Location: A former Soviet republic, Turkmenistan is bounded by the Caspian Sea on the west. Its neighbours are Uzbekistan, Iran and Afghanistan. The Kara Kum desert occupies 80% of the area.

History: The region became part of Russian Turkestan in 1881 and a republic of the USSR in 1925. In October 1991, Turkmenistan adopted a declaration of independence, and became a member of the CIS in December. Political power centered around the former Communist party apparatus.

Agriculture: Produces maize, grapes, fruits and vegetables, cotton (key foreign exchange earner), wool, fur. Sericulture too. Declining agricultural production has forced Turkmenistan to import most of its foodstuffs.

Natural Resources: Ozocerite, oil, coal, sulphur, salt magnesium. Extensive oil and gas reserves give Turkmenistan an edge over other former Soviet republics.

Industry: Food, textile, chemical, cement, agricultural implements, ferroconcrete, footwear, knitwear. The country is self-sufficient in electricity.

Mission in India:
Embassy of Turkmenistan
6/16, Shanti Niketan,
New Delhi - 110 021, India
Tel: 91 - 11 - 26118409
Fax: 91 - 11 - 2611 8332, 2467 4810
Email: turkmind@gen-i.net

Indian Mission in Turkmenistan:
Embassy of India
Emperyal's International Business Centre Y
Emre, 1, Mir 2/1 P.O. Box. No. 80
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Tel: 00 - 99 - 312 - 456152, 456153
Fax: 00 - 99 - 312 - 452434, 456156
Email: ambassador@online.tm