Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia, Asia with a rich history, unique culture and some remarkable records. Here are the most interesting facts about Turkmenistan that most people don't know.
Turkmenistan's Darvaza gas crater — the Door to Hell — has been burning continuously since Soviet engineers accidentally ignited it in 1971. They expected it to burn out in days. It is still blazing 50+ years later, 70 metres wide and 30 metres deep.
The Door to Hell (Darvaza gas crater) has been burning continuously since 1971.
Ashgabat holds the record for most white marble buildings in the world.
Turkmenistan is the world's 4th largest natural gas exporter.
The country is one of the most isolated and authoritarian states in the world.
Turkmenistan's Darvaza gas crater — the Door to Hell — has been burning continuously since Soviet engineers accidentally ignited it in 1971. They expected it to burn out in days. It is still blazing 50+ years later, 70 metres wide and 30 metres deep.
Turkmenistan is known for several remarkable places that attract visitors and define the country's identity:
A 70m wide flaming crater that has burned continuously since 1971 — one of the world's most surreal sights
UNESCO once the largest city in the world — a Silk Road metropolis with 1,000 years of history
A bizarre capital of white marble monuments, gold statues and empty boulevards — North Korea meets Las Vegas
A dramatic multicoloured canyon in the Karakum Desert — one of Central Asia's most stunning landscapes
Turkmenistan's Darvaza gas crater — the Door to Hell — has been burning continuously since Soviet engineers accidentally ignited it in 1971. They expected it to burn out in days. It is still blazing 50+ years later, 70 metres wide and 30 metres deep.
The capital of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan has a population of approximately 6.1M.
The official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen.
Turkmenistan gained independence in 1991.
Turkmenistan uses the Turkmenistan Manat (TMT).