Turkmenistan is a country located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. It gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since been ruled by a single party. The country is known for its vast reserves of natural gas, which make up a significant portion of its economy. Turkmenistan is also home to the Karakum Desert, which covers over 80% of the country's land area. The capital city is Ashgabat, which is known for its impressive architecture and large white marble buildings. The country has a population of around 6 million people and is predominantly Muslim.