Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. It covers an area of 488,100 square kilometers and has a population of around 6 million people. The capital and largest city is Ashgabat. Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since been ruled by authoritarian governments.

The country is known for its vast desert landscapes, including the Karakum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range. Turkmenistan is rich in natural resources, particularly natural gas, which has played a significant role in its economy. The government has been criticized for its human rights record and lack of political freedoms.

Turkmenistan is a unitary one-party presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and government. The economy is largely dependent on the oil and gas sector, with the government controlling many aspects of the economy. The country has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from Persian, Russian, and Turkic cultures.