Turkmenistan, situated in Central Asia, is a country with a population of around 6 million. Ashgabat, the capital, is the political, economic, and cultural center. Governed by a highly centralized political system, Turkmenistan has been led by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow since 2007, following the long-standing rule of Saparmurat Niyazov. The political landscape is characterized by the dominance of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, the only legal political party, and the lack of a competitive multi-party system. Turkmenistan’s political environment is marked by a strong personality cult and limited political freedoms, with the absence of opposition parties. The country’s economy heavily relies on natural gas exports, and efforts to diversify industries face challenges. Turkmenistan’s cultural identity is influenced by Turkmen traditions, nomadic heritage, and the legacy of the Silk Road. While the nation’s commitment to neutrality has kept it out of regional conflicts, issues such as human rights, freedom of the press, and political openness remain areas of concern. As Turkmenistan looks to maintain stability and promote economic development, international engagement, particularly in the energy sector, is crucial for the nation’s progress, though the government’s centralized control shapes the path forward. HOMEAGERLY: Features democracy and rights of Turkmenistan.
Yearbook 2014 Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan population in 2020 is estimated at 6,031,211. President Gurbanguli Berdimuchammedov dismissed the head of the state gas company in January, claiming that he had not done enough to broaden the...