Turkmenistan Population 2026: 6.1M People, Vast Empty Land
Turkmenistan is a country with vast stretches of largely empty land: 6.1M people across 488,100 km², giving a density of 13/km².
GDP per capita stands at $8,738: below the global average, reflecting a developing economy. The capital, Ashgabat, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Turkmenistan's Population
With a population of 6.1M, Turkmenistan is home to a significant number of people within its 488,100 km² of territory. The population density of 13/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a low density suggesting significant open space and rural areas across the country.
The capital city, Ashgabat, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Turkmenistan. As a landlocked country, Turkmenistan's population is distributed entirely across its inland territory, without access to a coastline. This has historically shaped trade patterns and economic development.
In economic terms, Turkmenistan has a total GDP of $53.3B, translating to $8,738 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Turkmenistan Manat (TMT).
Turkmenistan gained independence in 1991 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Turkmen, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Central Asia region, Turkmenistan sits alongside Uzbekistan (35.6M), Kazakhstan (19.2M), Kyrgyzstan (6.9M). This regional context helps illustrate how Turkmenistan's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Turkmenistan's Population
What is the population of Turkmenistan in 2026?
The population of Turkmenistan is approximately 6.1M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Turkmenistan?
The capital city of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan has a population density of 13/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan has a GDP per capita of $8,738, with a total GDP of $53.3B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Turkmenistan?
The official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen.
How big is Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan covers a total area of 488,100 km². With a population of 6.1M, that gives a density of 13/km².
When did Turkmenistan gain independence?
Turkmenistan gained independence in 1991.
What currency is used in Turkmenistan?
The official currency of Turkmenistan is the Turkmenistan Manat (TMT).
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