ssian 6.7%, Kazakh 2%,
other 5.1% (1995)

Religions: Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%

Languages: Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%

Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98%
male: 99%
female: 97% (1989 est.)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Turkmenistan
local long form: none
local short form: Turkmenistan
former: Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic

Data code: TX

Government type: republic

Capital: Ashgabat

Administrative divisions: 5 welayatlar (singular--welayat): Ahal
Welayaty (Ashgabat), Balkan Welayaty (Nebitdag), Dashhowuz Welayaty
(formerly Tashauz), Lebap Welayaty (Charjew), Mary Welayaty
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their
administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center
name following in parentheses)

Independence: 27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday: Independence Day, 27 October (1991)

Constitution: adopted 18 May 1992

Legal system: based on civil law system

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers
Saparmurat NIYAZOV (since 27 October 1990, when the first direct
presidential election occurred); note--the president is both the
chief of state and head of government
head of government: President and Chairman of the Cabinet of
Ministers Saparmurat NIYAZOV (since 27 October 1990, when the first
direct presidential election occurred); note--the president is both
the chief of state and head of government; Deputy Chairmen of the
Cabinet of Ministers Mukhamed ABALAKOV (since NA), Orazgeldy
AYDOGDIYEV (since NA 1992), Hudaayguly HALYKOV (since NA 1996),
Rejep SAPAROV (since NA 1992), Boris SHIKHMURADOV (since NA 1993),
Batyr SARJAYEV (since NA 1993), Ilaman SHIKHIYEV (since NA 1995),
Yolly GURBANMURADOV (since NA 1997), Saparmurat NURIYEV (since NA
1997)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
note: NIYAZOV has been asked by various local groups, most recently
on 21 December 1998 at the Second Congress of the Democratic Party,
to be "president for life," but he has declined, saying the status
would require an amendment to the constitution
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 21 June 1992 (next to