Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It is bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, and has a coastline on the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistan is a country defined by its vast deserts, immense natural gas reserves, and a unique political system.

Area & Population:
Turkmenistan covers an area of approximately 488,100 km². As of 2022 estimates, the population is around 7,057,841. However, some unofficial sources dispute this figure, suggesting it might be lower due to emigration.

Language:
The official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen. Russian, Uzbek, and Kazakh are also spoken by significant minorities.

Currency:
The currency of Turkmenistan is the Turkmen Manat (TMT). It’s advisable to bring USD as it’s not widely available outside the country, and many places prefer cash.

Religion:
The dominant religion in Turkmenistan is Islam, with the majority being Sunni Muslim (approximately 93%). A smaller percentage (6.4%) are Eastern Orthodox, with other religions making up the remaining 0.6%.

Capital & Major Cities:
The capital city is Ashgabat, renowned for its impressive white marble buildings and opulent architecture. Other major cities include Türkmenbaşy (formerly Krasnovodsk), Balkanabat, Daşoguz, Türkmenabat, and Mary.

Attractions & Natural Wonders:
Turkmenistan boasts a range of fascinating attractions:

• Ashgabat: The capital itself is a major attraction, holding Guinness records for the highest density of white marble-clad buildings and numerous fountain pools. Sites like the Independence Monument and the National Museum are notable.
• Darvaza Gas Crater (The “Gate of Hell”): A continuously burning natural gas field in the Karakum Desert, offering a surreal spectacle, especially at night.
• Yangykala Canyons: Surreal cliffs and canyons with stunning landscapes.
• Merv: The ruins of an ancient Silk Road city, once one of the largest in the world, with fortresses, medieval streets, and the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.
• Gonur Depe: An early Bronze Age settlement and one of the largest cities of the Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (Oxus Civilization), believed to be an early center of Zoroastrianism.
• Nisa: A UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient city ruins from the Parthian Empire near Ashgabat.
• Koytendag Valley: Home to the Dinosaur Plateau with ancient dinosaur footprints and the mysterious “Kyrk Gyz” (Forty Girls’) Cave.
• Kowata Underground Lake: A warm, gushing underground lake located in a magnificent cave, perfect for a unique swimming experience.
• Akhal-Teke Horses: Turkmenistan is famous for these majestic and beautiful horses, considered a national symbol.

Architecture:
Turkmenistan’s architecture is a captivating blend of traditional Central Asian styles, Persian influences, and a unique post-independence contemporary style. Ashgabat, in particular, showcases this with its extravagant, marble-clad buildings and golden ornamentation. During the Soviet era, a form of modernism using industrial materials emerged, and post-independence, the architecture has become more eclectic, incorporating traditional elements with modern and postmodern designs, often using local materials.

Roads & Infrastructure:
Turkmenistan is actively developing and modernizing its road infrastructure. Significant projects include the reconstruction and expansion of highways like the Mary-Murgap Highway and the construction of new roads within Ashgabat and the new city of Arkadag. There’s a focus on creating a modern transport network to support economic development and improve connectivity, with private sector involvement. Large-scale reforms also include upgrades to railways and the expansion of the international seaport in Turkmenbashy.

Hotels:
Ashgabat offers a range of hotels, including the Divan Hotel Ashgabat, Grand Turkmen Hotel, Oguzkent Hotel, Yyldyz Hotel, and Hotel “Ashgabat”. Outside the capital, you can find hotels in cities like Mary (Hotel Mary) and in the Awaza tourist zone near Turkmenbashi (e.g., Hazyna Hotel, Berkarar Hotel).

Restaurants & Cuisine:
Turkmen cuisine shares similarities with other Central Asian and Iranian cuisines, predominantly featuring rice, vegetables, and various meats (mutton, lamb, beef, and poultry). Soups, like chorba (meat and vegetable soup), are a common start to meals.

In Ashgabat, notable restaurants include:

• Altyn Çyraý: Offers a blend of local Turkmen dishes and international cuisine in an enchanting setting with live music.
• Şirin: Known for Eastern European cuisines with Asian influences.
• Miras: Upscale dining with elegant interpretations of traditional Turkmen cuisine.
• Sazak: Blends Turkmen culinary traditions with modern tastes, offering picturesque views.
• Arzu: Combines traditional Turkmen cuisine with contemporary flair in a chic setting.
• Nusay: Provides an opulent dining experience inspired by Turkmenistan’s regal history.
• AlpEt Steakhouse: A highly-rated steakhouse with a beautifully designed interior and an enchanting garden.
• Joshgun Pelow House: Specializes in traditional Turkmen dishes like plov.

Annual Travel:
Turkmenistan has a relatively low annual tourism rate, with approximately 9,000 tourists in 2016 and around 14,438 in 2019. Tourist visas are generally required and can be challenging to obtain, often necessitating a guided tour, which can discourage some visitors. However, the country is officially welcoming of tourism and has significant potential for growth.