Where is Turkmenistan Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated May 30, 2025

Where is Turkmenistan located on the map? Turkmenistan is an independent nation located in Central Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Turkmenistan on maps.

Turkmenistan Location in World Map

Turkmenistan is in Central Asia. It borders the countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran. The west lies with a shore length of 1768 kilometers on the Caspian Sea. By the way, this is not a sea, but a lake. It is the largest lake on earth and contains salt water. The Caspian Sea has a lagoon in the northwest of Turkmenistan. Two narrow headlands separate this Karabugas Gulf from the Caspian Sea. Significant salt deposits are stored here.

Turkmenistan is in Central Asia.

Location Information of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the east and northeast, Afghanistan to the southeast, and Iran to the south. To the west, it has a coastline along the Caspian Sea. The country is known for its vast deserts, ancient Silk Road cities, and significant energy resources. Despite its strategic location, Turkmenistan remains relatively isolated in terms of international engagement and tourism.

Latitude and Longitude

Turkmenistan lies between 35° and 42° North latitude and 52° and 66° East longitude. Its central location in Central Asia places it as a crossroads for various cultures and civilizations, though it has historically been more isolated due to its geographic position and political structure.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Ashgabat

Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, located in the southern part of the country, near the border with Iran. The city lies at an elevation of around 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), surrounded by mountains. Ashgabat is a planned city that reflects the country’s aspirations, characterized by large avenues, modern architecture, and monumental government buildings. The population is approximately 1 million people.

Key features of Ashgabat include:

Turkmenistan Independence Monument: One of the tallest landmarks in the city, symbolizing the country’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Neutrality Monument: A significant monument dedicated to Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality in international affairs, which has been a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy since the early 1990s.
National Museum of Turkmenistan: An extensive museum showcasing the country’s rich history, including artifacts from the ancient Merv and Nisa civilizations.

Major Cities

Mary: Located in the southeastern part of the country, Mary is one of Turkmenistan’s major cities and is known for its proximity to the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is a key administrative and economic center in the region, with a population of about 150,000 people.
Turkmenabat: Situated in the eastern part of the country near the border with Uzbekistan, Turkmenabat (formerly known as Chardzhou) is one of Turkmenistan’s oldest cities. It serves as an important hub for trade, agriculture, and transportation, with a population of around 300,000 people.
Dashoguz: Located in the northwestern part of the country, Dashoguz is close to the border with Uzbekistan and is an important city in Turkmenistan’s agricultural sector, particularly in cotton and wheat production. The city has a population of approximately 250,000 people.
Balkanabat: Situated near the Caspian Sea, Balkanabat (formerly known as Nebit Dag) is a vital center for oil and gas production. The city is part of Turkmenistan’s key energy infrastructure and has a growing population of about 150,000 people.

Time Zone

Turkmenistan operates on Turkmenistan Time (TMT), which is UTC +5:00. This means that the country is 5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Turkmenistan does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains constant throughout the year. The time difference between Turkmenistan and major U.S. cities is as follows:

New York City (Eastern Standard Time): Turkmenistan is 10 hours ahead of New York City during standard time and 9 hours ahead during daylight saving time in the U.S.
Los Angeles (Pacific Standard Time): Turkmenistan is 13 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time and 12 hours ahead during daylight saving time in the U.S.

Climate

Turkmenistan has a continental desert climate with extreme variations in temperature between summer and winter. The country is dominated by the Karakum Desert, which covers much of the land area. The climate is arid and dry, with low precipitation and high temperatures in the summer.

Summer (June to August): During the summer, temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F) in many regions, especially in the desert areas. In Ashgabat and other cities, daytime temperatures can reach up to 45°C (113°F). The summer months are characterized by extreme dryness and clear skies, with very little rainfall.
Winter (December to February): Winters are relatively mild, especially in the lowland areas, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F). However, temperatures can drop significantly in the mountainous regions, where snowfall is common. Frost can occur, especially in the northern and central parts of the country.
Spring and Autumn: These seasons are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). These transitional seasons are the best times to visit Turkmenistan, as the weather is more temperate and conducive to outdoor activities.

Overall, Turkmenistan receives very little rainfall, with annual averages between 100 mm and 300 mm (3.9 inches and 11.8 inches), concentrated mainly in the winter months.

Economic Status

Turkmenistan is rich in natural resources, particularly natural gas, oil, and cotton, which form the backbone of its economy. Despite the country’s abundant energy resources, it faces challenges in terms of diversification and economic sustainability. The government maintains a state-controlled economy, and its political system is characterized by authoritarian rule.

Key Economic Sectors:

Natural Gas and Oil: Turkmenistan holds some of the largest natural gas reserves in the world and is a significant exporter of both natural gas and crude oil. The energy sector is the key driver of the economy, contributing to nearly half of the country’s GDP and a large proportion of its export revenues. The country has invested heavily in building pipelines to export gas to neighboring countries and beyond, including projects such as the Turkmenistan–China Pipeline.
Cotton Production: Turkmenistan is one of the world’s leading producers of cotton, often ranking among the top 10 cotton exporters. The agricultural sector relies heavily on cotton cultivation, though the government is making efforts to diversify crop production and reduce reliance on cotton. The cotton industry is supported by an extensive irrigation system in the country’s lowlands, although the excessive use of water resources has been a concern.
Agriculture: In addition to cotton, Turkmenistan produces a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, melons, and vegetables. However, much of the land remains arid, limiting agricultural output to certain regions, especially those with irrigation systems.
Industry: Turkmenistan has been focusing on expanding its industrial base, particularly in the areas of chemical production, textiles, and construction materials. However, the industrial sector remains underdeveloped in comparison to the natural gas and oil sectors.
Tourism: The tourism industry is still in its early stages of development. While Turkmenistan has unique attractions and historical sites, such as Merv, Nisa, and the Darvaza gas crater, the country remains relatively closed off to international tourism due to restrictive visa policies and political isolation.

Tourist Attractions

Turkmenistan is home to several fascinating historical and natural attractions, but due to its political climate and restricted tourism policies, it is less frequently visited than some of its Central Asian neighbors.

1. Merv

Merv is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as one of the most significant Silk Road cities. The ruins of Merv date back over 2,500 years and include impressive structures such as the Great Kyz Kala and the Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum. It was once a major center of trade, culture, and learning, and it is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Central Asia.

2. Nisa

Nisa is the site of the ancient city of Parthian Nisa, a major capital of the Parthian Empire. The ruins here are of great archaeological significance and include the remains of a royal palace, temples, and a fortified wall. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the early history of the Persian Empire.

3. Darvaza Gas Crater (Door to Hell)

One of Turkmenistan’s most famous natural attractions, the Darvaza gas crater, also known as the “Door to Hell”, is a large, burning gas pit in the Karakum Desert. The crater has been burning since it was accidentally set alight by Soviet scientists in 1971. It is a dramatic and unique sight, drawing tourists who come to see the flame-lit desert landscape.

4. Kov Ata Cave

Located near Ashgabat, Kov Ata is a natural cave with a large underground lake that is heated by geothermal activity. The warm waters of the lake are believed to have therapeutic properties, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

5. Ashgabat’s Monumental Architecture

Ashgabat itself is home to impressive monumental architecture, such as the Turkmenistan Independence Monument, the Neutrality Monument, and the Arch of Neutrality, which reflect the country’s political identity and aspirations.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa to visit Turkmenistan. Visa applications can be submitted at the Turkmen Embassy in Washington, D.C. or through an online e-visa system, though the latter is typically limited to business and transit visas. U.S. citizens must also provide an invitation letter from a Turkmen organization or government agency. Additionally, travelers must have a valid passport for at least six months beyond the intended stay.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance from Ashgabat to New York City: Approximately 10,700 km (6,650 miles), with a flight time of around 13-15 hours.
Distance from Ashgabat to Los Angeles: Approximately 11,400 km (7,080 miles), with a flight time of around 14-16 hours.

Turkmenistan Facts

Size	488,100 km²
Residents	5.9 million
Language	Turkmen
Capital	Ashgabat (Ashgabat)
Longest river	Amu Darya
Highest mountain	Aýrybaba (3,139 m)
Currency	Manat