Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia, covering a land area of about 491,210 square kilometers. It has a population of roughly 6.5 million people. Much of the country is dominated by the vast Karakum Desert, making it one of the most sparsely populated nations in the region. The capital city is Ashgabat, known for its distinctive white marble architecture and grand monuments. Turkmenistan has rich natural gas reserves, which play a major role in its economy. The country has a deep history connected to the Silk Road and features a unique cultural blend of Turkic and Persian influences.