Turkmenistan

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Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia. It has borders with Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan and has a coastline on the Caspian Sea.

Official Country Name(s) (local)

File:Turkmenistan flag medium.png	coat of arms
(In Detail)	(Full size)

National motto: Xxxxx

Official language

Xxxxx

Capital

Ashgabat

President

Saparmurat Niyazov

Area
- Total
- % water

Ranked xth
488,100 km²
Negligible

Population

- Total (2000)

- Density

Ranked xth

4,518,268

xxx/km²

Independence

- Declared

- Recognised

(Event Xxxx)

October 27, 1991

(Year)

Currency

Xxxxx

Time zone

UTC +5

National anthem

Independent, Neutral, Turkmenistan State Anthem

Internet TLD

.TM

Calling Code

993

History

Main article: History of Turkmenistan

Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1925. It achieved its independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Turkmenistan

President Saparmurat Niyazov retains absolute control over the country and opposition is not tolerated.

Welayatlar

Main article: Welayatlar of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is divided into 5 welayatlar (singular - welayat):

Ahal Welayaty (Ashgabat), Balkan Welayaty (Nebitdag), Dashhowuz Welayaty (formerly Tashauz), Lebap Welayaty (Charjew), Mary Welayaty

Note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)