Country Profile: Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia and bordered by the Caspian Sea, boasts a unique geography characterized by its flat, sandy deserts and low mountains. With a population of approximately 5.7 million, the nation has a youthful demographic, with nearly 69% of its citizens aged between 15 and 64 years. The economy is primarily driven by its vast natural gas reserves, though it faces challenges such as a lack of diversification and high inflation. The government's authoritarian structure has led to limited political freedoms, yet it continues to maintain strong control over economic resources and state enterprises.
Geography
Turkmenistan is situated in Central Asia, bordered by Iran to the south and Kazakhstan to the north. Its landscape features flat-to-rolling sandy deserts, particularly the expansive Karakum Desert, which covers over 80% of the country. The country is landlocked, with a coastline along the Caspian Sea, and has a subtropical desert climate.
- Area: 488,100 sq km (slightly larger than California)
- Land boundaries: 4,158 km (with Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan)
- Highest point: Gora Ayribaba at 3,139 m
- Lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya at -81 m
- Natural resources: Includes petroleum, natural gas, sulfur, and salt.
People and Society
The population of Turkmenistan is approximately 5.74 million in 2024, predominantly Turkmen (85%) with significant Uzbek (5%) and Russian (4%) minorities. The official language is Turkmen, and Islam is the dominant religion, practiced by around 93% of the population. The country has a high literacy rate of 99.9% and a median age of 31.6 years.
- Urban population: 54% of total population (2023)
- Birth rate: 16.43 births per 1,000 population (2025)
- Life expectancy: 72.4 years (2024)
- Infant mortality rate: 35 deaths per 1,000 live births (2025)
- Literacy rate: 99.9% (2022)
Economy
Turkmenistan has an upper-middle-income economy heavily reliant on its vast natural gas reserves, which are among the largest in the world. The economy faces challenges like an overvalued currency and high inflation risks, primarily due to extensive state control over enterprises. Agriculture also plays a vital role, though the sector lacks diversification.
- GDP (PPP): $134.555 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita (PPP): $18,000 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 4.4% (2024 est.)
- Exports: Totaled $13.111 billion (2023 est.)
- Major exports: Natural gas, refined petroleum, fertilizers.
Government
Turkmenistan operates as a presidential republic with an authoritarian governance structure. The current president is Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who took office in March 2022. The political system allows for limited political pluralism, and elections have historically been criticized for their lack of competitiveness.
- Capital: Ashgabat
- Administrative divisions: 5 provinces and 1 independent city
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18
- Military expenditure: 1.9% of GDP (2019)
- Constitution adopted: 14 September 2016
Military and Security
The Armed Forces of Turkmenistan include ground forces, an air force, and a navy, with a reported personnel strength of about 35,000. The military operates under a policy of neutrality, focusing on border security and regional stability.
- Compulsory military service: Ages 18-27
- Military expenditures: 1.9% of GDP (2019)
- Major equipment: Predominantly Russian/Soviet-era
- Military modernization efforts: Ongoing, including training with neighboring countries
Energy
Turkmenistan's energy sector is characterized by its extensive natural gas production. The country generates all of its electricity from fossil fuels and has significant reserves of petroleum and coal.
- Natural gas production: 84.277 billion cubic meters (2023)
- Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
- Installed generating capacity: 6.512 million kW (2023 est.)
- Petroleum production: 272,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- Proven natural gas reserves: 11.327 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues in Turkmenistan include soil pollution, salination, and desertification, largely due to agricultural practices and poor irrigation. The government is a party to various international environmental agreements.
- Total water withdrawal: 16.12 billion cubic meters (2022)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 106.215 million metric tonnes (2023)
- Urban population: 54% living in predominantly urban settings (2023)
- Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.3% (2022 est.)
Transportation
Turkmenistan has a developing transportation infrastructure, with extensive rail and road networks facilitating movement. Significant investments in civil aviation and maritime capabilities are evident.
- Railways: 5,113 km (2017)
- Airports: 23 (2025)
- Merchant marine strength: 73 vessels (2023)
Communications
The communications sector is dominated by state-controlled entities, with limited access to independent media and information channels. Internet usage remains relatively low compared to global averages.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 6.25 million (2021)
- Broadband subscriptions: 377,000 (2022)
- Internet users: 21% of the population (2017)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,744,151 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 488,100 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $134.555 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy consumption | 261.142 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth rate | 16.43 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 72.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy rate | 99.9% | 2022 estimate |
| Military expenditure | 1.9% of GDP | 2019 estimate |
| Natural gas production | 84.277 billion cubic meters | 2023 estimate |
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