Western Turkmenistan

physical region, Turkmenistan

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July 23, 2026

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Western Turkmenistan is a physical region characterized by deserts and mountains, primarily the Kopet-Dag Range. This area is rich in natural resources, including significant deposits of oil and natural gas, particularly in the Caspian plain and offshore fields. The region also contains minerals like rock salt and common lake salt.12

Despite its arid landscape, western Turkmenistan is industrially developed, focusing on oil extraction and refining, as well as chemical and mining industries. The population is concentrated in oases, with rural inhabitants primarily engaged in raising livestock. The climate is strongly continental, with hot summers and cold winters.134

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Turkmenistan
Relief
…of Turkmenistan’s territory, subdivided into western Turkmenistan and the Karakum. The Karakum is one of the world’s largest sand deserts, taking up the entire central part of Turkmenistan and extending northward toward Kazakhstan.
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…of Turkmenistan’s territory, subdivided into western Turkmenistan and the Karakum. The Karakum is one of the world’s largest sand deserts, taking up the entire central part of Turkmenistan and extending northward toward Kazakhstan.
Read More