Turkmenistan

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. The country has a population of approximately 6 million people and its capital and largest city is Ashgabat.

Turkmenistan is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with most of its population concentrated in the capital city and around the country's few major cities. The country's economy is heavily reliant on its natural gas reserves, which are among the largest in the world. Other important industries include cotton production, agriculture, and construction.

Turkmenistan has a presidential system of government, with the President serving as both the head of state and the head of government. The current President, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, has been in office since 2006.

The country is known for its distinctive architecture, particularly in its capital city of Ashgabat, which has been dubbed the "City of White Marble" due to the extensive use of white marble in its buildings and monuments. Turkmenistan is also home to several historical sites and ancient ruins, including the ancient city of Merv, which was once a major center of the Islamic world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Human rights in Turkmenistan are a cause for concern, with the country being ranked among the worst in the world in terms of freedom of speech, press freedom, and political freedoms. The country has also been criticized for its lack of transparency, corruption, and restrictions on civil society and religious freedom.