GENERAL
Official name of the state
Turkmenistan
Capital
Ashkhabad.
Geography
As a country located in Asia according to countryvv, Turkmenistan is bordered by Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south, Uzbekistan to the east and Kazakhstan to the north. To the west, the Caspian Sea forms a natural border. More than 80% of the total area is desert. The Karakoram Desert between the Caspian Sea and Amu-Darja is the largest desert area of the former member states of the Soviet Union. The world’s longest irrigation canal extends over 1100 km from Amu-Darja in the east through Ashkhabad to the Caspian Sea.
Government
Presidential republic since 1991. Constitution of 1992. Bicameral parliament: National Assembly (Majlis) with 50 members and People’s Council (Khalk Maslakhaty) with up to 2500 members. Associate member of the CIS since 2005.
Head of state
Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, since February 2007.
Head of government
Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, since February 2007.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
Turkmenistan Time: CET +6
LANGUAGE
Overview
72% Turkmen and minority languages (especially Russian (12%)).
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Turkmenistan duty-free:
2 packs of cigarettes (16+);
2 l alcoholic beverages (people aged 21 and over);
other goods for personal use with a value of up to US $ 5,000 (mandatory declaration for electronic devices).
When entering the country, a customs declaration must be filled out, which must be presented on departure.
Prohibited imports
Medicines and drugs, firearms, ammunition and accessories.
Prohibited exports
Works of art, antiques. Turkmen carpets only with an export permit.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Business hours : Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Economy
Federation of German Industries
(Eastern Committee of German Business)
Breite Strasse 29, D-10178 Berlin
Tel: (030) 20 28 14 52.
Internet: www.ostausschuss.de
Austrian
Chamber of Commerce (Eastern Europe Department)
Stubenring 8-10, A-1010 Vienna
Tel: (01) 514 50.
Internet: Website: http://portal.wko.at
United Economic
Chambers Sonnenbergstrasse 48, CH-8032 Zurich
Tel: (043) 268 43 00.
Internet: www.jointchambers.ch
Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Ul. B Karryev 17, 744000 Ashkhabad
Tel: (012) 35 64 03, 35 55 94.
Business contacts
Federation of German Industries
(Eastern Committee of German Business)
Breite Strasse 29, D-10178 Berlin
Tel: (030) 20 28 14 52.
Internet: www.ostausschuss.de
Austrian
Chamber of Commerce (Eastern Europe Department)
Stubenring 8-10, A-1010 Vienna
Tel: (01) 514 50.
Internet: Website: http://portal.wko.at
United Economic
Chambers Sonnenbergstrasse 48, CH-8032 Zurich
Tel: (043) 268 43 00.
Internet: www.jointchambers.ch
Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Ul. B Karryev 17, 744000 Ashkhabad
Tel: (012) 35 64 03, 35 55 94.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International area code: 810. The area code for Ashkhabad is 12.
Cellphone
GSM 900. The cellular company is TM Cell (Altyn Asyr) and MTS. The reception / transmission area is limited to populated areas. Foreign SIM cards can only be used if there is a contract with MTS. The major German operators have signed an agreement with MTS.
Internet
Main provider: Turkmenistan Online (Internet: www.online.tm). Some portals, news sites and social media are blocked. Fluctuating speed.
Post Office
Letters take anywhere from two weeks to two months. Post-paid envelopes are sold in post offices. The address should be written in the following order: country, zip code, city, street, house number, name. Tourists can also use the post offices in the larger Intourist hotels. Opening times: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., main post office in Ashkhabad 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
At the Sunday market in Ashkhabad you can buy the famous Bukhara carpets, which are made in Turkmenistan and not in Bukhara in Uzbekistan. The art museum displays Turkmen handicrafts, silver and items of clothing such as B. Sheepskin hats sold. Food and curios are on offer in the central bazaar. The Tekke Bazaar is made entirely of marble. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The bazaars open at the beginning of dawn.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Opera, ballet and theater performances take place in Ashkhabad.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
The bed capacity is relatively limited. However, many new and luxurious hotels have been built in the capital since independence. Hotels in provincial cities are being modernized; the usual comfort in the west should not be expected – only in Turkmenbashi there is a hotel with 40 rooms that corresponds to western standards. In Ashchabad several small hotels (15-40 rooms) have been built in recent years, which are also of international standard. Another luxury hotel, the Ak Altin Plaza Hotel, is due to open soon. The largest hotels in Ashkhabad are Hotel Ashkhabad (main tourist hotel), Hotel Oktyabrskaya and Hotel Tourist. The Hotel Jubiljenaja is usually fully booked.
Camping
The campsites on the Caspian Sea are currently being modernized.
CULTURE
Religion
89% Islam (mainly Sunnis), 9% Russian Orthodox minority.
Social rules of conduct
Before entering a house, you take off your shoes. Flatbread should never be placed upside down on the table. Women should dress cautiously.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Continental climate with very hot summers and very cold winters (down to -15 ° C).
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +993 Area (sqkm) 488100 Population 5231422 Population density (per sqkm) 11 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 03
