A Brief Description
In the eighth century A.D., Turkic-speaking tribes moved from Mongolia into present-day Central Asia, forming the ethnic basis of what is now present-day Turkmenistan.
In the tenth century, the name “Turkmen” was first applied to groups (tribes) of nomadic people that accepted Islam, and occupied the desert lands here.
Annexed by czarist Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924, but nationalism rang loud across the land.
It inexplicably achieved that desired independence upon the breakup of the former (USSR) Soviet Union in 1991, and since then, President NIYAZOV has retained absolute dictatorial control over the country, and opposition of any kind is not tolerated.
Extensive oil and gas reserves (under the Kara Kum Desert) could/should prove a boon to this underdeveloped country if extraction and delivery projects were to be expanded.
The Turkmenistan Government is now actively seeking to develop alternative petroleum transportation routes in order to break Russia's pipeline monopoly.
Ashgabat, the cultural center and capital city, was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1948. Fortunately, decades of rebuilding has subsequently revised the country's most important administrative and industrial center.
Learn more about Turkmenistan here.
The Azadi Mosque, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Travel the World through Poster Art!
Facts and Figures
 Name Turkmenistan
(long form) none
Population 4,952,081
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Ashgabat (732,000)
Currency Turkmen Manat (TMM)
Currency Converter
here
Languages Turkmen (85%), Uzbek (5%), others
Flag here
National Day October 27
Religions Muslim (89%), Eastern Orthodox (9%), others
The meaning of "stan" here!
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
37º 58' N, 58º 24' E
Relative Location Turkmenistan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran, as well as the Caspian Sea.
Land Statistics
Coastline 0 (landlocked) Note the Caspian Sea is actually a lake and provides no access to any major body of water - thus the country is landlocked.
Land Areas
(land) 188,456 sq miles (488,100 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 188,456 sq miles (488,100 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms
Most of Turkmenistan is dominated by the flat Garagum (or Kara Kum) Desert (north to south), a sandy, scrubby, arid expanse of land, with very little agricultural potential.
The Kopetdag Mountain Range covers its south-central border with Iran, where earthquakes are quite common. The Pamir Mountain Range extends across it's far eastern border - where its highest point is located.
Along the Caspian Sea and the shorelines of Sarykamish Lake, land elevations below sea level stretch inland for many miles.
The country's most significant river is the Amu Darya, which flows across and along its border with Uzbekistan.
 Highest Point Gora Ayribaba - 10,298 ft. (3,139 m)
 Lowest Point Sarykamish Lake's low points vary throughout the year - to recorded lows near (-110 m) below sea level.
Land Divisions 5 provinces, including: Ahal Welayaty, Balkan Welayaty, Dashoguz Welayaty, Lebap Welayaty and Mary Welayaty.
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Maps
Turkmenistan (large color) Map here
Turkmenistan Outline Map here
Turkmenistan CIA version here
Turkmenistan Maps at UT here
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Asia Continent (printable) here
Asia Outline Map here
Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here
Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here
CIS Map here!
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Indian Subcontinent Map here
Middle East Landforms here
Middle East Map here
Middle East Outline Map here
Middle East Rivers here
Tsunami Map (December 2004) here
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World Outline Maps (printable) here
World Time Zone Map here
Recommended Links
Turkmenistan (Complete) info on the (GDP)
economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here
Turkmenistan Embassy (Washington DC)
here
Turkmenistan Photos at TrekEarth.com here
Turkmenistan Tourism
here
Women selling bread in Turkmenistan
Travel the World through Poster Art!
Time and Weather
Climate
Most of Turkmenistan has a subtropical desert climate; summers are long, somewhat hot, and always dry; winters are mildly cold and dry.
Summer high temperatures (June - August) approach the mid-80s, while winter highs in the 40s and 50s are the norm. The greatest precipitation amounts fall in the southern mountains.
Traveler Info
Attractions
Though most visits to Turkmenistan are business related, there are many important points-of-interest for any traveler.
The country's main entry point is Ashgabat, the capital city. Its major attractions include a collection of museums, and a colorful carpet factory and museum; be advised that NO permit is required to export your purchase.
Across the country important archeological sites include the Parthian Fortress of Nisa; the Turabeg Khanym Mausoleum in Dashkhovuz: Dekhistan Oasis; Geok-Depe Fortress; the Mausoleum of Abu-Said Mayhene in Abiverd, near the Sarakh oasis; the Bronze Age treasures at the Mary Museum, and Merv, a one-time stop on the ancient Silk Road, and site of relics and ruins from many cultures.
Those considering travel to Turkmenistan should take the country’s proximity to regions of past and current instability into account before making any plans. The Government of Turkmenistan has designated many areas throughout the country as “restricted zones,” particularly the border areas next to Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, the city and region of Dashoguz, and areas of the Caspian coast. Travel to these areas is forbidden without special permission from the Government of Turkmenistan.
Note that Turkmen Air, the national airline, will not sell a ticket to any traveler who intends to travel to a “restricted zone” without proof of permission from the Government.
Country Dialing Code 993
Electricity Turkmenistan uses 220 volts AC (50 Hz)
Electrical adapters, products and tips here
Travel Warnings
here
Visa Information
here
 PLEASE
NOTE:
Before making travel plans for any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding visas, local health care, customs, etc. We always find it helpful to contact the nearest consulate of any country before beginning a journey into a foreign land.
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