Introduction to Turkmenistan

Quick Overview

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: north of Iran, bordering the Caspian Sea.

• Latitude/longitude: 58º38' E, 37º95' N.

• Local time: Heure : 12813

• Capital: Ashgabat.

• Nature of the state: nationalist single-party republic.

• Official language: Turkmen (Russian also used as an inter-ethnic communication language).

• Currency: Turkmen manat.

• Population: 5,411,012 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 488,100 km².

• Density: 11 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Ayrybaba (3,139 m).

• Lowest point: Lake Sary Kamysh (-81 m).

• Coastline: 1,768 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

Less well-known, less visited, and less spectacular than the other "stans," with a local dictatorial regime that shows little interest in tourism, the country is also largely desert with relatively few tourist sites.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for somewhat experienced travelers.

• By air: France-Ashgabat.

• Entry requirements: passport + visa + invitation (and registration upon arrival).

• Currency to bring: US dollars in cash.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation/holidays ★/ ★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 108/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $18,200 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +8% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 11% (2014)

• Population below the poverty line: 0.2% (2012)

• Life expectancy: 70.7 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -1.8 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.1% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 99.7% (2015)

• Urban population: 51.6% (2018)

• Press freedom: 178/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: authoritarian regime (162/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook