Capital: Ashgabat
Location:
Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Kazakhstan (slightly larger than California)
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
Americans living in or visiting Turkmenistan are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat and obtain updated information on travel and security within Turkmenistan. The U.S. Embassy is located in Ashgabat at 9 Pushkin Street, tel. (993-12) 51-13-06 or 35-00-45; fax (993-12) 51-13-05. the Embassy’s Internet address is http://www.usemb-ashgabat.usia.co.at/
Consular Access:
U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports and Turkmeni visas with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.
Background:
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. President NIYAZOV retains absolute control over the country and opposition is not tolerated. Extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this underdeveloped country if extraction and delivery projects can be worked out.
Ethnic Groups:
Turkmen 77%, Uzbek 9.2%, Russian 6.7%, Kazakh 2%, other 5.1% (1995)
Language:
Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%
Currency:
TMM
Turkmen manat (TMM)
Turkmen manats per US dollar - 5,200 (January 2001), 5,200 (January 2000), 5,350 (January 1999), 4,070 (January 1997), 2,400 (January 1996)
Climate:
Subtropical desert
Population:
4,603,244 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%
Medical:
Medical care in Turkmenistan is limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of public and private hospitals and English-speaking physicians in the country. Due to the privatization of pharmacies, availability of non-prescription drugs has increased, but there is still a shortage of some medicines. Two clinics can conduct consultations and/or operations performed by foreign (German and Turkish) specialists.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Turkmenistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Condition of Public Transportation:
Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Poor
Since independence in 1991, Turkmenistan has seen an increase in the number of cars, leading to heavy congestion on major routes in Ashgabat during rush hour. Drivers can be undisciplined and aggressive. Primary roads in Ashgabat are of high quality, well maintained and lit, but side streets are often in disrepair and poorly lit. Drivers should exercise extreme caution on intercity roads. Although paved, rural roads are narrow, often in a state of disrepair, and not lit. Livestock and large agricultural vehicles in the road also present hazards.
