Turkmenistan Overview

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated September 25, 2019

Country Profile

Turkmenistan, located in southwestern Central Asia, is a landlocked country. In addition to the capital, the country occupies an area of 491,200 square kilometers with a population of 6.3 million, 77% of whom are Turkmen, with the rest Russians, Uzbeks, and so on. Residents are Muslim. The official language is Turkmen, with Russian also spoken. The currency is the manat. The capital is Ashgabat (Ashgabat).

Turkmenistan National Flag

Turkmenistan’s national flag is green, with a carpet running top to bottom on the flagpole side, along with an olive branch and a crescent, which is a symbol of a bright future. Green is the traditional color, while the traditional carpet patterns symbolize the country’s ideas and religious beliefs. The olive branch symbolizes peace and neutrality.

History Summary

The Persians, Macedonians, Turks, Arabs, and Mongol Tatars have been established in this country in different parts of history. The shape of the Turkmen nation was established in the 15th century. In the late 1860s and 1880s, part of Turkmenistan’s territory was Russian (outside the Caspian Sea states). In 1917, the Turkmen people attended the February and October Socialist Revolutions, and the same year, in December, Soviet power over their soil was established. On October 27, 1924, the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic was established and joined the Soviet Union. On October 27, 1991, the country declared independence, becoming the country called Turkmenistan. On December 21st of the same year, it joined the Commonwealth of Independent States. On December 12, 1995, it declared permanent neutral status.

Economy and Culture Overview

A low-lying territory, 90% of the land is covered by desert, so the country is said to be a “desert ranch.” The main agricultural products are wheat, barley, fruit, and animal husbandry, mainly sheep breeding in Karakul. Wool carpet is exported to more than 50 countries. Oil and natural gas are pillar industries of its economy. The Karakum Canal is one of the world’s longest canals.

Kunya-urgench Heritage Area

In the state of Dashaoguzi lies the ruined capital of ancient Khorezm of Gu Wuer Genc. Its architectural monuments are among the famous monuments in Asia. One of the most valuable was built in the 7th century, a house of an out in law in Iraq tomb. There is also a 14th century hanuy tomb and the famous 14th century Kuniewuer Genc obelisk. The tower is the most distinctive ancient building; it is cone-shaped, 62 meter tall, twisting tower with 143 steps to the top. The mausoleum door is decorated with exquisite carved patterns.

Ashgabat

Turkmenistan’s political, economic and cultural center, Ashgabat Is located in at the edge of the world-famous Kara Kum desert. Ashgabat’s production of anti-pad glass and centrifugal pumps have a high reputation in domestic and international markets. Ashgabat is particularly well-known globally for its carpet. Its high-quality wool carpets are not only a fine everyday necessity, but are also valuable works of art.