Eastern Turkmenistan for centuries formed part of the Persian province of Khurasan; in medieval times Merv (today known as Mary) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924. It achieved independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this underdeveloped country if extraction and delivery projects were to be expanded. The Turkmenistan Government is actively developing alternative petroleum transportation routes to break Russia's pipeline monopoly. President for Life Saparmurat NYYAZOW died in December 2006, and Turkmenistan held its first multi-candidate presidential electoral process in February 2007. Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a vice premier under NYYAZOW, emerged as the country's new president.
Titel: Independent, Neutral, Turkmenistan State Anthem
Bovenstaande gegevens zijn gedeeltelijk ontleend aan het CIA World Factbook 2006.
| 2008-12-14 | | In the first round of parliamentary elections, 123 members of the 125-seat parliament are elected, mostly members of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or affiliated organizations. Turnout is 93.9%. To fill the remaining two seats, there is a runoff vote in one constituency on December 28 and a revote in another to be held on February 8. |
| 2007-04-10 | | Former foreign minister (1990-92) Avdy Kuliyev dies. |
| 2007-02-11 | | In presidential elections, Acting President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov wins 89.2% of the vote. Turnout is 98.7%. Berdymukhammedov is sworn in on February 14. Between February 20 and 24, he announces the composition of the new cabinet, including Khojamyrat Geldymyradov as finance minister, other key ministers being confirmed. |
| 2006-12-21 | | President Saparmurat Niyazov dies. Deputy Prime Minister Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov is named acting head of state. |
| 2006-12-06 | | Former prime minister (1989-92) Khan A. Akhmedov dies. |
Bron: www.rulers.org
Op bovenstaande tekst is een disclaimer van toepassing.
