Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest, and the Caspian Sea to the west. Covering an area of approximately 491,210 square kilometers, it has a population of about 6 million people as of 2023, making it one of the least densely populated countries in Asia. The capital and largest city is Ashgabat. The official language is Turkmen. Turkmenistan operates as a presidential republic with a strong executive branch. The economy is largely based on natural gas and oil exports, along with agriculture, particularly cotton production. Turkmenistan is known for its vast deserts, notably the Karakum Desert, and unique cultural heritage, including traditional carpet weaving. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
