Turkmenistan's history dates back to ancient times, being part of the Parthian and Sassanid empires and a key stop on the Silk Road. In the 19th century, it became part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. After the Soviet collapse in 1991, Turkmenistan declared independence.
The first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, ruled from 1991 until his death in 2006, establishing a highly centralized, authoritarian regime and promoting neutrality in foreign policy. His successor, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, continued this approach, maintaining tight control over the country. In 2020, his son, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, became president.
Turkmenistan remains politically isolated, with a one-party system and a strong focus on its vast natural gas resources. It has a policy of permanent neutrality and has limited engagement with the outside world.
