Turkmenistan

Government
One-party republic.

Geography
Turkmenistan (formerly Turkmenia) is bounded by the Caspian Sea in the west, Kazakhstan in the north, Uzbekistan in the east, and Iran and Afghanistan in the south. About nine-tenths of Turkmenistan is desert, chiefly the Kara Kum. One of the world’s largest sand deserts, it is approximately 138,966 sq mi (360,000 sq km).

Historical Background
Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924. It achieved its independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. President Saparmurat NIYAZOV retains absolute control over the country. Extensive hydrocarbon/ natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this underdeveloped country if extraction and delivery projects were to be expanded. On Sept. 26, 2008, after two decades of isolation under autocratic leader Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan adopted a new constitution that abolishes the exsisting People's Council and calls for a new parliament almost double in size, promoting multiparty politics and a market economy. Parliamentary elections will be held in December 2008.

Capital

Ashgabat

Government

Presidential republic Single-party state  -  President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow

National Language

Russian

Area

Total 488,100 km2 [1](52nd) 188,456 sq mi         

Population

2009 estimate 5,110,000[2] (112th)

Currency

Turkmen new manat (TMT)