Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia, and its capital is Ashgabat. It has a population of approximately 7,494,498 and covers an area of about 491,209 km². Its official currency is the Turkmenistan manat (TMT).
What stands out
People & place
15.3 /km² across 491,209 km²
Turkmenistan has a recorded population of 7,494,498 and a reported surface area of 491,209 km².
Economic snapshot
$51.39 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $51.39 billion and GDP per capita at $6,857 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Turkmenistan manat (TMT)
Turkmenistan uses Turkmenistan manat (TMT), calling code +993, internet domain .tm.
About Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a Central Asian nation along the old Silk Road, where vast deserts meet a strikingly modern, marble-clad capital. One of the world's most secretive countries, it holds enormous natural gas reserves and a heritage of ancient cities and nomadic horse culture. Its capital, Ashgabat, is renowned for its gleaming white-marble buildings.
Around 70 percent of Turkmenistan is covered by the Karakum Desert, one of the largest sand deserts in Asia. The Kopet Dag mountains line the southern border with Iran, and the Caspian Sea lies to the west. The climate is sharply continental, with scorching summers and cold winters.
Turkmen culture is rooted in nomadic and tribal traditions, famed for its handwoven carpets, the prized Akhal-Teke horses, and elaborate hospitality. Music, epic poetry and distinctive dress remain important, and Islam is the predominant faith. National identity is strongly tied to these heritage symbols.
The land was crossed by Silk Road caravans and home to ancient cities such as Merv, once among the largest in the world. Absorbed into the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, Turkmenistan became independent in 1991 and has since been governed under tightly controlled, personality-driven rule.
Key facts
The Karakum Desert covers about 70 percent of the country.
The Darvaza gas crater, the Door to Hell, has burned for decades.
Ancient Merv was once one of the largest cities on Earth.
The Akhal-Teke horse is a national symbol prized for its metallic sheen.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Turkmenistan has a recorded population of approximately 7,494,498 people.
How big is Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan covers an area of about 491,209 km².
What is the population density of Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan has a population density of roughly 15.3 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $51.39 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan has a GDP per capita of approximately $6,857.
What currency is used in Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan uses the Turkmenistan manat (TMT), with the symbol T.
Where is Turkmenistan located?
Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Turkmenistan?
The native name of Turkmenistan is Türkmenistan.
What are people from Turkmenistan called?
People from Turkmenistan are referred to as Turkmen.
What is the phone calling code for Turkmenistan?
The international dialing code for Turkmenistan is +993.
What is the internet domain for Turkmenistan?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Turkmenistan is .tm.
What time zone is Turkmenistan in?
Turkmenistan uses the Asia/Ashgabat time zone.
What is Turkmenistan known for?
Turkmenistan is a Central Asian nation along the old Silk Road, where vast deserts meet a strikingly modern, marble-clad capital. One of the world's most secretive countries, it holds enormous natural gas reserves and a heritage of ancient cities and nomadic horse culture. Its capital, Ashgabat, is renowned for its gleaming white-marble buildings.
Central Asia