Turkmenistan is a country located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. Its capital and largest city is Ashgabat. The official language is Turkmen and the currency is the Turkmen manat. The country has a population of around 5.8 million people.
Turkmenistan has a largely state-controlled economy, with significant reserves of natural gas and oil. The country's economy is heavily dependent on the export of these resources, and it also has a growing agricultural sector. However, the country has faced economic challenges due to falling energy prices and a lack of diversification.
Turkmenistan has a long history, with influences from various empires and cultures, including the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Mongols, and the Russian Empire. The country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and since then it has been ruled by a single party and a single president. The government is authoritarian, and the country has been criticized for its poor human rights record.
Turkmenistan has a rich culture, with influences from its nomadic heritage and its position at the crossroads of Central Asia. The country is known for its traditional music, dance, and carpets, and for its colorful festivals and ceremonies. Turkmen cuisine is also known for its delicious and flavorful dishes, which are influenced by the country's nomadic and Central Asian heritage.
Turkmenistan has been facing environmental challenges, such as desertification, soil erosion, and water shortages.