TURKMENISTAN

Compiled from the January 2005 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Turkmenistan

---

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 488,100 sq. km. (303,292 sq. mi.).

Cities: Capital—Ashgabat. Other cities—Turkmenabat (formerly Chardjou/Charjew), Dashoguz (formerly Dashowuz), Mary, Turkmenbashi (formerly Krasnovodsk).

Terrain: 80% covered in subtropical, sandy Karakum Desert, with dunes rising to the Kopet Dag Mountains in the south along the border with Iran; borders the Caspian Sea to the west and the Amu Darya River and Uzbekistan to the east; borders Afghanistan to the southeast, Kazakhstan to the north.

Climate: Subtropical desert.

People

Nationality: Turkmen.

Population: (2004 est.) 4.9 million.

Population growth rate: (2004 est.) 1.81%.

Ethnic groups: (2003 est.) Turkmen 85%, Uzbek 5%, Russian 4%, other 6%.

Religions: Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%.

Language: Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%.

Education: (2002 est.) Literacy—98.8%.

Health: (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate-73.1. Life expectancy-61.3.

Government

Type: Republic.

Independence: October 27, 1991 (from the Soviet Union).

Constitution: May 18, 1992.

Branches: Executive—President. Legislative—Majlis (Parliament); Halk Maslahaty (People's Council). Judicial—Supreme Court.

Administrative subdivisions: 5 Velayaty (provinces)—Ahal Velayaty (Ashgabat), Balkan Velayaty (Balkanabat), Dashoguz Velayaty (formerly Dashowuz), Lebap Velayaty (Turkmenabat, formerly Chardjou/Charjew), Mary Velayaty.

Political parties: Democratic Party of Turkmenistan (formal opposition parties are outlawed).

Economy (2004)

GDP: $28 billion.

GDP per capita: $5,730.

GDP growth: 21.4%.

Inflation rate: 9.5%.

Agriculture: Products—cotton, grain, livestock.

Industry: Types—natural gas, oil, petroleum products, textiles, food processing.

Trade: Exports—$3.996 billion: gas 50%; oil 29%; petrochemicals 18%; cotton fiber 3%; textiles 2%. Partners—Ukraine, Italy, Iran, Turkey, Russia, United States. Imports—$2.450 billion: machinery and equipment 46%; chemicals 11%; food and live animals 5.3%. Partners—Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, U.A.E., Germany, U.S. Debt—external: (2001 est.) $2.4-$5 billion.

---

PEOPLE AND HISTORY

The majority of Turkmenistan's citizens are ethnic Turkmen; other ethnic groups include Russian and Uzbek. Turkmen is the official language of Turkmenistan, though Russian still is widely spoken as a "language of inter-ethnic communication" (per the 1992 Constitution). Education is universal and mandatory through the secondary level, the total duration of which was recently reduced from 11 to 9 years.

The territory of Turkmenistan has been populated since ancient times, as armies from one empire to another decamped on their way to more prosperous territories. Tribes of horse-breeding Turkmen drifted into the territory of Turkmenistan, possibly from the Altay Mountains, and grazed along the outskirts of the Karakum Desert into Persia, Syria, and Anatolia.

Alexander the Great conquered the territory in the 4th century B.C. on his way to India. One hundred fifty years later the Parthian Kingdom took control of Turkmenistan, establishing its capital in Nisa, an area now located in the suburbs of the modern-day capital of Ashgabat. In the 7th century A.D. Arabs conquered this region, bringing with them the Islamic religion and incorporating the Turkmen into Middle Eastern culture. It was around this time that the famous "Silk Road" was established as a major trading route between Asia and Europe.

In the middle of the 11th century, the powerful Turks of the Seldjuk Empire concentrated their strength in the territory of Turkmenistan in an attempt to expand into Afghanistan. The empire broke down in the second half of the 12th century, and the Turkmen lost their independence when Genghis Khan took control of the eastern Caspian Sea region on his march west. For the next seven centuries, the Turkmen people lived under various empires and fought constant intertribal wars.

From the 16th century on, Turkmen raiders on horseback preyed on passing caravans, pillaging and taking prisoners for the slave trade. In order to consolidate the Tsarist Empire in Central Asia, and upon the pretext of freeing Russian citizens from slavery, Russia sent forces to Turkmenistan, and in 1881 fighting climaxed with the massacre of 7,000 Turkmen at the desert fortress of Geok Depe, near modern Ashgabat; another 8,000 were killed trying to flee across the desert. By 1894 imperial Russia had taken control of Turkmenistan. The October Revolution of 1917 in Russia and subsequent political unrest led to the declaration of the Turkmen Republic as one of the 15 republics of the Soviet Union in 1924. At this time the modern borders of Turkmenistan were formed.

The Turkmen Republic was under full control of Moscow, which exploited its raw material resources for the purposes of the Soviet Union. Sovereignty was only a formality since Russia ultimately ruled all Soviet states.

---

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Following the end of the Cold War and the breakup of the Soviet Union, Turkmenistan declared its independence on October 27, 1991. Saparmurat Niyazov became the first president of the new republic and still remains the supreme decision-maker. On December 28, 1999, Niyazov's term was extended indefinitely by the Majlis (parliament), which itself had taken office only a week earlier in flawed elections that included only candidates hand-picked by President Niyazov. Neither independent political activity nor opposition candidates are allowed in Turkmenistan. The Democratic Party of Turkmenistan (DPT) is the only legal political party. Political gatherings are illegal unless government sanctioned, and the citizens of Turkmenistan do not have the means to change their government democratically.

On November 25, 2002, an armed attack against President Niyazov's motorcade was made and the Government of Turkmenistan moved quickly against perceived sources of opposition. There were widespread reports of human rights abuses committed by officials investigating the attack, including torture and punishment of families of the accused. The Government of Turkmenistan denied the charges, but refused to allow independent observers at trials, to accept a mandatory OSCE fact-finding mission, or to permit ICRC access to prisons. It also instituted new measures to stifle dissent and limit contact with the outside world.

While the constitution provides for freedom of the press, there is virtually no freedom of the press or of association. The government has full control of all media and restricts foreign publications. International satellite TV is available.

The population is 89% Sunni Muslim. The constitution provides for freedom of religion and does not establish a state religion; however, in practice, the Government continues to monitor all forms of religious expression. Amendments to the law on religious organizations adopted in March 2004 reduced membership requirements from 500 to five. All groups must register in order to gain legal status with the Government. Until recently the only religions that were registered successfully were Sunni Islam and Russian Orthodox Christianity, which are controlled by the Government; by the end of June 2004, four minority religious groups had registered. The Government limits the activities of unregistered religious congregations by prohibiting them from gathering publicly, proselytizing, and disseminating religious materials.

A Soviet-style command economy greatly limits equality of opportunity. Industry and services are almost entirely provided by government or government-owned entities, while agriculture is dominated by a state order system. Women face particularly strong discrimination in all social aspects, and their freedom is restricted due to traditional social-religious norms. All citizens are required to carry internal passports, noting place of residence, and movement into and out of the country, as well as within its borders, is difficult.

Corruption continues to be pervasive. Power is concentrated in the president; the judiciary is wholly subservient to the regime, with all judges appointed for 5-year terms by the president without legislative review. The president routinely dismisses cabinet members and other government officials on charges of corruption and they are subsequently tried in secret trials and frequently imprisoned or sentenced to internal exile. These dismissals, however, are often politically motivated and have little impact on the culture of corruption.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 2/8/05

According to the Turkmen Constitution, the President serves as de facto head of the cabinet.

President: Saparmurat NIYAZOV
Min. of Agriculture: Begenc ATAMRADOV
Min. of Communication: Resulberdi KHOZHAGURBANOV
Min. of Culture: Maral BASIMOVA
Min. of Defense & Secretary, State Security Council: Agagelgy MAMETGELDIYEV
Min. of Economics & Finance: Bibitac VEKILOVA
Min. of Education: Khydyr SAPARLYIEV
Min. of Environmental Protection:
Min. of Fairness:
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Rashid MEREDOV
Min. of Health & Medical Industry: Gurbanguly BERDIMUKHAMEDOV
Min. of Industry & Construction Materials: Rejepdurdy ATAYEV
Min. of Internal Affairs: Ahmammet RAHMANOV
Min. of National Security: Geldymukhammed ASHIRMUKHAMEDOV
Min. of Oil & Gas Industry & Mineral Resources: Amangeldy PUDAKOV
Min. of Power Engineering & Industry: Atamyrat BERDIYEV
Min. of Railways: Orazberdi HADAYBERDIYEV
Min. of Social Security: Orazmurat BEGMURADOV
Min. of Textile Industry: Dortguly AYDOGDIYEV
Min. of Trade & Foreign Economic Relations: Gurbangeldi MELEKEYEV
Min. of Transport & Roads: Baymuhammet KELOV
Min. of Water Resources: Basimgylyc GALANDAROV
Chmn., Supreme Council (Majlis): Owezgeldy ATAYEV
Chmn., Central Bank: Shakersoltan MUKHAMMEDOVA
Ambassador to the US: Mered ORAZOV
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Aksoltan ATAYEVA

Turkmenistan maintains an embassy at 2207 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel: (202) 588-1500, fax: (202) 588-0697, website: http://www.turkmenistanembassy.org/

---

ECONOMY

Turkmenistan was an important supplier of raw materials, especially cotton, oil, and natural gas, during the Soviet era. One-half of its irrigated land is planted in cotton, making it at one time the world's 10th-largest producer. However, poor crops in recent years have led to a decline in overall cotton production. Turkmenistan possesses the world's fifth-largest known reserves of natural gas as well as substantial oil resources. Until 1993, Turkmenistan experienced less severe economic decline in comparison with other former Soviet states because it was able to sell its natural gas and oil at world prices. In 1994, the Russian Government refused to allow exported Turkmen gas to pass through Russian pipelines to hard currency markets. Industrial production of gas fell sharply, putting the budget into deficit—a deficit that has since continued to rise sharply. Currently, Turkmenistan is heavily dependent on Russian pipelines to reach markets in Europe.

After Russia's refusal to transport Turkmenistan's gas, a difficult investment environment, high rates of inflation, and heavy government regulations made further economic progress unlikely. In the absence of gas revenues, Turkmenistan turned to the export of cotton, but poor harvests have had weak economic returns. In 1996 the economy bottomed out, and inflation rates continued to climb. Although the government avoided privatization, it attempted to fix the situation by creating a stabilization program aimed at a unified and market-based exchange rate, the allocation of government credits by auction, and strict limits on budget deficits. However, partial price liberalization, the end of subsidies from Moscow, and poor control over fiscal and monetary aggregates contributed to the high rates of inflation and significant drops in living standards.

With an authoritarian post-communist regime in power, Turkmenistan has taken a cautious approach to economic reform, hoping to use gas and cotton sales to sustain its inefficient economy. Privatization goals remain limited. Between 1998 and 2004, Turkmenistan has suffered from the continued lack of adequate export routes for natural gas and from obligations on extensive short-term external debt. At the same time, however, the value of total exports has risen sharply because of higher international oil and gas prices. Prospects in the near future are discouraging because of widespread internal poverty, the burden of foreign debt, and the unwillingness of the government to adopt market-oriented reforms. Turkmenistan's economic statistics are closely held secrets, and published GDP and other figures are subject to wide margins of error. Turkmenistan's unrealistic goal of "self-sufficiency" also artificially sustains the cultivation of inefficient crops, such as wheat. Turkmenistan has cooperated with the international community in transporting humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

---

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Turkmenistan's declaration of "permanent neutrality" was formally recognized by the United Nations in 1995. Although the Government of Turkmenistan favors purchases from the United States, it has significant commercial relationships with Turkey, Russia, and Iran. The government worked closely with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan until September 11, 2001, and until that time had a growing cross-border trade with the regime in Afghanistan.

Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan wrestle with sharing limited water resources and regional environmental degradation caused by the shrinking of the Aral Sea. Multilaterally accepted Caspian Sea seabed and maritime boundaries have not yet been established. Iran and Turkmenistan insist on dividing the Caspian Sea into five equal sectors while Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have generally agreed upon equidistant seabed boundaries.

---

U.S.-TURKMENISTAN RELATIONS

For several years, Turkmenistan was a key player in the U.S. Caspian Basin Energy Initiative, which sought to facilitate negotiations between commercial partners and the Governments of Turkmenistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey to build a pipeline under the Caspian Sea and export Turkmen gas to the Turkish domestic energy market and beyond—the so-called Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline (TCGP). However, the Government of Turkmenistan essentially removed itself from the negotiations in 2000 by refusing all offers by its commercial partners and making unrealistic demands for multimillion-dollar "pre-financing."

The United States and Turkmenistan continue to disagree about the country's path toward economic reform. The United States has publicly advocated industrial privatization, market liberalization, and fiscal reform, as well as legal and regulatory reforms to open up the economy to unhindered foreign trade and investment, as the only way to achieve prosperity and stability.

U.S. criticism of the Government of Turkmenistan's crackdown against perceived sources of political opposition after the November 2002 motorcade attack led to a marked downturn in bilateral relations between the Governments of the United States and Turkmenistan. However, in recent months the Government of Turkmenistan is increasingly engaging with the United States in several areas, including religious freedom and security issues. Diplomatic missions from various countries and international organizations have joined together to persuade the Government of Turkmenistan to improve its human rights practices, but their efforts have been poorly received.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

ASHGABAT (E) Address: No. 9 Pushkin Street, Ashgabat; Phone: 99312-350045; Fax: 99312-392614; Workweek: Monday thru Friday, 9:00-18:00; Website: www.usembashgabat.rpo.at

AMB:	Tracey Jacobson
AMB OMS:	Carole Akgun
DCM:	Jennifer Brush

DCM OMS:	Jacqueline Justin
POL:	Jason Wemhoener-Cuite
CON:	Ian Turner
MGT:	Gary Anderson
AID:	Bradford Camp
CLO:	Amanda Blodgett
CUS:	Michael Kirk
DAO:	Padraig Clark
ECO:	Marlin Hardinger
FMO:	Fred Mauren
GSO:	Joshua Baker
ICASS Chair:	Bradford Camp
IMO:	Jon Akin
ISSO:	Matt Michaud
PAO:	Ilya Levin
RSO:	Edward Blodgett
Last Updated: 1/18/2005

---

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

September 20, 2004

Country Description: Turkmenistan is a Central Asian nation roughly the size of California. It shares borders with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Turkmenistan gained its independence in 1991 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Primarily a desert country, it has a small population of around six million people. Tourist facilities, especially outside of the capital city of Ashgabat, are not highly developed. Many of the goods and services taken for granted in North American and Western European countries are not yet available. Travel within the country can be difficult due to limited infrastructure and government imposed internal travel restrictions.

Entry/Exit Requirements: American citizens must have a valid passport and visa to enter and exit Turkmenistan. To apply for a visa, all U.S. citizens must complete an application and have a letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Ashgabat. The letter of invitation on behalf of an American citizen must be submitted to the MFA by an individual or organization in Turkmenistan. The MFA requires at least ten working days for approval. The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat does not issue letters of invitation to citizens interested in private travel to Turkmenistan. Applications for a Turkmen visa can be submitted to the Turkmen Embassy in Washington, D.C. or directly to the MFA in Ashgabat. A traveler with a stamped and approved invitation letter from the MFA may also obtain a visa at the Ashgabat International Airport upon arrival in Turkmenistan.

The price for the visa will vary according to the intended length of stay. For an additional charge the visa can be extended at the MFA in Ashgabat from its initial validity. Any traveler arriving without a visa or without the needed documents to obtain a visa will be denied entry and may be held at the airport or border until the traveler has secured transportation out of Turkmenistan. Travelers departing Turkmenistan must have a valid visa or they will be denied exit until they extend the validity of the visa. In addition, U.S. citizens traveling in Turkmenistan should be aware that they may need special permission from the MFA to travel to some areas of the country that have been restricted by the Government of Turkmenistan.

Upon arrival at an airport or border entry point, foreigners will be charged $10 for an immigration card issued by Turkmen authorities. All foreigners are required to carry this immigration card for the duration of their stay in Turkmenistan. The immigration card will be collected by authorities upon departure from Turkmenistan.

There are also local Turkmen registration requirements. Americans who plan to stay more than three working days in Turkmenistan must register with the State Service for the Registration of Foreigners (SSRF). SSRF offices are located in all of Turkmenistan's five major cities: Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenabat and Turkmenbashi. Prior to departure, foreigners must return to an SSRF office to register their departure. Foreigners who fail to register their departure may be prevented from leaving until they have done so. The penalties for remaining in Turkmenistan with an expired visa, and for failing to register with SSRF, include fines and arrest. Foreigners may also be deported and not allowed to return to Turkmenistan for up to five years.

American citizens in Turkmenistan are strongly urged to ensure that their Turkmen visas do not expire and that they register with SSRF upon arrival and upon departure.

Visitors holding tourist visas organized by a travel agency must stay in hotels; other visitors may stay in private accommodations whose owner must register the visitor's presence.

For complete information concerning entry and exit requirements, as well as internal travel restrictions, U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan at 2207 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 588-1500. The Embassy may also be reached at its homepage on the Internet: http://www.turkmenistanembassy.org.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Safety and Security: Those considering travel to Turkmenistan should take the country's proximity to regions of past and current instability into account before making any plans. The Government of Turkmenistan has designated many areas throughout the country as "restricted zones," particularly the border areas next to Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, the city of Dashoguz, and areas of the Caspian coast. Travel to these areas is forbidden without special permission from the Government of Turkmenistan. Turkmen Air, the national airline, will not sell a ticket to any traveler who intends to travel to a "restricted zone" without proof of permission from the Government. Travelers who wish to visit a "restricted zone" must have a valid passport and visa and must apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for permission. There is a minimum processing time of 10 working days.

Visible police and military presence in Turkmenistan is common. Both uniformed and plainclothes officials frequently ask to see passports, visas, migration cards, and SSRF registrations. Travelers should ask to see identification if they are not certain that the person asking is an official. In addition to the questioning of foreigners, home and car searches are common. Security personnel man checkpoints on major roads.

Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest, such as government buildings, may result in problems with authorities.

Supporters of extremist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qaeda, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement remain active in Central Asia. These groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. Government or private interests in the region, including in Turkmenistan. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Because of increased security at official U.S. facilities, terrorists are seeking softer civilian targets such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts, beaches, maritime facilities, and planes.

For additional regional security information concerning Central Asia, U.S. citizens should check the Consular Information Sheets and current Travel Warnings or Public Announcements for nearby countries, including Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan on a regular basis. The U.S. Embassy in each of these countries can provide up-to-date information about local crime and safety issues. Information about how to contact each Embassy directly is available on the Internet at the Consular Affairs home page, http://www.travel.state.gov, or by calling the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should also regularly monitor the above web site where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Crime: Turkmenistan has a low rate of violent crime, but ordinary street crime is common. Foreign visitors, including American citizens, present an attractive target for criminals. Travelers should exercise the same common sense, good judgment, and caution in their activities as they would in any major U.S. city. There is a high incidence of petty theft and pickpockets in crowded public places, especially in the local bazaars. Visitors should take appropriate measures to safeguard their passports and valuables in such areas.

The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that Americans avoid carrying large sums of money on the street. Travelers, especially women, should not take public transportation or walk alone after dark. Taxi service should be used with caution and unregistered taxis should be avoided. Visitors in bars and restaurants, particularly men, should be aware of women who may attempt to steal money and valuables. It is not advisable to go alone to unpopulated locations with an unknown person. The U.S. Embassy has also received reports of police asking to view passports, and refusing to return the passports until the owner has paid a "fine."

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Medical Facilities: Medical care in Turkmenistan is limited and well below North American and Western European standards. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of public hospitals and English-speaking physicians in the country. Basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics are often in short supply. Two clinics can conduct consultations and/or operations performed by foreign (German and Turkish) specialists. Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Most resident American citizens travel to Western Europe for treatment of any serious medical condition. Such travel can be extremely expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions. Travelers requiring prescription medications should bring sufficient supplies of all necessary medications.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash before providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost more than $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer before your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or auto-fax (202) 647-3000.

Other Health Information: The Embassy recommends that travelers ensure that their hepatitis, diphtheria, and typhoid fever vaccinations are current. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Turkmenistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of public transportation: Fair
Urban road conditions/maintenance: Fair
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Availability of roadside/ambulance assistance: Poor

Road conditions in Turkmenistan can make driving difficult and sometimes dangerous. Most roads outside of major cities are narrow, riddled with potholes, unlit at night, and without proper road signs. Driving at night on these roads should be avoided. City roads are better in comparison to rural routes but may be hazardous due to potholes, uncovered manholes, and poor lighting. Many city streets lack designated crosswalks, forcing pedestrians to cross against traffic and create dangerous conditions. Traffic accidents involving serious injury to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are common.

In general, visitors should use caution when driving in Turkmenistan and be prepared for surprises and behavior not normally exhibited in the United States. Drivers may pay little attention to lanes and other road markings, with weaving and sudden lane changes a common occurrence (usually without use of the turn signal). Drivers will often encounter cars going the wrong way on one-way streets or divided highways. Cars also frequently make left-turns from the right lane and vice-versa.

Roadside assistance does not exist in Turkmenistan where vast stretches of highway are often unmarked. Police checkpoints (where cars are required to stop and register) are a common feature on major routes between cities. The Embassy in Ashgabat has received reports that police stationed at checkpoints may arbitrarily fine motorists. Turkmen law requires that traffic fines be paid within twelve hours. If a fine is not paid within that period, the amount may double every 12 hours up to 72 hours, after which the vehicle may be seized.

Travelers who wish to drive in Turkmenistan must have a valid international driving permit. Foreigners who plan to reside in Turkmenistan must apply for a Turkmen Driver's License with the Road Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan. American citizens, who want more specific information about driving in Turkmenistan should contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan at 2207 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 588-1500. Local traffic customs will appear unfamiliar to American drivers.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Turkmenistan driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Turkmenistan national tourist organization offices at its Permanent Mission in New York. The address is: 136 East 67th Street, NY, NY 10021. The phone number is 1-212-472-5921.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service between the U.S. and Turkmenistan by local carriers at present, nor economic authority to operate such service. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Turkmenistan Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

Travelers may experience significant delays, unexpected re-routing, and sudden cancellations of flights, including those of Turkmen Air (Turkmenhowayollary), the Turkmen national airline.

Customs Regulations: Turkmenistan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Turkmenistan of items such as carpets, jewelry, musical instruments, pieces of art, archaeological artifacts, antiques, etc. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements. Travelers who want to take carpets out of Turkmenistan must obtain a certificate from the Carpet Museum in central Ashgabat indicating that the carpet is not of historical value. In addition, buyers may have to pay a tax calculated according to the size of the carpet. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found here.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Turkmenistan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Turkmenistan are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Under the PROTECT ACT of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the PROTECT ACT, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18.

Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.

Consular Access: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports and Turkmen visas with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.

Special Circumstances: Turkmenistan is a cash-only economy. However, several new hotels accept credit cards. Vnesheconombank and the National Bank of Pakistan cash traveler's checks and personal checks for a fee, although cashing a personal check is a lengthy process that could require up to two months. Vnesheconombank also accepts Visa for cash advances, for a fee.

Although the Manat is the official currency, U.S. dollars are widely accepted and are required in payment for certain goods and services. Travelers may wish to bring sufficient U.S. currency to exchange into Manat to cover expenses not payable in U.S. Dollars. Old U.S. dollar bills (issued before 1990) and/or those in poor condition (with tears, writing or stamps) are not acceptable forms of currency in Turkmenistan. Banks frequently do not have small bills for change.

Disaster Preparedness: Turkmenistan is an earthquake-prone country. Building practices within Turkmenistan do not generally meet U.S. seismic standards. In addition, local authorities do not have sufficient resources to respond to a large-scale disaster. American citizens traveling to Turkmenistan are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy Consular Section. Registration can assist the Embassy in quickly contacting American citizens during an emergency. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

There is no specific legislation in Turkmenistan that governs the adoption of a Turkmen citizen by a foreigner. Accordingly, adoption procedures vary widely. American citizens should expect long bureaucratic delays during the adoption process.

Registration/Embassy and Consulate Locations: Americans living or traveling in Turkmenistan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Turkmenistan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 9 Pushkin Street, off Magtymguly Street, tel. (993-12) 35-00-45; fax (993-12) 39-26-14. The Consular Section can also be contacted by e-mail at: consularashgab@state.gov. The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usemb-ashgabat.rpo.at/.

International Adoption

January 2005

The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer: The information in this circular relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only. Questions involving interpretation of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign legal counsel.

Please Note: No law currently exists that expressly governs adoption by foreigners in Turkmenistan, as a result, adoption cases vary significantly, and can present serious difficulties for adopting parents.

"Immigrant visas for children adopted in Turkmenistan are processed at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Please plan to stay a minimum of three business days in Moscow to obtain documents and complete the medical exams necessary for the immigrant visa interview. Parents should calculate a five-day "cushion time" in the validity dates they request when applying for a Russian visa. For parents adopting in Turkmenistan and traveling to Moscow to obtain Immigrant Visas for their children, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow strongly recommend obtaining a full-validity Russian visa rather than transit visa for this purpose. Transit visas are only issued for duration of one or two days and are impossible to extend in most cases. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow also recommends that flight arrangements for departing Russia not be finalized until the immigrant visa is issued."

Availability of Children for Adoption: "There have been two adoptions of local children by American citizens in the past five years."

Turkmen Adoption Authority: The government office responsible for adoptions in Turkmenistan is the Commission on Guardianship and Trusteeship of the mayor's office of each city in Turkmenistan.

Turkmen Adoption Procedures: The mayor's office in the city where the adoption is taking place gives final approval on an adoption. Article 12 of the Soviet Code of Marriage and Family governs this process for Turkmen citizens. Previous experience of adopting families from outside Turkmenistan indicates that Article 12 also applies to foreigners regarding documentation requirements. To date the adoption process in Turkmenistan for foreigners has worked as follows:

• Foreign Adoptive parents submit an application and supporting documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
• The MFA sends the paperwork to the Ministry of Education (MOE) under cover of an official letter signed by the First Deputy Minister requesting consideration of the case;
• The MOE then sends two official letters, one to the mayor's office where the adoption will take place asking the mayor to consider the case, and another to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), requesting advice on legal provisions;
• The MOJ sends its findings to the mayor's office;
• With the letters and the legal findings in hand, the mayor convenes a meeting attended by him or herself, a special board, and the adoptive parents. The board reviews the paperwork and interviews the adoptive parents. If the mayor allows the adoption to go forward, he or she issues a decree to that effect;
• This decree must be brought to ZAGS (the State Office of Vital Statistics) in order for the child to receive a birth certificate in which the adopting parents are named as the child's parents;
• The parents then apply to the MFA for a passport and exit visa for the child.

As this process is not governed by any existing law prospective parents should be prepared for changes and/or new requirements and the possibility of corruption and fraud in the government bureaucracy.

Age and Civil Status Requirements: Adoptive parents may be adult men or women except for:

• persons that have been deprived of parental rights;
• disabled or partially disabled persons;
• persons convicted for non-payment of child support;
• parents who have had their adopted child removed by authorities for failure to fulfill their parental obligations.

Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: There are no host-government approved adoption agencies or attorneys in Turkmenistan.

Doctors: The U.S. Embassy maintains a current list of doctors and sources for medicines should either you or your child experience health problems while in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan Documentary Requirements: All papers must be translated into Russian and notarized locally. Adoptive parents will need:

• health certificates, including certificates from the narcotics clinic and skin and venerology clinics;
• a certificate listing all immediate family members;
• a character reference from the adoptive parents' employer(s);
• the copies of the passports;
• a marriage certificate;
• proof of earnings and employment;
• proof of residence;
• proof that the adoptive parents have never had their parental rights revoked
• a statement explaining the reason the parents want to adopt.

The child needs:

• a copy of the birth certificate;
• a health certificate;
• a statement indicating the reason the child is eligible for adoption, i.e. death of parents or abandonment.

U.S. Immigration Requirements: A Turkmen child adopted by an American citizen must obtain an immigrant visa before he or she can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family

Turkmen Embassy in the United States: Embassy of Turkmenistan; 2207 Massachusetts Ave., NW; Washington, D.C. 20008; Tel: 202-588-1500; Fax: 202-588-0697.

Questions: Specific questions regarding adoption in Turkmenistan may be addressed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan. You may also contact the Office of Children's Issues, SA-29, 2201 C Street, NW, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-2818; Tel: 1-800-407-4747, with specific questions.