The territory of Turkmenistan is situated in Central Asia. It borders with Kazakhstan in Northwest, Uzbekistan in North & Northeast, Afghanistan in Southeast, Iran in South & Southwest, Caspian Sea in West.
Independence date: October 27, 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Languages : Turkmen – state, Russian – till plays a significant role in education and official documentation.
President of Turkmenistan: Serdar Berdimuhamedow (as of 2025)
Currency: Turkmenistan Manat (TMT)
Phone Code: +993
Time Zones: UTC +5
The total area of Turkmenistan is approximately 491,210 km². Here’s the breakdown of land use (Forests: Around 5%, Water: Less than 1%, agricultural land: approximately 25% of the land is used for agriculture, other lands: The remaining 69% of the territory is largely desert (primarily the Karakum Desert), along with mountains, urban areas, and other undeveloped land). The vast majority of the land in Turkmenistan is arid, with limited fertile regions suitable for agriculture.
Capital: Ashgabat (1 mln people)
Population is estimated to be around 6.5 million people.
Big cities:
- Ashgabat – Approximately 1 million The capital and largest city.
- Mary – Around 400,000
- Turkmenabat – Roughly 300,000
- Dashoguz – Approximately 250,000
- Balkanabat – Around 200,000
Turkmenistan is divided into 5 administrative regions (provinces), each known as an “velayat”:
- Ahal Velayat – The central region, surrounding Ashgabat, the capital. It is known for its agricultural activities and proximity to the capital city.
- Balkan Velayat – Located in the western part of the country, bordering the Caspian Sea. This region is important for the oil and gas industry.
- Dashoguz Velayat – The northern region, bordering Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It is largely agricultural and includes parts of the Karakum Desert.
- Mary Velayat – In the southeast, home to the ancient city of Merv. This region is important for both agriculture and historical tourism.
- Lebap Velayat – Located in the eastern part of Turkmenistan, it borders Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The region is significant for its industrial and agricultural activities.
Additionally, Ashgabat, the capital, is a separate administrative unit and does not belong to any of these provinces.
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The state symbols of Turkmenistan include the following:
Flag
The national flag of Turkmenistan consists of three main components:
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- Green background symbolizing Islam and the country’s agricultural heritage.
- A vertical red stripe with five traditional carpet motifs, which represent the five main regions (velayats) of Turkmenistan.
- A white crescent moon and five stars at the hoist, representing the nation’s sovereignty, peace, and the five regions of the country.
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Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of Turkmenistan features:
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- A white horse, representing the national symbol and pride of the country, as Turkmen horses are famous worldwide for their beauty and strength.
- Wheat ears on either side of the horse, symbolizing agriculture and prosperity.
- A crescent moon and five stars, similar to those on the flag, representing the country’s independence and its five regions.
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Anthem
The national anthem of Turkmenistan is called “Neutrality” and is a tribute to the country’s policy of neutrality and independence. The anthem emphasizes the nation’s unity, pride, and love for its land.
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State Emblem
The state emblem of Turkmenistan incorporates the white horse, the wheat ears, crescent moon, and five stars, in a design that highlights national unity and pride in Turkmen culture.
These symbols are deeply tied to Turkmenistan’s cultural identity, sovereignty, and values.
