrial emissions.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern, particularly from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited renewable energy usage, primarily focused on solar and wind power.
Environmental Issues
Desertification, water pollution, soil salinity, and air pollution are key issues.
Natural Hazards
Earthquakes, droughts, and dust storms are significant natural hazards.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is underdeveloped, leading to pollution.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements, including climate change and biodiversity.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Member of various international organizations, including the OSCE and the ECO.
Major Treaties
Signed and ratified various international treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel agreements with some countries, primarily within the CIS.