Destinations / The best countries in Asia / Turkmenistan

Total area: 488,100 km2
Population: 5,110,000 (2009 estimate)
Density: 10.5/km2
Currency: Turkmen new manat (TMT)
Official language: Turkmen
Capital: Ashgabat
Governement: Presidential republic Single-party state
Internet TLD: .tm
Calling code: 993

  Turkmenistan is a country located in Central Asia and shares borders with Kazakhstan to the north and northwest, Iran to the south and southwest, Afghanistan to the southeast, Uzbekistan to the east and northeast,  and is bound by the Caspian Sea to the west.

  The harsh desert conditions have resulted in relatively undeveloped tourism activity in Turkmenistan. Also, the country has been closed to the outside world until recent years. In an effort to attract foreign investors and tourists to Turkmenistan, the government focuses on infrastructure, construction of luxury buildings, among which four-star hotel and the development of conference facilities. Turkmenistan has the largest and most modern airport in Central Asia, making air traffic very busy here. Tourism is currently developing and in the future it is expected for Turkmenistan to become a popular tourist destination.

  The major attraction sites in Turkmenistan are: Ashghabat – the capital city; Merv - one of the most famous cities in Central Asia; Karakum Desert, Kugitang - the most impressive nature reserve in Turkmenistan; Tolkuchka Marketplace. 

  Since the summers are very hot while the winters are very harsh, the best time to travel to Turkmenistan is during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November). Wintertime should be avoided, because many flights can be canceled and most tourist areas are closed due to heavy flow of snow.

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Maps of Turkmenistan