Country Profile: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by the Caspian Sea and flanked by Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. With a population of approximately 5.7 million, the nation has a predominantly young demographic, with a significant portion living in urban areas, especially around the capital, Ashgabat. The economy is heavily reliant on its vast natural gas reserves, comprising one of the largest reserves globally, although it is vulnerable to shifts in global energy prices. Turkmenistan's political landscape is characterized by an authoritarian presidential republic, where power is concentrated in the hands of the president, currently Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Geography

Turkmenistan occupies an area of 488,100 square kilometers, featuring a predominantly flat terrain with expansive desert regions, particularly the Garagum (Kara-Kum) Desert. The country is predominantly arid, exhibiting a subtropical desert climate, and is landlocked with no direct access to the sea, despite bordering the Caspian Sea.

488,100 sq km: Total area of Turkmenistan.
4,158 km: Total length of land borders with Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
50%: Approximately half of the population resides in and around Ashgabat.

People and Society

The estimated population of Turkmenistan is around 5.74 million as of 2024, comprising largely ethnic Turkmen (85%), with minorities including Uzbek and Russian groups. The majority (93%) identify as Muslim, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage. The median age is approximately 31.2 years, indicating a relatively young population structure.

16.8 births/1,000: Birth rate in 2024.
72.4 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
99.6%: Female literacy rate (2019).

Economy

Turkmenistan's economy is classified as upper middle-income and is heavily reliant on its natural resources, particularly natural gas, which accounts for a substantial portion of GDP. The economy is characterized by state-owned enterprises and a limited private sector.

$134.555 billion: Projected Real GDP (purchasing power parity) for 2024.
2.3%: Estimated Real GDP growth rate for 2024.
4.4%: Unemployment rate for 2024.

Government

Turkmenistan is governed as an authoritarian presidential republic, with the president serving as both head of state and head of government. The current president is Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who has been in office since March 2022. The political system has been marked by a lack of democratic practices and a tight grip on power.

125: Total seats in the unicameral Assembly (Mejlis).
73%: Percentage of votes Serdar Berdimuhamedov received in the most recent election (2022).
18 years: Minimum voting age.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Turkmenistan consist of ground forces, an air force, and a navy, with military expenditures accounting for approximately 1.9% of GDP as of 2019. The military is involved in both defense and internal security roles.

35,000: Estimated active military personnel (2025).
24 months: Duration of conscript service obligation.
18-27 years: Age range for compulsory military service.

Energy

Turkmenistan boasts significant energy resources, notably natural gas, where it ranks among the top nations in terms of proven reserves. The energy sector is vital for the economy, supplying both domestic needs and exports.

11.327 trillion cubic meters: Proven natural gas reserves (2021).
84.277 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023).
100%: Electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023).

Environment

The country faces various environmental challenges, including soil and groundwater pollution, desertification, and water management issues associated with irrigation practices.

84.3%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2022).
54%: Urban population as of 2023.
500,000 tons: Estimated municipal solid waste generated annually (2013).

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes railways and airports, facilitating both internal and international connectivity.

5,113 km: Total length of railways (2017).
23: Number of airports as of 2025.
73: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).

Communications

Telecommunications in Turkmenistan are mainly state-controlled, with a growing mobile and internet user base.

21%: Internet penetration rate (2017).
6.25 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021).
377,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,744,151	Estimated for 2024
Area	488,100 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$134.555 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	16.8 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	72.4 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	99.6%	Female literacy rate (2019)
Total Energy Consumption Per Capita	261.142 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Agriculture Land	84.3%	Percentage of land used for agriculture (2022)
Military Expenditures	1.9% of GDP	Military expenditure (2019)