The poorest and least-populated of the former Soviet Asian republics, Turkmenistan comprises flat, sandy desert, with dunes rising to mountains in the south. It has large reserves of oil and natural gas, but not the infrastructure needed to export them. The capital city of Ashgabat dominates the politics and economy of Turkmenistan.
More than 75 percent of Turkmenistan's 4.6 million inhabitants are native Turkmen, with small minorities of Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Kazakhs, Russians, Tatars, Ukrainians and Uzbeks making up the remainder of the population. The various ethnic groups in the country are largely at peace with each other.
Air travel through Ashgabat is the best way to reach Turkmenistan.
The climate and weather in Turkmenistan is subtropical, with warm to hot weather throughout the year.
From 1991 until his death on Dec. 21, 2006, President Saparmurat Niyazov, (also known as Turkmenbashi, the "Father of the Turkmen") had complete power in Turkmenistan. During his reign, he developed a pervasive cult of personality that extended to all facets of life in Turkmenistan. An election to choose his successor is slated for Feb. 11, 2007.
The country's telecommunications infrastructure is poorly developed, linked by cable and microwave relay to other CIS republics and other countries through Moscow and through a new exchange in Ashgabat. The country's three television stations carry mostly programs relayed from Russia and Turkey. Roads outside the capital are in fair to poor condition; 80 percent are passable in all weather, but many are unpaved, poorly lit and riddled with potholes.
Medical care is limited and well below Western standards.
Turkmenistan's internal security situation is relatively good, but border areas can be affected by instability from neighboring states. Border areas near Iran, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are not secure and may be closed. The violent crime rate is low, but ordinary street crime and petty theft is common. Foreign visitors are frequently targeted since they are perceived as wealthy.
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