TURKMENISTAN
Updated 03/30/10
Turkmenistan is located in the western center of the Asian Continent, with a population of 4,884,887, making it the
113th largest national population. Its capital and largest city is
Ashgabat with a total population of 695,300. The
country encompasses 988,100 square kilometers making it the 52nd largest country in total area. It shares
boundaries with Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Caspian Sea.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow is recognized as the Chief of State and Head of Government and achieves
that status through popular vote and holds that position for five years. Berdimuhammedov was elected as President
on 14 February 2007 when President For Life Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as Tukmenbashi or "Father of the
Turkmen" died with no clear constitutional successor. Its form of government is a republic with an authoritarian
presidential rule with little power outside the executive branch and they celebrate the creation of their constitution
on 18th of May 1992.

The languages commonly or officially spoken are Turkmen, Russian, Uzbek and other languages. It counts among
its major religions Muslim, Eastern Orthodox and other unspecified religions. As sources of mass communication it
has 16 AM, 18 FM, 2 Short Wave and 4 Television stations.

Major geographical features are Gora Ayribaba, its highest point at 3,139 meters and Vpadina Akchanaya, its lowest
point at –87 meters. Its principal waterways are Amu Darya River and Kara Kum Canal, which measure 1,300
kilometers.

Major industries providing for the bulk of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are natural gas, oil, petroleum
products, textiles and food processing. Its official currency is Turkmen Manat.

Here’s something you may not know about Turkmenistan. The capital city of Ashgabat’s Name translates into “The
City Of Lovers.”
Ashgabat-
Turkmenistan's capital
and largest city
Turkmenbasy on the
Caspian Sea-
Turkmenistan's lowest
and westernmost point
The Great Kyz Kala
Yangykaka Canyon
Turkmen people and
children's clothing
The King's Palace
This country offers a very old city made completely of stone and was the capital of
the Persian Kingdom and the recently deceased president was appointed to serve
for life. Sounds like these people miss having a King. I really like the views they have
around the country such as the desert canyons. I really wish that you would visit
5 Suitcases = Let's Go Now!
4 Suitcases = Put This One On the List
3 Suitcases = May Be Worth Checking Out
2 Suitcases = So Many Other Places To See
1 Suitcase = Well, I'll Go If I Have To
Abi's Home Page
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Dad's World Post Report!
Vpadina Akchanaya-
Turkmenistan's lowest
point on the border
with Uzbekistan
Gora Ayribaba-
Turkmenistan's highest
and easternmost point
Amu Darya River which
feeds the Kara Kum
Canal
Adult Prevalence Rate:

People Living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS Deaths:
less than 0.1%

less than 200

less than 100
Gushgy-
Turkmenistan's
southernmost point on
the border with
Afghanistan
Kara-Bogaz Gol- a
below sea level lake in
Turkmenistan
Minaret in Konye
Urgench-
Turkmenistan's
northernmost point on
the border with
Uzbekistan
Kopetdag Mountains
on Turkmenistan's
border with Iran
Modern day Mary- the
ancient Turkmenistan
city of Merv
Shashlik- a favorite
Turkmenistan dish of
skewered lamb chunks
Garagobaz-
Turkmenistan's
westernmost point on
the Caspian Sea and
the Kazakhstan border