Currency | TMT |
---|---|
Number of flights per week | 4 |
Top destinations | Ashgabat |
Most popular airline | Turkmenistan Airlines |
Most popular airport | Ashgabat Intl. Airport |
Flight Duration | 12 hour 50 min |
Popular Flight Destinations in Turkmenistan
About Turkmenistan
With a population of nearly 6 million, Turkmenistan's official language and the most widely spoken one is Turkmen. The official currency is the Manat but in Ashgabat, you can easily use euros or US dollars for transactions.
Sharing borders with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Iran, and with a coastline along the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan mainly consists of arid lands. Much of the country is covered by deserts and other arid landscapes, with the Karakum Desert being the largest, while limited agriculture occurs in some places. The country experiences varying temperatures throughout the year.
In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -30 degrees Celsius, while in summer, many regions record temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
The vast majority of the population in Turkmenistan is of Turkmen origin. Other ethnic groups, such as Uzbeks and Russians, are present in much smaller numbers.
The country's primary economic resources include oil, minerals, and cotton. Turkmenistan has petroleum processing facilities and a significant textile industry. Natural gas is provided free of charge in Turkmenistan. As one of the world's largest natural gas and oil producers, the country exports these resources abroad.
Aside from the capital, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is home to cities like historic Merv and Turkmenbashi, which attract local and international visitors. Merv is one of the oldest Turkmen tribal cities, making it a popular tourist destination throughout the year, except for the scorching summers and freezing winters. The spring months are ideal for visiting Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan's cuisine reflects the rich culture of Central Asia. You can explore various meat and vegetable dishes, including rice-based ones like pilaf. Inland areas feature lamb and beef dishes, while coastal regions along the Caspian Sea offer a variety of fish and seafood. For breakfast people prefer eggs, cheese, honey, and jams made from various fruits using traditional methods.
Tea holds a special place in Turkmenistan's culture. Mixing green tea with various dried fruits is a common practice for enjoying tea during breakfast or other times of the day, carrying on a longstanding tradition.