Country Profile: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, is bordered by the Caspian Sea, with a predominantly flat-to-rolling sandy desert terrain. The country has a population of approximately 5.7 million people, primarily consisting of Turkmen (85%), followed by Uzbeks and Russians. Economically, Turkmenistan is classified as an upper-middle-income nation, with vast natural gas reserves driving its economy, though it faces challenges such as reliance on state-owned enterprises and fluctuations in energy prices. The governance of Turkmenistan is characterized as an authoritarian presidential republic, with a political landscape heavily influenced by the ruling family.

Geography

Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Iran to the south, Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the east, and Afghanistan to the southeast. The country has a total area of 488,100 sq km, slightly larger than California, and features a subtropical desert climate characterized by flat-to-rolling sandy terrain. The Caspian Sea lies to the west, and the highest point is Gora Ayribaba at 3,139 m.

4,158 km of total land boundaries.
84.2% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.).
10.7% of land classified as 'other' use (2023 est.).
Home to the Caspian Sea, which covers an area of 374,000 sq km.
Significant natural hazards include earthquakes and droughts.

People and Society

The population of Turkmenistan is an estimated 5.7 million (2024 est.), with a median age of 31.6 years. The majority of the population follows Islam, accounting for 93% of the religious demographic. Urbanization is on the rise, with approximately 54% of the population living in urban areas, predominantly around the capital, Ashgabat. Turkmenistan has a high literacy rate of 99.9% among its citizens.

16.43 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.).
0.88% annual population growth rate (2025 est.).
72.4 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
2.02 children born per woman (2025 est.).
100% access to improved drinking water in both urban and rural settings (2022 est.).

Economy

Turkmenistan's economy is classified as an upper-middle-income economy, heavily reliant on its abundant natural gas reserves. The country struggles with high inflation and an overvalued currency, resulting in limited economic diversification. As of 2024, the real GDP is projected to be $134.555 billion, with an anticipated growth rate of 2.3%. The agricultural sector contributes approximately 11.3% to the GDP, while industry and services account for 39.3% and 49.4%, respectively.

4.4% unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$13.111 billion in exports (2023 est.).
$7.563 billion in imports (2023 est.).
GDP per capita at $18,000 (2024 est.).
11.5% inflation rate for consumer prices (2022 est.).

Government

Turkmenistan is governed as an authoritarian presidential republic with a complex political landscape influenced by the ruling family. The president, as the head of state and government, is elected for a 7-year term without term limits. The current president, Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOV, took office in 2022, continuing the legacy of his predecessor. The legislative body is unicameral, consisting of the Assembly (Mejlis) with 56 seats, and the judiciary operates under a civil law system influenced by Islamic law.

18 years of age suffrage with universal rights.
5 provinces and 1 independent city.
1.9% of GDP allocated to military expenditures (2019 est.).
National holiday celebrated on Independence Day, October 27.
Participation in various international organizations and treaties.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, comprising the Ground Forces, Air Force, and Navy, emphasize border security amidst a policy of military neutrality. As of 2025, the active military personnel is estimated to be around 35,000. The country participates in international security programs with a focus on regional stability and has a history of Russian/Soviet-era armament inventory.

1.9% of GDP spent on military (2019 est.).
Mandatory military service for men aged 18-27 years.
Participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace since 1994.

Energy

Turkmenistan possesses the fourth-largest natural gas reserves in the world, contributing significantly to its economy. The country generates all its electricity from fossil fuels, with an installed capacity of 6.512 million kW. In 2023, natural gas production was approximately 84.277 billion cubic meters, with significant exports bolstering national revenue.

100% of the population has electricity access (2022 est.).
272,000 bbl/day total petroleum production (2023 est.).
41.334 billion cubic meters natural gas exports (2023 est.).

Environment

Environmental issues in Turkmenistan include soil and groundwater pollution, salination, and desertification stemming from inadequate agricultural practices. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement and Biodiversity Convention.

54% of the total population living in urban environments (2023).
24.765 billion cubic meters total renewable water resources (2022).

Transportation

Turkmenistan's transport infrastructure includes railways and roads, supporting economic activity and connectivity. The total length of railways is 5,113 km, all of which are broad gauge. The country also operates 23 airports and maintains a merchant marine fleet of 73 vessels.

25 heliports available (2025).
100% road electrification.

Communications

Telecommunication in Turkmenistan is state-controlled, with limited access to foreign media. As of 2021, there were 6.25 million mobile cellular subscriptions, indicating a high level of connectivity.

21% internet user rate (2017 est.).
802,000 fixed line subscriptions (2021 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,744,151	2024 estimate
Area	488,100 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$134.555 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	16.43 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	72.4 years	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	100%	2022 estimate
Urban Population	54%	2023
Agricultural Land	84.2%	2023 estimate
Literacy Rate	99.9%	2022 estimate