Turkmenistan: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Turkmenistan — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
5,850,908
#113 of 197 countries
Area
488,100 km²
#54 of 248 countries
Density
12.0 / km²
#220 of 245 countries

Turkmenistan has a population of 5,850,908 spread across 488,100 km², giving it an average density of 12.0 people per km². With such low density, expect wide open spaces and a sense of remoteness outside major cities.

Demographics

Median Age
31.6
Life Expectancy
72.4 yrs
Literacy Rate
99.9%
Government
presidential republic; authoritarian
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Turkmenistan is classified as an upper middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 31% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Upper middle income
GDP per Capita
$6,232
Cost of Living
31% of US