Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$6,200 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

13% (2008 est.)

Population

4,884,887 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

D

Country Map

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Turkmenistan : Introduction

Eastern Turkmenistan for centuries formed part of the Persian province of Khurasan; in medieval times Merv (today known as Mary) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924. It achieved independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this underdeveloped country if extraction and delivery projects were to be expanded. The Turkmenistan Government is actively seeking to develop alternative petroleum transportation routes to break Russia's pipeline monopoly. President for Life Saparmurat NYYAZOW died in December 2006, and Turkmenistan held its first multi-candidate presidential electoral process in February 2007. Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a vice premier under NYYAZOW, emerged as the country's new president.

Turkmenistan: Embassy of Turkmenistan: Business & Economy

The Business & Economy page of the Embassy of Turkmenistan website provides information on the investment environment, business opportunities, foreign investment, and a list of international conferences held in the country.

Turkmenistan: Turkmen Business

Turkmen Business is an information and business center for anyone who is interested in starting a business in the country, intends to establish business contacts with Turkmen partners or is already engaged in business in the Republic. The site provides information on visas, tourism, traveling to the country and news headlines. Only available in Russian.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (November 2008)