Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a republic in Central Asia. The geographical position
of the Republic is more advantageous than that of its neighbors due to
the
outlet to the Caspian Sea. However, one can also see sandy deserts with
barchans when traveling far inland. Turkmenistan is the country of deserts
and oases as well as unique historical and cultural traditions. The most
ancient civilizations of the world prospered on its territory. Turkmenistan
is definitely the country of contrasts, especially today, when the cities
of the republic have completely changed and become more similar to European
mega cities. But despite all the changes their Oriental character has been
preserved in special architecture, decoration of buildings, numerous mosques
and ancient monuments.
All in all it creates the unique image of the country existing on a juncture of epochs organically combining both the past and the future. The capital of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat which means "the city of love" and Persian language - an oasis created by people loves hands among sands and mounts. Ashgabat is a city of blossoming parks, masterpieces of architecture, sculptures, tremendous fountains, museums and monuments.
It's really impossible to list all possible excursion routes across Turkmenistan. Its territory is abundant in rare ancient monuments which have survived from ancient times. The legendary Nissa -the residence of Parthian kings, the medieval city of Enev are among them. If you travel deeper inland you'll have a chance to see the remains of the ancient city of Merv.
Besides numerous antiquities Turkmenistan has a variety of unique natural
landmarks: underground lakes, high mountain tops, deep crevices, paradise-like
places high in the mountains are similar to none.
Only in such wonderful country as Turkmenistan you will have a chance
to taste original Turkmen delicacies from fresh mutton cooked on saxaul
fire wood, to see the world-known Akhaltekin racers, the legendary handcrafted
Turkmen carpets, to become an eyewitness of national rituals!
Area: 488, 1 thousand square kilometers
Climate: sharp continental
Population: about 4.6 million
Official language: Turkmen.
Capital: Ashgabat
National holiday: Day of Independence (October 27th, since 1991).
National currency: manat.
Turkmenistan Symbolics
Turkmenistan Flag
Green color dominating on the flag of Turkmenistan symbolizes the state's youth,
new hopes of the nation and reminds of the country's religion - Islam. The
same is conveyed by the white half moon - an Islamic symbol. The left part
of the flag contains the 5-ornament ("ghels") carpet strip - each
pattern represents the 5 Turkmen nations. Five white five-pointed stars remind
of the five human senses granted for surrounding world perception - sight,
hearing, touch, smell and sense of harmony. The flag was officially approved
on February 19th, 1992.
Turkmenistan State emblem
Five traditional national carpet ghels decorate the state emblem; five administrative
districts make the territorial integrity of the country: Akhal (Enev), Balkan
(Balkanabat), Dashoguz (Dashoguz), Lebap (Turkmenabat), Mary (Mary).
Turkmenistan symbol - five-headed eagle.
Turkmenistan Geopolitical position
A Central Asian state - Turkmenistan borders on Uzbekistan in the north and
east, with Kazakhstan - in the north, in the east and the south it borders
on Afghanistan, in the south -on Iran. From the west the country is washed
by the waters of the Caspian Sea. The general length of the border is 3,736
km, the length of the sea line - 1,768 km. Turkmenistan possesses is rich
in oil, gas, potash and rock salts, non-ferrous and rare earth metals. It
is one of the richest states in terms of gas and oil deposits. At the same
time the history of the country's independence is very short. The country's
capital is Ashgabat, other major cities -Turkmenbasi, Mary, Turkmenabad,
Tashauz.
Turkmenistan State system
Turkmenistan is a neutral. Turkmenistan is ruled by the republican government.
The president is the head of the state and executive branch. The head of
the government is the prime minister. The legislature belongs to the Parliament
- the Public Assembly (Khalk Medzhlis).