Turkmenistan: Overview

A lunar landscape with craters of cultural activity.

The most curious of the Central Asian republics, Turkmenistan resembles an Arab Gulf state without the money. It's the second largest Central Asian country, but four-fifths of it consist of an inhospitable lunar-like desert called the Karakum which conceals unexploited oil and gas deposits.

Travel Warning: Border Permits

Travellers need permits to visit areas close to the Afghan, Uzbek and Iranian borders. Ashgabat, Merv and the seaport of Turkmenbashi are not in restricted areas. Any travel to the regions bordering Afghanistan should be reconsidered due to the unstable security situation and the presence of landmines.

severity: Mid-level alert

Fast Facts

Country Full Name

Turkmenistan

Population

5,000,000

Currency

Name: Manat
Code: TMM
Symbol: M

Electrical Plugs

European plug with two circular metal pins American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin
220V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Essential: Russian, Turkmen

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +5 

Country Dialing Code

+993

Weights & Measures

Metric

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

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