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Turkmenistan in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow
Saparmurat Niyazov
Ak Welsapar
Berdymukhamed Annamuradov
Turkmenistan: A Brief Overview
Rich History and Culture
Natural Beauty and Landscapes
Economy and Industries
Political Landscape
Social Issues and Human Rights
International Relations
Tourism and Travel
Challenges and Opportunities
Looking to the Future
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Upgrade to ProIn a Nutshell
- Capital: Ashgabat
- Population: Approx. 6 million (2021)
- Official Language: Turkmen
- Currency: Turkmenistan manat (TMT)
Breaking Down the Country
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Timeline of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan becomes part of the Soviet Union
Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic established
Ashgabat earthquake destroys much of the city
Turkmenistan gains independence from the Soviet Union
Saparmurat Niyazov becomes the first President of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan adopts a new constitution
Turkmenistan joins the Commonwealth of Independent States
Construction of the Karakum Canal begins
Mary becomes the capital of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan becomes a member of the United Nations
Turkmenistan signs a gas deal with Russia
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow becomes President of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan announces plans to build the Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline
Turkmenistan celebrates 20 years of independence
Turkmenistan hosts the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
Opening of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan railway line
Turkmenistan hosts the World Weightlifting Championships
Turkmenistan becomes a member of the Non-Aligned Movement
Turkmenistan celebrates its 30th anniversary of independence
Turkmenistan hosts the CIS Summit
Vocabulary List
- Ashgabat
- The capital city of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat.
- Turkmen
- The people of Turkmenistan are known as Turkmen.
- Karakum Desert
- The Karakum Desert covers much of Turkmenistan's territory.
- Manat
- The currency used in Turkmenistan is the Turkmenistan Manat.
- Akhal-Teke
- The Akhal-Teke is a breed of horse that is native to Turkmenistan.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea to the west.
- The capital city of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat.
- Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- The official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen.
- Turkmenistan is known for its vast reserves of natural gas.
- The country has a population of approximately 6 million people.
- Turkmenistan is one of the least visited countries in the world.
- The flag of Turkmenistan features a green field with a vertical red stripe near the hoist side, containing five carpet guls stacked above two crossed olive branches.
- Turkmenistan has a predominantly desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
- The country is known for its extravagant architecture and monuments, particularly in the capital city of Ashgabat.
- Turkmenistan is a presidential republic, with the President serving as both head of state and head of government.
- The currency of Turkmenistan is the Turkmenistan manat.
- Turkmenistan has a strong emphasis on traditional Turkmen culture, including music, dance, and art.
- The country has a literacy rate of over 99%
- Turkmenistan is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
- The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Door to Hell', is a popular tourist attraction in Turkmenistan.
- Turkmenistan is home to the Karakum Desert, one of the largest sand deserts in the world.
- The country has a strong tradition of horsemanship, with the Akhal-Teke horse breed being particularly prized.
- Turkmenistan is a predominantly Muslim country, with Islam being the most widely practiced religion.
- The largest source of income for Turkmenistan is its natural gas exports.
Why It Matters
Geopolitical Significance
Turkmenistan holds a strategic position in Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea and sharing boundaries with Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Its vast energy reserves, particularly natural gas, have made it a key player in regional energy politics and a vital component in international energy security.
Historical Importance
With a history dating back to ancient Silk Road trade routes, Turkmenistan has been influenced by Persian, Mongol, and Russian empires. The country’s heritage includes the ancient city of Merv and the unique Turkmen culture, known for its carpets, music, and traditional nomadic lifestyle.
Modern-Day Role
In the modern era, Turkmenistan plays a crucial role in the global energy market as one of the world’s largest natural gas producers. Its neutrality and policy of positive neutrality have positioned it as a key player in regional diplomacy and economic development initiatives.
Turkmenistan Games
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