Turkmenistan cities list with latitude and longitude in CSV, XML, SQL, JSON format

Last update : 19 January 2025.

Below is a list of 100 prominent cities in Turkmenistan. Each row includes a city's latitude, longitude, region and other variables of interest. This is a subset of all 1442 places in Turkmenistan that you'll find in our World Cities Database. You're free to use the data below for personal or commercial applications. The data below can be downloaded in .csv, .json, .xml and .sql formats. Notable Cities: The capital of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat.

**Exploring Turkmenistan: A Geographer's Perspective**

Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Turkmenistan is a land of ancient history, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. As a geographer embarks on a journey to gather data on Turkmenistan's cities, regions, and geographical coordinates, a narrative unfolds that delves into the complex geography of this enigmatic country. Join us as we explore the varied terrain, uncover the hidden gems, and unravel the geographical tapestry of Turkmenistan.

Mapping Turkmenistan's Urban Centers**

Turkmenistan's urban landscape is characterized by a network of cities and towns, each with its own distinct identity and significance. From the capital city of Ashgabat, known for its grandiose architecture and modern infrastructure, to the historic city of Mary, home to ancient ruins and archaeological sites, and the bustling port city of Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea, these urban centers serve as hubs of activity, commerce, and culture. For a geographer, obtaining data on Turkmenistan's cities involves not only mapping their geographical coordinates but also understanding their historical evolution, economic functions, and social dynamics within the broader context of the country's geography.

Exploring Turkmenistan's Regions and Departments**

Divided into several administrative regions and districts, Turkmenistan's territorial organization reflects its diverse geography, ethnic composition, and economic activities. From the Kopet Dag mountains in the west to the vast Karakum Desert in the center and the fertile plains along the Amu Darya river in the east, each region offers a unique perspective on Turkmenistan's geographical diversity and natural resources. For a geographer, obtaining data on Turkmenistan's regions and departments involves not only delineating their boundaries but also analyzing their spatial distribution, resource utilization, and demographic patterns to understand their role in shaping the country's development trajectory.

Navigating Turkmenistan's Latitude and Longitude**

In the pursuit of geographical knowledge, latitude and longitude serve as essential tools for navigating Turkmenistan's diverse terrain and pinpointing the location of its cities, landmarks, and natural features. From the northern reaches of the country near the Uzbek border to the southern expanses along the Iranian frontier and the western shores of the Caspian Sea, each geographical coordinate offers insights into Turkmenistan's spatial orientation, climatic variations, and ecological zones. For a geographer, obtaining accurate latitude and longitude data is crucial for understanding Turkmenistan's position within the broader Central Asian region and its significance for regional geopolitics, trade routes, and environmental sustainability.

Embracing Turkmenistan's Geography**

In the intricate tapestry of Turkmenistan's geography, the quest for data serves as a gateway to unlocking the country's rich history, cultural heritage, and environmental resilience. As we delve deeper into the geographical nuances of this fascinating nation, let us not only seek coordinates on a map but also embrace the spirit of exploration, discovery, and appreciation for Turkmenistan's unique geography, which continues to captivate the imagination of geographers and travelers alike.

Download data files for Turkmenistan's cities in CSV, SQL, XML and JSON formats

Understanding the Geography of Turkmenistan: A Key Resource for Development and Sustainability

Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, is a country characterized by its vast desert landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and emerging economic sectors. Despite its challenging terrain, which includes the world’s largest contiguous desert, the Karakum, Turkmenistan’s geographic position provides unique opportunities for growth and strategic development. For geographers, urban planners, and policymakers, understanding the spatial distribution of resources, cities, and regions in Turkmenistan is essential for sustainable development. Geographic data plays a vital role in this process, offering insights into how natural resources can be managed, how cities can be expanded, and how the environment can be preserved. This article explores the geography of Turkmenistan, the significance of geographic data, and its role in shaping the country’s future.

The Landscape of Turkmenistan: Deserts, Mountains, and River Valleys

Turkmenistan is largely defined by its arid landscape, dominated by the Karakum Desert, which covers over 70% of the country. The desert region is interspersed with oasis towns, including the capital city Ashgabat, which is located in the foothills of the Kopet Dag Mountains along the southern border with Iran. These oasis cities, while limited in number, are vital hubs of commerce, trade, and culture, connecting Turkmenistan to its neighbors and playing a central role in the country’s economy.

To the north of the desert, Turkmenistan is bordered by the Caspian Sea, which provides a critical natural resource for the country. The Caspian Sea’s shoreline has a number of coastal cities, including Turkmenbashi, which serves as Turkmenistan’s primary port and a gateway for international trade. The coastline, while not extensive, plays an important role in the country’s trade relations, particularly with Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.

The eastern and western parts of Turkmenistan are marked by mountain ranges, which are part of the larger Alborz and Kopet Dag ranges. These mountains are crucial for the country's water supply, as they feed into the Amu Darya and Tejen Rivers. These rivers, along with smaller tributaries, are key to the country’s agricultural production, particularly in the regions of Mary and Lebap, where the fertile river valleys allow for the cultivation of cotton, wheat, and other crops.

The diverse geography of Turkmenistan not only influences the economic activities in these regions but also shapes the country’s climate and environmental challenges. Water scarcity, desertification, and climate change pose significant risks, making it critical for the government and planners to use geographic data to mitigate these effects and optimize resource management.

Regions, Cities, and Administrative Divisions of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is divided into five administrative regions (velayats): Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap, and Mary. Each of these regions has unique geographical features and plays a central role in the nation’s economy, culture, and infrastructure. The capital, Ashgabat, is a separate administrative unit and serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country.

Ashgabat, located at the foot of the Kopet Dag Mountains, is Turkmenistan’s largest city and an important center for government, trade, and international relations. It is known for its monumental architecture, wide boulevards, and modern infrastructure. Despite the city’s rapid development and growing population, it faces challenges related to urban sprawl, air quality, and water management.

Other key cities in Turkmenistan include Mary, which is located near the Amu Darya River and is known for its agricultural production, particularly cotton. Mary is also an important transport hub, linking Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries. The city of Turkmenbashi, located along the Caspian coast, plays a crucial role in the country’s energy sector, with its port facilitating the export of oil and natural gas.

In the northern region, Dashoguz is an important center for agriculture and commerce, while the city of Lebap is vital for cotton farming and trade, located near the Tejen River. These cities, along with many smaller towns and villages, reflect the diverse geographical landscape of Turkmenistan and its role in the Central Asian region.

The Importance of Geographic Data for Turkmenistan’s Development

Geographic data is essential for understanding the spatial distribution of resources, urban growth, infrastructure development, and environmental factors. In Turkmenistan, where large swathes of the country are desert and water is a limited resource, using geographic data is critical for making informed decisions that ensure sustainable development. Detailed geographic information about cities, regions, and natural features enables policymakers to assess environmental risks, optimize resource use, and plan for future growth.

Latitude and longitude data for cities and regions is fundamental for mapping the country’s infrastructure, water resources, and agricultural areas. This data helps urban planners, environmental scientists, and governments understand the geographic relationships between human settlements, natural resources, and environmental conditions.

Geographic data, when available in formats like CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML, can be easily integrated into Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These tools provide a platform for visualizing, analyzing, and sharing geographic data, allowing stakeholders to make data-driven decisions that align with long-term national goals. By using GIS, Turkmenistan can optimize infrastructure development, monitor environmental changes, and improve resource management.

Applications of Geographic Data in Turkmenistan

The application of geographic data in Turkmenistan is wide-ranging and crucial for managing the country’s growth and environmental challenges. Geographic data can support efforts in urban planning, agriculture, disaster management, and environmental conservation, ensuring that development is both efficient and sustainable.

1. **Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development**: Turkmenistan’s cities, particularly Ashgabat, are undergoing rapid urbanization, placing pressure on infrastructure, housing, and services. Geographic data helps urban planners make informed decisions about land use, transportation, and the distribution of services like water and electricity. GIS tools allow planners to visualize urban growth, identify infrastructure gaps, and plan for sustainable expansion.

2. **Agriculture and Water Management**: Water scarcity is a significant issue in Turkmenistan, particularly in its arid regions. Geographic data plays a critical role in managing water resources and improving agricultural practices. By analyzing data on irrigation systems, water availability, and soil conditions, policymakers can enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring the sustainable use of water resources. Geographic data can also help identify areas at risk of desertification and mitigate environmental degradation.

3. **Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity**: Turkmenistan is home to unique ecosystems, including the vast Karakum Desert and the coastal regions along the Caspian Sea. Geographic data helps monitor these ecosystems and assess the impact of human activities and climate change. By using GIS tools, environmentalists can track changes in land use, monitor biodiversity, and develop strategies to protect endangered species and habitats.

4. **Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management**: The country’s vulnerability to climate change, particularly in the form of droughts and temperature extremes, makes geographic data crucial for planning climate adaptation and disaster preparedness strategies. GIS tools can model the impacts of climate change, predict water shortages, and develop strategies for disaster risk reduction, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Karakum Desert.

Unlocking Turkmenistan’s Potential with Geographic Data

As Turkmenistan moves towards modernizing its infrastructure and expanding its economy, geographic data will play a central role in shaping the country’s future. By obtaining detailed geographic data for cities, regions, and natural resources, the government and other stakeholders can make informed decisions that support sustainable growth and development.

Formats such as CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML are ideal for storing and sharing geographic data, allowing for easy integration into GIS systems. These formats enable data to be used across multiple platforms and by various sectors, from urban planning to environmental management. The flexibility of these formats ensures that Turkmenistan’s geographic data is accessible, shareable, and usable for decision-making at all levels of government and industry.

Conclusion

Turkmenistan’s diverse geography, from its expansive desert regions to its fertile river valleys, presents both opportunities and challenges for the country’s development. Geographic data is essential for understanding the spatial dynamics of cities, regions, and natural resources. By obtaining and utilizing geographic data in formats like CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML, Turkmenistan can make informed, data-driven decisions that support sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. As the country continues to develop and modernize, geographic data will remain an indispensable tool in navigating the complexities of development and ensuring a prosperous future for its people.