Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. It is known for its vast Karakum Desert, which covers most of the country's territory. Turkmenistan holds some of the world's largest natural gas reserves and has a rich tradition of carpet weaving and equestrian culture.
- Capital
- Ashgabat
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- Central Asia
- Area
- 488,100 km²
- Coordinates
- 40° N, 60° E
Country facts
- The Akhal-Teke horse, bred in Turkmenistan for thousands of years, is celebrated for its distinctive metallic coat and endurance.
- Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- The Darvaza gas crater, known as the 'Door to Hell,' has been burning in the Karakum Desert for decades after a Soviet drilling accident.
- Turkmen is the official language and belongs to the Oghuz branch of the Turkic language family.
- Traditional Turkmen carpets feature deep red hues and geometric patterns and are recognized as an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
Capital facts
- Ashgabat sits near the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountain range, close to the border with Iran.
- The city was founded as a Russian military fort in 1881 and gradually grew into a major urban center.
- A devastating earthquake in 1948 destroyed much of the city and caused significant loss of life.
- Ashgabat is noted for its striking white marble architecture, which gives the city a distinctive gleaming appearance.
- The Neutrality Arch is one of the city's iconic landmarks, symbolizing Turkmenistan's status of permanent neutrality recognized by the United Nations in 1995.