Turkmenistan Districts and Capitals List

Turkmenistan is divided into administrative divisions called "welayatlar" or provinces. There are five provinces and one independent city in Turkmenistan. Here is a list of the provinces and the independent city:

Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. The country is divided into 5 provinces, known locally as welaýatlar, along with the capital city of Ashgabat which has special administrative status. Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, serving as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center.

Most of Turkmenistan is covered by the Karakum Desert, with oasis settlements, mountain ranges, and the Caspian coastline shaping different parts of the country. Various provinces are known for natural gas production, cotton farming, livestock, trade, desert agriculture, and transportation routes, while Turkmen culture reflects centuries of Silk Road history and nomadic traditions.

Key Facts

National capital: Ashgabat | Total population: 6,516,100 (2024 Estimate) | Total area: 491,210 km² (189,657 sq miles) | Currency: Turkmenistani Manat (TMT) | Bordering countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran | Total Provinces: 5 | Special Capital City: Ashgabat

List of Provinces and Capitals of Turkmenistan

Total administrative divisions shown: 6 | Combined population: 6,516,100 | Combined area: 491,210 km²

Largest Administrative Divisions by Area

• Balkan Province - 53,772 sq mi (139,270 km²)
• Ahal Province - 37,514 sq mi (97,160 km²)
• Lebap Province - 36,189 sq mi (93,730 km²)
• Mary Province - 33,660 sq mi (87,180 km²)
• Daşoguz Province - 28,351 sq mi (73,430 km²)
• Ashgabat City - 170 sq mi (440 km²)

Most Populous Administrative Divisions

• Daşoguz Province - Population: 1,550,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Lebap Province - Population: 1,420,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Ashgabat City - Population: 1,030,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Ahal Province - Population: 1,000,000 (2024 Estimate)
• Mary Province - Population: 771,100 (2024 Estimate)
• Balkan Province - Population: 745,000 (2024 Estimate)

Smallest Administrative Divisions by Area

• Ashgabat City - 170 sq mi (440 km²)
• Daşoguz Province - 28,351 sq mi (73,430 km²)
• Mary Province - 33,660 sq mi (87,180 km²)
• Lebap Province - 36,189 sq mi (93,730 km²)
• Ahal Province - 37,514 sq mi (97,160 km²)
• Balkan Province - 53,772 sq mi (139,270 km²)

Administrative Divisions by Geographic Grouping

• Capital Region: Ashgabat City
• Central-Southern Turkmenistan: Ahal Province
• Eastern Amu Darya Region: Lebap Province
• Northern Oasis Region: Daşoguz Province
• Southeastern Desert Region: Mary Province
• Western Caspian Region: Balkan Province

Administrative Divisions with Coastline

• Balkan Province - coastline along the Caspian Sea

Landlocked Administrative Divisions

• Ahal Province
• Ashgabat City
• Daşoguz Province
• Lebap Province
• Mary Province

Administrative Divisions Sharing an International Border

• Ahal Province - borders Iran
• Balkan Province - borders Kazakhstan and Iran
• Daşoguz Province - borders Uzbekistan
• Lebap Province - borders Uzbekistan and Afghanistan
• Mary Province - borders Afghanistan

Major Economic Activities by Administrative Division

Important Natural and Cultural Areas

• Darvaza Gas Crater: Ahal Province
• Ancient Merv UNESCO Site: Mary Province
• Yangykala Canyon: Balkan Province
• Kunya-Urgench UNESCO Site: Daşoguz Province
• Kopet Dag Mountains: Ahal Province
• Awaza Resort Area: Balkan Province

Sources

• State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan
• Government of Turkmenistan
• World Bank - Turkmenistan Data
• Encyclopaedia Britannica - Turkmenistan
• CIA World Factbook - Turkmenistan