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Geography
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia. The name Turkmenistan is derived from Persian, meaning "land of the Turkmen".  Turkmenistan’s borders were drawn during the country’s Soviet rule around the mid 1920’s. The nomadic people who lived in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan had borders drawn around them and came to establish their home in whichever country they happen to be living in at the time, many being cut off from pastures where they lived in alternate seasons. In 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Turkmenistan declared independence.

Although it is wealthy in natural resources in certain areas, most of the country is covered by Desert. Turkmenistan is slightly larger in area to the state of California. Turkmenistan’s climate is desert, or semi-desert steppe.

Turkmenistan’s capital is Ashgabat. The country has 5 main provinces: Ahal, Mary (pronounced Marie), Lebap, Dashoguz and Balkan, each with their own capital city.

History
Turkmenistan is a relatively new country, declaring its independence in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. It is also a geographical area with a great history and past. Once ruled by legendary historical figures such as Genghis Kahn, Alexander the Great and Tamerlane, the original people of Turkmenistan were most likely nomadic goat herders who lived in yurts or caves. One of Turkmenistan’s ancient cities, Merv, was a predominant stop on the Silk Road.

Turkmen
There are about 4-5 million people living in Turkmenistan. In addition to Turkmen, other major ethic groups include: Russian, Uzbek, Armenian, Kazakh. Turkmen are also further divided into tribes who share similar customs, dialects and traditions.

The majority of Turkmen live in rural areas and it is common to have a large family. Turkmen often wish each other “many children and good health” at weddings. Often, families will share a household with grandparents and other extended family.

Religion
Most Turkmen identify themselves as Sunni Muslim. The only other widely accepted and practiced religion in the country is Russian Orthodox Christianity, though officially there is a freedom of religion for all citizens guaranteed in the constitution.