About TM
Location
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west.
Capital
The capital city of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat.
Population
As of the latest estimates, Turkmenistan has a population of approximately 6.3 million people.
Area
Turkmenistan covers an area of about 491,210 square kilometers (189,660 square miles), making it the 52nd largest country in the world by land area.
Official Language
The official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen.
Government
Turkmenistan is a presidential republic with a dominant-party system. The President serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The country's political system is characterized by a strong presidential authority and limited political pluralism.
Independence
Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union on October 27, 1991.
Currency
The currency of Turkmenistan is the Turkmenistan manat (TMT).
Economy
Turkmenistan's economy is primarily based on natural gas and petroleum exports, which account for a significant portion of the country's revenue. Other sectors include agriculture, textiles, and construction. The government has pursued policies of state control over the economy, with limited private sector involvement.
Natural Features
Turkmenistan is characterized by vast deserts, including the Karakum Desert, which covers much of the country's territory. The country also has mountain ranges, such as the Kopet Dag Range along its southwestern border.
Culture
Turkmen culture is influenced by its nomadic past and diverse ethnic groups. Traditional Turkmen crafts include carpet weaving, jewelry making, and pottery. Turkmen music, dance, and poetry are important aspects of the country's cultural heritage.
Religion
Islam is the predominant religion in Turkmenistan, with the majority of the population adhering to Sunni Islam. The government enforces strict control over religious practices, and other religions are also practiced, including Russian Orthodox Christianity and various minority faiths.
Infrastructure
Turkmenistan has invested in infrastructure development, including transportation networks, telecommunications, and energy infrastructure. The country has modernized its capital city of Ashgabat with grandiose architecture and infrastructure projects.
International Relations
Turkmenistan pursues a policy of neutrality in international relations and maintains diplomatic relations with countries around the world. It is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Challenges
Turkmenistan faces challenges such as political repression, limited freedom of speech, and human rights abuses. The country's economy is heavily reliant on natural resource exports, leaving it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets.
National Items of Turkmenistan
Akhal-Teke Horse
The Akhal-Teke Horse is the national animal of Turkmenistan. Known for its speed, endurance, and metallic sheen, it symbolizes strength, grace, and the rich equestrian heritage of the country.
Desert-Adapted Crops
Desert-adapted crops like cotton and wheat are significant in Turkmenistan. They symbolize the country's agricultural heritage and the adaptation to its arid climate.
Alabai Dog
The Alabai, also known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, is a symbol of protection, loyalty, and the pastoral heritage of Turkmenistan.
Ruhnama
The Ruhnama, a book written by former President Saparmurat Niyazov, is considered a significant cultural and ideological symbol in Turkmenistan.
Yomut Carpet
The Yomut Carpet, a traditional Turkmen rug, symbolizes the rich artisanal heritage, intricate craftsmanship, and cultural identity of Turkmenistan.
Saparmurat Hajji Mosque
The Saparmurat Hajji Mosque, also known as the Gypjak Mosque, is a significant religious landmark. It represents the religious heritage, architectural beauty, and historical significance of the country.
Goats
Goats are an important part of the pastoral and agricultural life in Turkmenistan. They symbolize sustenance, adaptation, and traditional livelihoods.
Altyn Asyr Bazaar
The Altyn Asyr Bazaar, also known as the Tolkuchka Bazaar, symbolizes the vibrant trade, cultural exchanges, and daily life in Turkmenistan.
Turkmen Traditional Dress
Traditional Turkmen dress, often richly decorated and colorful, symbolizes the cultural heritage, traditional fashion, and identity of the Turkmen people.
Melon
The melon is a significant fruit in Turkmenistan, celebrated annually on Melon Day. It symbolizes the agricultural abundance and cultural importance of this fruit.
Gyz Gala
The ruins of Gyz Gala (Maiden’s Castle) represent the rich historical and archaeological heritage of Turkmenistan.
Dutar
The Dutar is a traditional Turkmen musical instrument. It symbolizes the rich musical heritage and cultural traditions of Turkmenistan.
Karakum Desert
The Karakum Desert is a major geographical feature of Turkmenistan. It symbolizes the country's unique landscape, natural beauty, and the challenges of desert life.
Gates of Hell (Darvaza Gas Crater)
The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Gates of Hell," is a natural gas field that collapsed into a cavern. It symbolizes the country's natural resources and geological phenomena.
Ahalteke State Circus
The Ahalteke State Circus symbolizes the rich cultural heritage and entertainment traditions of Turkmenistan.
The national anthem of Turkmenistan is called "Garaşsyz, Bitarap Türkmenistanyň Döwlet Gimni" (Гарашсыз, Битарап Түркменистаның Дөвлет Гимни), which translates to "Independent, Neutral, Turkmenistan State Anthem" in English. Here are the lyrics in the original Turkmen language along with an English translation:
I
Җаным гурбан саңа, эркана юрдум
Мерт педерлең рухы бардыр көнүлде.
Битарап, Гарашсыз топрагың нурдур
Байдагың белентдир дүнйән өнүнде.
Гайталама:
Халкың гуран бакы бейик бинасы
Беркарар дөвлетим, җигерим – җаным.
Башларың тәҗи сен, диллер сенасы
Дүнйә дурсун, сен дур, Түркменистаным!
II
Гардашдыр тирелер, амандыр иллер
Овал-ахыр бирдир бизин ганымыз.
Харасатлар алмаз, сындырмаз силлер
Несиллер дөш герип горар шанымыз.
The national anthem of the Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan,
Our free, sacred homeland, our noble land!
Our golden land, our precious legacy –
Homeland, our home, our future!
The declaration of independence and neutrality
Of Turkmenistan to foreign countries
Is the most significant event in the present,
It determines the significance of the new year.
Turkmen people, Turkmen anthem,
You carry our honor ahead in the world!
When the heart feels the importance,
It strengthens the flag of the Turkmen, the flag-bearer,
Of the noble, mountainous Turkmen people.
Even though the work of three years may be forgotten and pass,
The Turkmen nation preserves its dignity,
It introduces economic, political, and cultural achievements to foreign countries.
The rank of our golden state
Is outstanding among other countries
The independence and current leaders of the world
Are friendly to the Turkmen nation!
My city, my land, my place, my Independent Homeland!
Our golden land, shining in the world,
Proudly giving honor to the Turkmen Leader
With the gallant heroism of the nation!
