Turkmenistan flag

Turkmenistan

Capital

Ashgabat

Region

Asia

Population

7,057,841

Area (km²)

488,100

💡Quick Summary

Turkmenistan, a Central Asian nation spanning 488,100 km², boasts a population of around 7 million and is known for its vast deserts, ancient Silk Road history, and abundant natural gas reserves. The capital, Ashgabat, is famed for its opulent white marble architecture and serves as the political and cultural hub. While GDP figures are not available, the economy is heavily driven by energy exports, though the country remains one of the world's most isolated and authoritarian states.

Key Insights

Relatively Low Urbanization for a Growing Economy

Only 47.068% of Turkmenistan's population lives in urban areas, which is low for a country experiencing a 6.3% GDP growth rate. This suggests that a large portion of economic activity or population remains tied to rural or semi-urban settings, potentially indicating reliance on resource extraction or agriculture outside major cities.

Significant Challenge in Infant Mortality

Despite the high access to electricity and moderate life expectancy, Turkmenistan faces a severe public health challenge with an infant mortality rate of 31.200 per 1,000 live births. This rate is extremely high by global standards and points to significant deficiencies in prenatal care, sanitation, or early childhood medical services.

High Fertility Rate Suggests Continued Population Growth

With a fertility rate of 2.69, Turkmenistan is well above the replacement level (approximately 2.1), indicating sustained population growth potential. This contrasts with many industrialized nations facing declining populations and suggests a demographic structure that is relatively young and expanding.

Universal Access to Electricity: A Major Infrastructure Achievement

A notable achievement for Turkmenistan is its 100.000% access to electricity, demonstrating complete electrification across the country. This level of infrastructure coverage is highly successful and often surpasses that of many countries with significantly higher GDP per capita, highlighting a focus on essential utility provision.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$45.89B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$6,231.91

GDP Growth (%)

6.3%

Inflation (%)

N/A%

Unemployment (%)

4.1%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.00%3.00%6.00%9.00%12.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202302,000,0004,000,0006,000,0008,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years20.0years40.0years60.0years80.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
201420152016201720182019202020210.0%0.0%0.1%0.1%0.1%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$2,000$4,000$6,000$8,000
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

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