Capital of Turkmenistan: Ashgabat
The capital of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat. Turkmenistan sits in Asia, has a population of 6,430,770, and uses the TMT. Official languages include Turkmen.
Quick facts
- Capital: Ashgabat
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~6,430,770
- Area: 488,100 km²
- Population density: 13.2 people per km²
- Official language: Turkmen
- Currency: TMT
- ISO code: TM
How big is Turkmenistan?
By population, Turkmenistan ranks 110th in the world, holding roughly 0.08% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 52nd.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Turkmenistan has 13.2 people per square kilometre, which is about 4.5 times below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Asia, Turkmenistan is the 34th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Turkmenistan in population are El Salvador (6,336,392) and Kyrgyzstan (6,630,623).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Cameroon (475,442 km²) and Spain (505,992 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Turkmen is listed as an official language of Turkmenistan alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Turkmenistan uses the TMT, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Turkmenistan in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Turkmenistan belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Turkmenistan and a page on the flag of Turkmenistan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Turkmenistan?
The capital of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat.
What is the population of Turkmenistan?
About 6,430,770, making it the 110th most populous country in the world.
How big is Turkmenistan?
488,100 square kilometres, ranking 52nd by land area, at a density of 13.2 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Turkmenistan use?
The TMT, which no other country uses.