About our Turkmenistan news
Latest news on Turkmenistan, the Central Asian gas state covering politics, natural gas, Ashgabat, the Caspian Sea, neutrality, China pipelines and human rights.
Turkmenistan is a Central Asian country bordering Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan and the Caspian Sea. The capital is Ashgabat, known for its white marble buildings. Most of the land is covered by the Karakum Desert. The population is around 6 million.
Natural gas is central to the economy, and Turkmenistan holds some of the world's largest reserves, including the Galkynysh field. Pipelines carry gas to China, and the country has explored routes towards South Asia and Europe. Coverage also follows political control, restrictions on media and civil freedoms, and criticism of the human rights record from international groups.
The Turkmen are the main ethnic group, with a culture shaped by nomadic traditions and Islam. The country is famed for Turkmen carpets and Akhal-Teke horses. The Darvaza gas crater, known as the Door to Hell, and the ancient site of Merv draw curious visitors.
Turkmenistan was part of the Soviet Union until independence in 1991. Saparmurat Niyazov, known as Turkmenbashi, ruled until 2006, followed by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. His son Serdar Berdimuhamedov is now president. Turkmenistan has a policy of permanent neutrality recognised by the United Nations.
This ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Turkmenistan feed collects the latest headlines on Turkmenistan politics, gas, Ashgabat, the Caspian Sea, Central Asia relations, China and human rights, updated throughout the day.