Economic-geographical characteristics of Turkmenistan. Composition of the territory of the EGP. History of the formation of the state and territory

TURKMENISTAN, Republic of Turkmenistan, a state in Central Asia. It borders with Kazakhstan in the north, Uzbekistan in the north and east, Iran and Afghanistan in the south. In the west it is washed by the Caspian Sea. From 1924 to 1991, Turkmenistan was part of the USSR as a union republic (Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic). The independence of Turkmenistan was declared in October 1991.

Terrain

Most of the territory of Turkmenistan is located within the Turan Lowland. The Karakum Desert (“black sands”) occupies the middle part of the republic. Rocky and gravelly deserts predominate in the west, and sandy deserts in the east. Mountains and hills are confined mainly to the southern periphery of the country. Only 3% of Turkmenistan's area is suitable for agriculture.

In the extreme south of the country there is the Kopetdag mountain system (the highest point is Mount Rize, 2942 m). Its northeastern continuation is the low remnant mountains of Maly Balkhan (up to 777 m) and Bolshoi Balkhan (Mount Arlan, 1881 m). To the north of the Kopetdag there is a piedmont plain, turning in the west into the vast Caspian lowland. Near the shore of the Caspian Sea there is a small Krasnovodsk plateau (up to 308 m). In the northwest, the southern edge of the Ustyurt Plateau with altitudes of up to 400–460 m enters the borders of Turkmenistan.

In the extreme south of the country there are the Badkhyz and Karabil hills with maximum heights of 1267 m and 984 m, respectively. These are the foothills of Paropamiz, which continue into Afghanistan. In the extreme southeast rise the Kugitangtau Mountains with the highest point of Turkmenistan, Mount Airybaba (3139 m).

Climate

The country's climate is arid continental with large temperature differences, low precipitation and high evaporation. Summers are usually hot and dry, with average July temperatures of 28–32° C. Winters are mild, with little snow, but in some years there are heavy but short-term snowfalls and temperatures can drop to –20° C. Average January temperatures range from –5° C in the northeast of the country to +4° C in the south. The average annual precipitation is approx. 80 mm in the middle reaches of the Amu Darya, 150 mm in the Karakum Desert, 200–300 mm in the foothills and intermountain valleys and over 400 mm in the mountains. Hot, dry winds and dust storms are typical for the plains.

Water resources

Almost the entire territory of Turkmenistan, with the exception of the south-eastern and south-western outskirts, does not have constant surface flow. The largest river, the Amudarya, which receives glacier-snow feeding in the Pamir Mountains, enters the territory of Turkmenistan in its middle course. The Karakum Canal (now named after Turkmenbashi) with a length of over 1000 km is diverted from this river to the west. In addition to river water, it is also fed by groundwater. In the south of the country, three significant rivers - Murghab, Tedzhen and Atrek - receive snow and rain in the Paropamiz and Kopetdag mountains (in Afghanistan and Iran). A number of small rivers fed by springs and rain also flow from the Kopetdag and other mid-altitude mountains. In spring, water levels in the rivers are highest, and in some years there are severe floods. In summer, many rivers become shallow and dry up. Even such of them as Tejen and Murghab remain without water in their lower reaches. Usually rivers end in the so-called. “irrigation fans” - shallow branches and artificial channels through which water is passed to irrigation fields. The main reason for the shallowness of rivers is the large amount of water used for irrigation, but a significant part of the river flow also ends up in groundwater and is spent on evaporation. There are numerous oases along the rivers and canals.

Composition of the territory. Features of the EGP.

It is divided into 5 regions and 40 districts, has 15 cities and 73 urban-type settlements.

Regions						Center
Ashgabat	95,4	657	7	3	12	Ashgabat
Krasnovodskaya	138,5	295	6	5	16	Krasnovodsk
Mary	86,8	588	8	4	16	Mary
Tashauzskaya	73,6	488	8	1	7	Tashauz
Chardzhouskaya	93,8	553	11	2	22	Chardzhou

Turkmenistan was originally formed as the Turkmen region within the Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic on August 7, 1921; On October 27, 1924 it was transformed into the Turkmen SSR. Located in the southwest of Central Asia. It borders on Kazakhstan in the north, Uzbekistan in the northeast, Afghanistan in the southeast, and Iran in the south. In the west it is washed by the Caspian Sea. Area - 488.1 thousand km². Population - 2581 thousand people (estimated as of January 1, 1976). The capital is Ashgabat.

Natural conditions and resources

Climate sharply continental, arid, with large annual and daily temperature amplitudes, low air humidity, high evaporation and low precipitation. Characterized by hot and dry summers, mild and little snow, sometimes cold winters, short wet springs, and dry autumns. Average January temperature from
-5°C in the northeast to 4°C in the Atrek area; absolute minimum -32 °C in Tashauz region,
-29°C in the foothills of the Kopetdag and -10.3°C in the south of the Caspian Sea coast. The average July temperature is 28 °C in the northeast and 32 °C in the south; absolute maximum 49.9 °C (Repetek station). Precipitation is 80 mm per year in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya, up to 150 mm in the Karakum Desert, 200-300 mm in the foothills and mountain valleys, up to 400 mm or more in the mountains (maximum in the spring-winter period). The snow cover is unstable, usually lasting for several days (in the northern regions and mountains). The winds are constant, prevailing are north-easterly, northerly, north-
-western; In the foothills of the Kopetdag in the summer a dry, hot garm-sil wind blows. When the seasons change, there are dust storms. The growing season is 200-270 days.

Relief. Turkmenistan is the flattest republic in Central Asia. Almost 1/5 of its territory lies within the Turan Lowland, occupied mainly by the Karakum Desert. Only in the south there is a narrow strip of hills and mid-altitude mountains. On the territory of Turkmenistan, near the city of Kushka, is the southernmost point of the CIS. In the southern part of the republic stretch the Kopetdag Mountains (height up to 2942 m, Rize); to the northwest of them there are two separate ridges: Small Balkhan (up to 777 m in height) and Big Balkhan (up to 1881 m in height). Adjacent to the Kopetdag from the north is a foothill plain, which in the west merges with the Caspian lowland plain. In the southeast, the northern foothills of Paropamiz - the Badkhyz (up to 1267 m in height) and Karabil (up to 984 m in height) hills, separated by the Murgab River - enter the borders of Turkmenistan. In the extreme southeast there is a spur of the Gissar ridge Kugitangtau (up to 3139 m in height, the highest point of the republic).

On the 3rd west is the Krasnovodsk plateau (up to 308 m in height), in the north-west is the southern edge of the Ustyurt plateau. To the south of Ustyurt there is the Zauzboy folded region, which is a system of bushy flat-topped hills (Kaplankyr, Chelyunkry, etc.) and depressions separating them. And within the Caspian lowland plain, the Nebitdag (39 m), Boyadag (134 m), Kumdag, Mondzhukly (27 m) and others rise. In the north and northeast of the foothill plain of the Kopetdag there are the Karakum, which are divided into Central (or Lowland) and Zaunguz. The South-Eastern Karakum Desert is located between the Amu Darya and Tedzhen rivers. These deserts are characterized by cellular-ridged and hilly semi-overgrown sands; there are areas of sand dunes; in the depressions - takyrs and sory. Within Turkmenistan there is a narrow strip of the right bank of the Amu Darya (Sundukli sands).

Shores. The coastline of the Caspian Sea within Turkmenistan in the south is slightly indented, and in the north it has winding outlines, forming bays (Kara-Bogaz-Gol, Krasnovodsk Bay, Turkmensky), peninsulas (Krasnovodsk, Dardzha, Cheleken) and spits (the largest is Krasnovodskaya); The shores are low-lying and sandy. Off the coast are the islands of Ogurchinsky, Kamysh-lyada and others.

Vegetation mostly deserted. In the desert, shrubs grow on the sands: white and black saxaul, kandym, cherkez, sand acacia, astragalus, with a predominance of swollen sedge in the grass cover. On the salt marshes and sors there are comb grass, sarsazan, potashnik, etc. On the Ustyurt plateau there are shrub saltworts: Karadzha-Cherkez, kevreik, biyurgun, tetir, as well as gray wormwood. In the river valleys there are island tugai forests (petta poplar, turanga poplar and oleaster). The desert lowlands and foothills of the Kopetdag are most characterized by semi-shrub vegetation of southern and gray wormwood and ephemeral herbs. On the foothill plain, in the foothills of the Kopetdag, on Karabil and Badkhyz there is herbaceous vegetation of the ephemeral type (bulbous bluegrass, desert sedge, ferula) and ephemerals. In the upper and middle mountain belts (from 1000 m high), on mountain plateaus and gentle slopes - feather grass and wheatgrass steppes; with vy. At 1500 m there are juniper forests. Gorges of the West The Kopet Dag region is rich in wild fruits (grapes, apple trees, hawthorns, cherry plums, almonds, pomegranates, walnuts, figs, pistachios). On Badkhyz there is open pistachio forest. B. ch. desert is used as year-round pasture.

Animal world. There are numerous rodents in the desert: gophers, gerbils, jerboas, etc.; inhabited by gazelle, corsac fox, wolf, sand cat, steppe cat, jackal; among birds - saxaul jay, larks, desert raven, sparrows; among reptiles - lizards, snakes (epha, arrow-snake, steppe boa, cobra, etc.), steppe tortoise; of invertebrates - beetles, scorpions, karakurt spider, phalanges. In the foothill zone, along with a rich fauna of reptiles and rodents, there is an abundant fauna of birds: crested lark, hoopoe, sandgrouse, little bustard, kite, black vulture, griffon vulture, etc. In the mountains there are wolves, foxes, leopards, argali, bezoar goats, marking goats, wild cat; of birds - pheasant, chukar, Caspian mountain turkey (sular), etc. In Badkhyz - kulan, argali, goitered gazelle, hyena. In the Amu Darya valley - wild boar, Bukhara deer (hangul); of birds - pheasant, etc. In the Amu Darya, there are thorn, barbel, asp, carp, pseudopathos, etc., in the Karakum Canal, reservoirs, and Amu Darya - introduced herbivorous fish - grass carp and silver carp. There are many waterfowl along the banks of reservoirs.

Protection of Nature. On the territory of Turkmenistan there are the Krasnovodsk Reserve, the Vadkhyz Reserve, and the Repetek Reserve of the Inta Deserts of Turkmenistan.

Natural areas. IN Within Turkmenistan there are 10 districts, united into 3 groups. Mountain and foothills: 1) Big and Small Bal-Khan, 2) Kopetdag, 3) Paropamiz - Badkhyz and Karabil, 4) Kugitang, 5) Krasnovodsk and Zauzboy, which have a highly dissected erosion-tectonic. relief. The mountains (Kopet Dag, Kugitangtau, etc.) are characterized by high seismicity. The vegetation is varied: herbaceous - wheatgrass, feather grass, fescue, wormwood, bulbous bluegrass, ephemera, etc.; in higher zones, in addition to grasses, shrubs and woody vegetation (juniper, maple, pistachio, etc.) are common. Structural elevated plains: 1) Ustyurt plateau, 2) Zaunguz Karakum. Ustyurt is characterized by desert flat-topped hills - kyrs with gray-brown desert soils; semi-shrub hodgepodges (tethir, biyurgun) and wormwood predominate. The surface of the elevated alluvial plain of Zaunguzya is dissected by ridges (30-60 m); sandy desert soils and rarely takyrs are developed in the interridge depressions. Denudation drainless depressions are common (Akchakaya and others). In Zaunguzie there are psammophytes with ephemeral forbs (mainly sedge-silt) and ephemerals; from shrubs - saxaul, kandym, bor-dzhak, cherkez. Lowland plains: 1) Caspian, or Western Turkmen lowland, 2) Lowland Karakum, 3) valleys and river deltas. Amu Darya, Murgaba, Ted wife, as well as oases - over a large territory. under desert climate conditions, they were subjected to intense wind erosion, which created various forms of aeolian relief (ridged, ridged-cellular and hilly-ridged sands; in the east and extreme 3rd, this means that the place is occupied by dune sands). The vegetation cover of the sandy desert is represented by large shrubs, subshrubs and herbs (saxaul, kandym, cherkez, bordzhak, sand acacia, sedin, ilak). In the valleys and deltas of rivers, alluvial (floodplain) meadow and meadow-takyr-like soils are common, and oasis sands are widely developed. The landscape of river valleys and deltas has been transformed by man and represents a typical example of a cultural landscape. The main region of cotton growing, melon growing and horticulture in Turkmenistan.

Geological structure and minerals. The territory of Turkmenistan is part of the Mediterranean geosynclinal belt and occupies part of two large tectonic elements - the EpiPaleozoic Turanian plate and the Alpine folded region. The structure of the Turan Plate involves: the pre-Upper Paleozoic metamorphic foundation, the Upper Paleozoic-Triassic effusive-sedimentary complex and the Mesozoic-Cenozoic platform sedimentary cover.

The elements of the Alpine folded region are the West Turkmen depression (in the west), forming the eastern margin of the isometric South Caspian intermontane depression, and the sublatitudinal folded uplift of the Kopetdag (in the east). From the north they are limited by the South Turkmen marginal suture of northwestern strike.

Between the Kopetdag and the Turan plate there is the Pre-Kopetdag marginal trough. The pre-Alpine basement is composed of pre-Upper Paleozoic metamorphic formations and effusive-sedimentary formations of the Upper Paleozoic (?) - Triassic; the overlying complex is formed by sedimentary geosynclinal, geoanticlinal and subplatform formations of the Mesozoic - Paleogene (up to 8 km thick), passing to the North into platform and orogenic formations of the Upper Oligocene - Anthropogene (several km thick), filling the Western Turkmen depression and the Pre-Kopet Dag trough. The eastern part of the territory of Turkmenistan, covering the mountainous block-folded uplift of the southwestern spurs of the Gissar Range, belongs to the epiplatform region; its structure includes the Paleozoic foundation and the Mesozoic-Cenozoic sedimentary cover (the bottoms of the latter are formed by platform formations of the Jurassic - Paleogene, and the tops - by orogenic formations of the Neogene - anthropogene). The southern regions of Turkmenistan are characterized by increased seismicity.

The most important minerals are oil and gas. The main oil fields - Leninskoye (Koturdepe), Barsa-Gelmes and others - are associated with Pliocene deposits of the West Turkmen depression. The most important gas fields (Shatlyk, Achak, Naip and others) are confined to the Mesozoic deposits of the eastern platform part of Turkmenistan. In terms of proven gas reserves, Turkmenistan ranks 2nd in the CIS (after Russia). A number of small deposits of fossil coals have been identified in Jurassic deposits. Turkmenistan is rich in deposits of mineral salts, among which the main ones are chlorides (including potassium) and sulfates (anhydrite group, gypsum, mirabilite and others); The main salt reserves are associated with the Jurassic salt-bearing formation of Eastern Turkmenistan (the largest deposits are Gaurdak, Karlyuk), as well as with the newest deposits of Kara-Bogaz-Gol. There are deposits of mercury (in Kopetdag); from non-metallic minerals - sulfur, bentonite, ozokerite, building materials (including glass and cement raw materials). Valuable minerals of Turkmenistan include drinking, industrial, iodine-bromine and mineral medicinal waters. New sources of fresh water have been discovered at depths of 50-240m (Karakum Desert). Methods are being developed to preserve fresh rainwater through the creation of art, fresh reservoirs (khaks) on takyrs.

Inland waters. Up to 80% of the territory of Turkmenistan is deprived of permanent surface flow; rivers are found only in the southern and eastern peripheral regions. The only high-water river, the Amudarya, flowing along the eastern outskirts, has 2 floods: in spring - a smaller one (from rains and melting snow in low-mountain areas) and in summer - a major one (from melting glaciers and snow in high-mountain areas). The Amu Darya carries a huge amount of sediment in its waters, which increases the fertility of irrigated lands. Through the Karakum Canal named after V.I. Lenin, the waters of the Amu Darya reached Bakharden - 900 km (1975).

In the south, the largest rivers are Murgab, Tedzhen and Atrek (they dry up in the lower reaches in summer) - with spring floods; The flow of Murghab and Tedzhen is regulated due to the construction of reservoirs on them and the construction of the Karakum Canal. Many short rivers flow down from the northern slope of the Kopetdag, the waters of which are almost entirely used for irrigation. Groundwater (often saline) plays an important role in grazing livestock. This means that the place in the desert water economy belongs to winter-spring surface rainwater. Along the river valleys and the Karakum Canal there are oases.

Most of the lakes are salty; they are found on the Caspian coast and in the riverbed of the Uzboy (the largest of them is Kuuli). Freshwater lakes include Yaskhan (used for water supply to the city of Nebit-Dag) and Topiatan in the Uzboy valley. In the mountains there are lakes of karst origin Kou-Ata (in the Baharden cave) and Khord-junli (in Kugitangtau).

Soils. Gray-brown soils (with a humus content of less than 1%, severe solonetzity and accumulation of gypsum) occupy the Ustyurt, Krasnovodskoe and Zaunguz plateaus; gray soils (with humus content from 1% to 3-4% and high carbonate content) - mainly the foothills and lower slopes of mountains. Light sierozems are widespread on the foothill plain; in the lower mountain belt there are typical gray soils, higher up there are dark gray soils. On the highest parts of the mountain plateaus and ridges of Kopetdag and Kugitangtau there are mountain brown soils. In the Karakum desert there are fixed sands over a large area. In the depressions there are solonchaks, takyr and takyr-like soils. In the river valleys there are meadow-gray soils and alluvial-meadow soils. About 2% of the area of Turkmenistan is occupied by irrigated soils - the main agricultural fund of the republic.

Population

The main population is Turkmens (Altai family, Turkic group) (1.4 million people; here and below are the 1970 census data). Also living (thousands of people): Russians (Indo-European family, Slavic group) (313.1), Uzbeks (Altai family, Turkic group) (179.5), Kazakhs (Altai family, Turkic group) (68.5) , Tatars (Altai family, Turkic group) (36.5), Ukrainians (Indo-European family, Slavic group) (35.4), Armenians (Indo-European family) (23.1), Azerbaijanis (Altai family, Turkic group) (16 ,8), Baluchi (12.4) and others.

During the years of Soviet power, the population of Turkmenistan grew at a faster rate than the CIS average; this was due to higher natural population growth (26.6 people per 1 thousand in 1975, the average for the CIS was 8.8 people). In terms of natural population growth, Turkmenistan ranks 3rd among the union republics (after Tajikistan and Uzbekistan).

In terms of average population density (5.3 people per 1 km², as of January 1, 1976), Turkmenistan ranks last among the union republics. The population is distributed extremely unevenly. The most densely populated oases are the lower reaches of Murgas, the middle and lower Amu Darya, and the southern foothill zone (100-200 people per 1 km). Vast expanses of desert are extremely sparsely populated (less than 1 person per 1 km²). Of the total population, women make up 50% (1975, January 1 estimate).

Population size,

number

In to
populated

all over the world

thousand people

city-

rural

city-

rural

sky

1913 (end of year estimate)

1042

117

925

1926 (according to the census as of December 17)

998

137

861

1939 (according to the census as of January 17)

1252

416

836

1959 (according to the census as of January 15)

1516

700

816

1970 (according to the census as of January 15)

2159

1034

1125

1976 (est. January 1)

2581

1254

1327

During 1929-1974, the number of workers and employees in the national economy increased by more than 9 times. In 1974 it amounted to 553 thousand people, including in industry 99 thousand people, construction 92 thousand, agriculture 34 thousand, transport and communications 78 thousand, education and culture 78 thousand, health care, physical education and social security 41 thousand , in trade, public catering, logistics and sales, procurement 58 thousand people. The share of women in the total number of workers and employees is 40% (in 1924 it was 13%), including in industry 45%, education 57% and health care, physical education and social security 72%. The creation of modern socialist industries caused rapid growth of the urban population. The most important cities (thousands of inhabitants; as of January 1, 1976): Ashgabat (297), Chardzhou (110), Tashauz (81), Mary (70), Krasnovodsk (54), Bayram-Ali (38), Tejen (31). Industrial centers created during the years of Soviet power: Nebit-Dag, Bezmein, Cheleken.

Industry.

Leading industries: gas, oil, chemical, light, oil and fat, wine, as well as energy, and construction materials.

Chemical industry represented by the production of iodine, bromine, sodium sulfate, bischofite, epsomite, Glauber's salt, superphosphate, sulfur, sulfuric acid, aluminum fluoride, and household chemical products. The Karabogazsulfat association operates in the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay. Plants: Chardzhou superphosphate plant, Gaurdak sulfur plant.

Mechanical engineering and metalworking- Plants: Ashgabat, Mary Machine-Building Plant, “Ashneftemash”.

Construction materials industry mainly represented by the production of glass, cement, asbestos-cement pipes and sheets, reinforced concrete structures, expanded clay, pottery grenage pipes, bricks. Factories: Bezmeinsky, Ashgabat, Mary, Nebit-Dag, in Gyaurs, in Bayram-Ali.

Light industry- textile industry, specializing in the primary processing of cotton, wool, and mulberry cocoons.

Spinning and weaving factories are in Ashgabat and Mary.

Silk-winding factory and shoe production - in Ashgabat.

Knitting industry - in Ashgabat and Chardzhou.

Cotton and wool spinning and weaving factories are in Chardzhou.

Food industry. Oil and fat, wine, bakery, confectionery, brewing, salt, meat and dairy - in the Bayran-Ali oil and fat plant, Tashauz oil expeller plant and Chardzhou plant. Centers: Ashgabat, Geok-tepe, Karabekaul.

OilPlace of Birth. - Leninskoye (Koturdepe), Barsa-Gelmes.

The most important gas fields- Shatlyk, Achak, Naip.

Largest depositssalt- Gaurdakskoe, Karlyukskoe.

Place of Birthmercury- in Kopetdag.

Electric power industry.

Hydroelectric power station - Hindu Kush on the Murgab River.

GRES - Bezmeinskaya, Nebit-Dagskaya gas turbine, Maryskaya.

CHPP - Chardzhouskaya, Krasnovodskaya.

Agriculture.

Agriculture:

The main branch of agriculture is cotton growing.

Cereals: wheat, barley, rice, dzhugara.

Forage crops: corn for grain, silage and green fodder, alfalfa, etc.

Important branches of agriculture are horticulture, viticulture and vegetable growing. Melon growing is especially developed in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya, in the Tedzhen and Murghab oases. Turkmenistan is famous for its high-quality varieties of melons and watermelons.

Subtropical crops: pomegranate, olives, almonds, figs.

Livestock:

Karakul breeding, fine-wool sheep breeding, camel breeding, cattle breeding, pig breeding, poultry farming, horse breeding (raising pedigree horses of the Akhal-Teke breed), sericulture, beekeeping, fish farming.

V.Historical sketch

The primitive communal system on the territory of Turkmenistan (before 8-7 centuries BC e.). People began to populate the territory of Turkmenistan back in the Lower Paleolithic era, which is confirmed by the finds of stone tools in the Krasnovodsk (Jebel) region and some other areas. Within Turkmenistan, one of the most ancient (6th millennium BC) Neolithic agricultural cultures in the CIS has been identified - the Dzheitun culture. The remains of ancient settlements have been discovered - Dzheitun, Chopan-Tepe, Vami, Chagylly, Mondzhukly and others, located on the foothill plain of the Kopetdag. In this era, the economic basis of society was the clan, and the main occupations of the population were agriculture with archaic estuary irrigation (collection and distribution of water from mountain streams), livestock raising and hunting. The Chalcolithic era in Turkmenistan is represented by the Lnau culture, the remains of settlements of which were found along the northern spurs of the Kopetdag (Anau, Namazga-Tepe, Kara-Tepe, etc.) and in the lower reaches of the Tedzhen River (Geoksyur Hill). This culture is characterized by agriculture (the first irrigations, canals in Geoksyur - mid-3rd millennium BC) and cattle breeding. In the 2nd millennium BC. e. Crafts (pottery and metalworking) appeared, and large urban-type settlements arose. In addition to wheat and barley, they began to cultivate grapes, rye, oats, etc. Large families formed the economic basis of society.

End of the 2nd - beginning of the 1st millennium BC. e. - the time of the decomposition of the primitive communal system and the emergence of a class society among the tribes inhabiting the territory of Turkmenistan. Fundamental changes took place in the main branch of the economy - agriculture, in which artificial irrigation developed (remains of ancient irrigation systems were preserved in the foothills of Southwestern Turkmenistan, on the Turkmen Misrian Plain, in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya and Margiana). The formation of a class society and state formations was accompanied by the further development of irrigated agriculture, crafts and trade, and the emergence of cities.

Transport.

In domestic transportation, the main modes of transport are rail and road.

Railways:

Krasnovodsk-Tashkent, Chardzhou-Kungrad, Tashkent-Ashgabat, Ashgabat-Nukus-Moscow, Ashgabat-Nebitdag, Nebitdag-Krasnovodsk.

Car roads- Krasnovodsk-Chardzhou, Chardzhou-Kushka

Gas pipeline- Central Asia - Center

Shipping- on the Amu Darya River.

Sea port- Krasnovodsk.

Air Transport- Ashgabat.

Foreign economic relations.

Export: oil, gas, fish, carpets and carpet products, shulk, cotton industry products, wool, leather raw materials, cotton, live: astrakhan fur, sheep, horses, handicrafts, textiles.

Import: coal, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy products, oil, engineering products, timber, building materials, essential products, food, chemicals, medicines.

Turkmen carpets And Akhal-Teke horses, Sunday markets and countless ancient monuments: the ruins of ancient fortresses of the Achaemenid dynasty and settlements of the Parthian kingdom, ancient cities Merv, Koneurgench, Nisa, medieval castles, forts, kavaran-sarai, mosques, mausoleums and tombs - this is what attracts tourists to hot Turkmenistan. Numerous studies and excavations have proven that people lived on the territory of Turkmenistan 3 million years ago!

Of the modern attractions that are definitely worth visiting in Turkmenistan, we can highlight the main ones: cyclopean in size mosque « Turkmenbashi Rukhy", the Turkmenbashi and Rukhyet palaces, the Independence Monument and the Arch of Neutrality, and, of course, Carpet Museum, where among many ancient artifacts a modern giant carpet with an area of 301 sq. m- “The Golden Age of the Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashi.”

In addition to the most interesting historical and modern monuments, Turkmenistan has many natural attractions: huge Karakum desert with its classic dunes, the Baharden cave and the underground sulfur lake Kou-Ata, burning Darvaza gas crater, dinosaur plateau - Khojapil, Yangikala canyons, Repetek, Kugitang and Kopetdag national parks and other interesting natural sites.

Turkmenistan can in fact be compared to the traditional oriental beauty, which, due to established habits and religious national foundations, does not have the right to keep her face open to everyone she sees in front of her, or to those who themselves have an irresistible desire to admire her extraordinary beauty. Her appearance is the silhouette that appears before our eyes when a woman in a hijab appears, and her inner world is unknown to almost anyone. However, if a person has exceptionally noble and serious intentions towards her, she can open up to him and show all the beauty that has been heard so much about, but until a certain moment remained hidden from view.

Turkmenistan today, despite the strict visa regime, it is one of the popular tourist destinations Central Asia. And although the government of Turkmenistan does not strive to make life within the country public and, in fact, is rather stingy in the development of foreign policy relations, the state welcomes tourists, there are a number of modern hotels of the world's leading hotel chains, many private mini-hotels, etc. .

Turkmenistan surprises and delights, provides delicious food and celebrates holidays in a colorful way - this country has been making connoisseurs of Asian culture fall in love with it for many years. The Turkmen themselves say that their land is sacred like the Turkmen hearth, pure like the conscience of a Turkmen, great like his pride and strong like his faith!

Useful information for traveling around Turkmenistan:

General information about Turkmenistan.

Location. Turkmenistan, which during its long history has been under the rule of almost all the major rulers of the East, is now a sovereign state. Located in Central Asia, it shares borders with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Iran. The country has no access to the World Ocean, but the Caspian Sea provides local residents with the opportunity to listen to the sound of the surf without leaving their homeland.

Square. The country's territory covers 491,200 square meters. km. The lands of Turkmenistan are 80% deserts. Much less fertile than its neighbors, they nevertheless make the state one of the world leaders in natural gas production.

Population Turkmenistan - 5,169,660 people.

National composition. The indigenous people of Turkmenistan are the Turkmens, they make up 91% of the country's population, 3% are Uzbeks and 2% are Russians. Teaching in secondary schools is conducted in the Turkmen language. A significant number of Uzbeks live along the Amudarya River valley near the Turkmen-Uzbek border. Kazakhs are concentrated mainly in the north of Turkmenistan and along the coast of the Caspian Sea.

Political structure. The country is governed by a president. The past decade has changed the political system of the state quite significantly. If until 2006 S. Niyazov was the permanent president, then the current head should be elected for a term of up to five years. Legislation in the country is carried out by the parliament and the Majlis. Before the death of S. Niyazov, the People’s Council, the Khalk Maslakhaty, also functioned in the country, which was also involved in the preparation of bills. Relatively recently, parties began to appear.

Administrative division. Turkmenistan is divided into 5 regions/velayats and one city with regional rights - the capital.

Capital- Ashgabat city with a population of approx. 900,000 people, holding the Guinness Book record for the most buildings made of white marble. This material, as well as a mixture of elements of Eastern and European architecture, make the capital one of the most magnificent cities in Central Asia.

Official language. The only state language is Turkmen, which is natural, since the population consists of more than 77 percent Turkmen. However, many locals have a good command of both Russian and Uzbek languages.

Currency unit- manat Payments in the country can only be made in manats, consisting of 100 tenge. The use of other currencies is officially prohibited.

Religions. The vast majority of the population - 89% profess Sunni Islam, 9% - Christianity. Only 2 percent come from representatives of other religions.

The residence of the head of the Muslims of Turkmenistan - the Qazi - is located in the city of Chardzhev. There are several Muslim shrines in Turkmenistan, where pilgrimages are made quite often. These are mainly Muslim cemeteries and tombs from the Middle Ages. Among them, the most revered are Ag-Ishan near Bakharden northwest of Ashgabat, two religious buildings Babagammar (Gammarbaba) near Yolotan and Kushka, and the Serakhsbaba mausoleum, built on the site of the tomb of Sheikh Abul-Fazl near Serakhs.

Standard time zone. Clocks in Turkmenistan do not change. It is constantly different from Greenwich by five hours.

Electricity. The sockets are of standards B and F. The voltage in them is 220 volts with a current frequency of 50 hertz.

Climate of Turkmenistan.

The climate of Turkmenistan is continental, arid, with large temperature differences, low precipitation and high evaporation. Summers are usually hot and dry, with average July temperatures of 28-32° C. Winters are mild, with little snow, but in some years there are heavy but short-term snowfalls and the temperature can drop to -20° C. Average January temperatures range from -5°C in the northeast of the country to +4°C in the south. Of course, maximum indicators can scare anyone, but they are recorded extremely rarely. The presence of the sea has a positive softening effect on coastal regions, making holidays in them very comfortable.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the almost constantly blowing winds of the northern component, bringing cold air masses from the steppe regions of Kazakhstan in winter, and hot winds and runoff air masses from mountain slopes in summer, causing sandstorms and hot winds.

Best time to visit Turkmenistan- spring ( from March to May) and autumn ( from September to November). From March to May, Turkmenistan is painted with fresh greenery, and the sweet aroma of flowering trees is in the air. September and October can also give a lot of pleasant sensations, when the summer heat has subsided, but nature still does not think of falling asleep. The capital of Turkmenistan has particularly comfortable climatic conditions for recreation.

How to dress in Turkmenistan.

As in most secular states of Central Asia, in Turkmenistan there are no official prohibitions regarding the styles and colors of clothing. On the streets you can often meet people in national dress, but local residents do not condemn the wearing of European trousers, dresses and other outfits.

The only thing you should avoid is visiting shrines in inappropriate and excessively revealing clothing. The hot climate of the country requires wearing the lightest possible clothes, mainly made of cotton and other natural fabrics.

In nature, you should not use T-shirt styles where the shoulders and part of the back are exposed, as there is a risk of sunburn. It is also better not to neglect hats.

City footwear may be limited to light sandals or flip-flops, but outside populated areas, especially in desert areas, you should wear sneakers, as the region is rife with poisonous insects.

Cuisine of Turkmenistan.

Despite their nomadic roots, which are present to one degree or another in most Central Asian republics, the people of Turkmenistan did not reduce their culinary traditions to just types of fried meat. Undoubtedly, meat has played and continues to play an important role in the preparation of national dishes, but in this country it is not so much second courses that are common as first courses.

Nowhere in Central Asia are there so many species soups, as in Turkmenistan. This is flour stew umpach-zashi, and pea soup gaynatma, and tomato gara-chorba, and many other options. What unites all this diversity is that the basis for each type of soup is chorba - lamb broth. This is the same broth that the Kazakhs usually drink and which, seasoned with vegetables, is served to the table by the Uzbeks (shurpa).

The aromatic kosushki of Turkmen soup are often superior in nutritional value to similar stews of their neighbors, and the limited amount of spices allows the taste of meat and other ingredients to be fully revealed. After such first courses, Europeans sometimes have no time for second courses.

Although, you shouldn’t rush to refuse, because the splendor of second courses in Turkmenistan will also not leave a true gourmet indifferent. What is it worth just alone? Govurlan-et- fried lamb with tomatoes, where the balance of vegetables and meat is so well chosen that the former saturate the latter with delicate sourness, and the latter with a fragrant spicy aroma and fat.

Don't bypass and Turkmen types of pilaf, even if he has already become quite boring during his trips to other countries of Central Asia. This dish is prepared completely differently here. Very often, in addition to rice, meat, onions and carrots, various dried and fresh fruits are added, enhancing the remaining components and adding a touch of freshness and unusual piquancy. Only here you can taste the most unusual pilaf, where instead of meat it is used fish. It is impossible not to single out such pilaf from among similar dishes of the East.

It is worth noting that in Turkmenistan the use in cooking seafood much more developed than in other countries in the region. This is due to the presence Caspian Sea- a reliable supplier of this type of product to local markets. That's why dishes like balyk-gavordak- fish baked in pots are an integral element of the feast of local residents.

You can also enjoy the unusual taste of a number of dairy products in Turkmenistan. Moreover, many of them - started, teleme, agarana and others are made from camel milk. Another culinary highlight of the country is the region's favorite Turkmen pastries. Cookie writing or pies shilekli- all of them will appeal to both adherents of oriental cuisine and lovers of European cuisine.

Cost of food in Turkmenistan.

Guests will also be pleasantly surprised by the prices for local dishes in restaurants and cafes. Food products in the country are relatively cheap, which ensures fairly affordable prices. In order to eat to your heart's content in a capital cafe, it will be enough to have 10-15 US dollars with you, and in smaller towns you can spend 8 dollars on this.

Visa and registration.

For all the richness of its tourism potential, Turkmenistan has a rather inconvenient visa policy for travelers.

To visit the country, you must obtain visa to Turkmenistan(more details). Turkmen visas are issued on the basis of invitations issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. You can obtain a Turkmen visa either directly at the international airport in Ashgabat (with the collection of consular fees necessary in such cases for the urgency of registration, there is also the possibility of refusal with subsequent deportation to your homeland at your own expense), or in advance at the consular department of the Embassy of Turkmenistan.

Due to the internal politics of Turkmenistan, the issuance of positive decisions on obtaining visas at the request of travel agencies for CIS citizens is currently extremely rare. A refusal without explanation is issued in 95 out of 100 applications.

Registration. Foreign citizens arriving in Turkmenistan for a period of more than three working days must register with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan no later than the third working day from the date of entry into the country. The hotel staff also registers arrivals and provides them with relevant documents. These certificates must be kept, otherwise problems may arise when leaving the country. Staying at visiting points (stopping points) without registration is permitted for a period of no more than 3 days.

Visiting border areas requires special permission.

Customs regulations of Turkmenistan.

Just like everywhere else, travelers are prohibited from carrying weapons, drugs, ammunition, pornographic materials and materials that pose a potential threat to the constitutional order of the state. Foreigners are also prohibited from importing and exporting local currency.

Currency from other countries you can import in any quantities subject to mandatory declaration, but upon departure the amount must be less. Customs declaration should be filled out in as much detail as possible and saved until leaving Turkmenistan. If any products were purchased in the country, then appropriate certificates should be issued for them, confirming that they do not have historical value.

Large souvenir shops prepare the documents necessary for export for the goods they sell in advance, so purchases made at such retail outlets will significantly save time and nerves.

It is strictly forbidden to export from the country fish and black caviar. Also prohibited for export from Turkmenistan jewelry without hallmarks, precious and semi-precious stones and their semi-finished products; bee and snake venom, mumiyo, propolis; meat of all types and products of its processing; plants and animals listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan; carpets and carpet products without the appropriate permission from the State Association “Turkmenhaly”.

When paying for any purchases and services, it is advisable to keep receipts.

Currency of Turkmenistan.

In Turkmenistan, it is prohibited to make payments in foreign currency. To exchange it, you should contact banks and official exchange offices. Banks in the country rarely work after 17.00, but exchange offices at hotels and airports often operate around the clock.

They generally only accept new US dollars. The banknotes must not have any defects, otherwise the point or bank employees may refuse to exchange. It is strictly not recommended to deal with market money changers and illegal dealers, because... there is a risk of being deceived or caught by the police in conducting illegal currency transactions.

Bank cards, issued outside the state, are practically not in circulation on the territory of Turkmenistan. They can be used only in large hotels and shopping centers in the capital.

Internet in Turkmenistan.

The Internet in Turkmenistan is limited (not all sites are accessible), communications are not of very high quality, traffic speed is low, and prices are quite high. In recent years, the Internet situation in Turkmenistan has been improving, but universal high-quality Wi-Fi is still a long way off.

Photography in Turkmenistan.

In Turkmenistan, it is allowed to capture on film everything except military and some government facilities. It is also not recommended to take photographs or video at airports and border areas.

Souvenirs of Turkmenistan.

In addition to numerous photographs from Turkmenistan, it would be nice to bring some souvenirs reminiscent of this wonderful country. The most popular and world-famous Turkmen products are, of course, carpets.

Craftswomen make them exclusively by hand, using tools and machines that have not changed at all over hundreds of years. The subtlety of the ornament of Turkmen carpets is amazing! Looking at them, one gets the impression of amazing volume. The only disadvantage of such a souvenir will be its price.

Turkmens know the value not only of their carpets, but also of horses. So, for example, take out of the country argamaka(Ahal-Teke horse) will not be possible for any money. But on store shelves you can find a large number of figurines of this and other horse breeds. Ceramic or wooden, it will become a worthy decoration for your desktop.

From ceramics Funny whistles are made here. The sounds produced with their help resemble the flow of streams, the whistle of the desert wind and the sound of the surf. Not only a child, but also an adult will be happy with such a gift from a distant country.

If you want to protect a loved one from the evil eye, then the artisans of Turkmenistan are ready to offer a variety of carnelian products. Jewelry made using this material wards off evil spirits and brings happiness to its owner. For a guest who does not believe in either evil or good spirits, hot Turkmenistan gives him the opportunity to take away a piece of his warmth, placed in a telpak - a national headdress made of white sheep fur.

National characteristics, norms of behavior and local customs.

In everyday life and everyday life, Turkmens are friendly and hospitable, calm and self-possessed people. Local customs and traditions are based on ancient Turkic culture and Islamic religion. In past times, Iran, then the Russian Empire, had a strong influence on the region.

In addition to official laws, there are well-established traditions and unspoken principles for resolving everyday issues: tribal relations are still strong here; Turkmen society is of a patriarchal type, the dominant position is occupied by men; Elderly people are especially respected by Turkmens; aksakals (elders) have unquestioned authority.

National holidays in Turkmenistan.

.	January 1 - New Year.
.	January 12 is Memorial Day.
.	January 27 is Defenders of the Fatherland Day.
.	February 19 - Holiday of the State Flag of Turkmenistan.
.	March 8 is International Women's Day.
.	March 21-22 - Novruz; National spring holiday.
.	1st Sunday of April - Holiday “A drop of water is a grain of gold.”
.	The last Sunday in April is Akhal-Teke Horse Day.
.	May 9 - Victory Day.
.	May 18 is the Day of Revival, Unity and Poetry of Magtymguly in Turkmenistan.
.	The last Sunday in May is Turkmen Carpet Day.
.	2nd Sunday of August - Turkmen Melon Day.
.	1 September is the day of knowledge.
.	October 6 is the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the 1948 Earthquake.
.	October 27 is Independence Day of Turkmenistan.
.	1st Saturday of November - Health Day.
.	December 12 is the Day of Neutrality of Turkmenistan.

State symbols of Turkmenistan: flag, coat of arms and anthem.

Flag.
The flag of Turkmenistan was adopted on 02/19/1992 and is a green rectangular panel with a vertical red-burgundy stripe, which depicts five national hels, with a white crescent and five stars. Each of the gels is framed with a carpet ornament, the outer edge of which is aligned with the edges of the strip. At the bottom of the red-burgundy stripe there are two olive branches intersecting at the base and directed upward in different directions, symbolizing the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. They form a single composition together with carpet gels. Each olive branch consists of ten leaves, decreasing towards the ends, arranged in pairs, except for the lower and upper ones. The larger green part in the upper left corner features a crescent moon and five five-pointed stars in white.
Five national carpet gels, each of which is framed by a carpet ornament, also symbolize the velayats. The symbolism of carpet gels has a deep philosophical meaning. The word “gol” itself has different interpretations: gul (flower) or kel (lake). All gels are built according to the principle of the golden ratio, in proportions 21 by 34. At the bottom of the red-burgundy stripe, one-sixth the width of the flag, are two intersecting olive branches, a symbol of the independence and neutrality of the nation. February 19 is the Day of the State Flag of Turkmenistan.

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History of the formation of the state and territory

Like any state, Turkmenistan has a long and fascinating history of formation and development. Neanderthal sites have been discovered on the territory of Turkmenistan. This suggests that the natural conditions of the country already in ancient times contributed to the settlement of the territory by representatives of hominids.

Later, representatives of the Ural peoples (Finnish-Ugric group) came to these lands. Around the fifth millennium BC, Iranian-speaking peoples came to these lands. They created the so-called Margiana civilization. Somewhat later, Aryan tribes came to these lands. By the second millennium BC, a proto-Iranian tribal union had formed on the lands of modern Turkmenistan. Subsequently, these peoples were partly defeated and partly pushed south by Turanian-Massagetian nomadic tribes.

The first state formation on the territory of Turkmenistan was the Parthian kingdom. It conquered significant territories, but later itself became part of the Iranian conquests. In the 8th century AD, the Arabs invaded Central Asia. In the $X$ century, the lands of the Arab Caliphate were conquered by the Seljuks. Turkic states are formed on the territory of Turkmenistan.

In the XIII century, the devastating raid of the Mongol hordes led to the decline of the Turkmen lands. These territories became the outskirts of the Mongol-Persian states and Uzbek empires. The Turkmens returned to the tribal system.

At the end of the 19th century, Russian troops reached British possessions in Afghanistan. The lands of Turkmenistan were annexed to the Russian Empire.

In $1921, the Turkmen region was proclaimed, which became part of the Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. And in $1924, the Turkmen SSR was proclaimed as part of the Soviet Union.

After the collapse of the USSR, the independence of Turkmenistan was proclaimed. At first, the official name of the state sounded like the Republic of Turkmenistan. But later it was renamed Turkmenistan. There was even an idea to proclaim it a Shah. But this idea did not find support in the country's Council of Elders.

Economic and geographical position of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is located in the west of Central Asia. It borders on:

Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan,
Afghanistan,
Iran.

In the west, the country has access to the Caspian Sea.

The country's neighboring position is favorable. Turkmenistan borders with friendly countries. But the proximity of Afghanistan complicates the political situation in the country.

During the reign of President Niyazov, strict censorship was introduced in the country. Turkmenistan was actually closed by the Iron Curtain. But after the death of “Turkmenbashi” (this title was assigned to himself by the President of the Republic Saparmurat Niyazov), some liberal changes took place in the country. Turkmenistan's international influence has also increased.

The republic is remote from the industrialized countries of the world. But gas reserves allow it to develop economic relations with many countries in Europe and the former USSR.