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Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia. It has borders with Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan and has a coastline on the Caspian Sea.
Main article: History of Turkmenistan
Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1925. It achieved its independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.
Main article: Politics of Turkmenistan
President Saparmurat Niyazov retains absolute control over the country and opposition is not tolerated.
Main article: Welayatlar of Turkmenistan[?]
Turkmenistan is divided into 5 welayatlar (singular - welayat):
Ahal Welayaty[?] (Ashgabat), Balkan Welayaty[?] (Nebitdag[?]), Dashhowuz Welayaty[?] (formerly Tashauz[?]), Lebap Welayaty[?] (Charjew[?]), Mary Welayaty[?]
Note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)
Main article: Geography of Turkmenistan
90% of the country is covered by the Kara Kum desert.
Rivers include: Amu Darya, Hari Rud
Main article: Economy of Turkmenistan
Extensive hydrocarbon (natural gas) reserves could prove a boon to this underdeveloped country if extraction and delivery projects can be worked out.
Main article: Demographics of Turkmenistan
Main article: Culture of Turkmenistan[?]
Holidays
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