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handle is hein.crs/govccyy0001 and id is 1 raw text is: 01;0i E.$~ & p\w -- , gnom goo mppm qq\ , q I aS 11LIANJILiN, Updated November 20, 2017 Turkmenistan source: Uraphic created by Hannah I-ischer at (JO. Government: Turkmenistan defines itself as a secular democracy, but in practice political power is concentrated with President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. The U.S. Department of State describes the country's government as authoritarian. Turkmenistan's legislature (the Mejlis) routinely supports presidential decrees and rarely displays legislative independence. History: Turkic language-speaking tribes have inhabited the eastern Caspian region for centuries. In the mid-1800s, the area was invaded by Russia, and it later became a Soviet republic. The country gained independence in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the former head of the Turkmen Communist Party, Saparmurad Niyazov, was elected president in an uncontested race. A referendum held in 1994 extended his term until 2002. In 1999, amendments to the constitution proclaimed him president for life. Niyazov, known as the Father of the Turkmen, was an autocrat. He cultivated a cult of personality and suppressed dissent. Contemporary Period: President Niyazov died unexpectedly in 2006. He was replaced in 2007 by Berdymukhamedov, a longtime politician and former dentist. Berdymukhamedov implemented modest reforms during his first term in office. In 2012, he won a second term after reportedly clinching 97.7% of the vote. Electoral observers say that Berdymukhamedov ran uncontested, and many suggest he is building a cult of personality. Political Freedom: In September 2017, the legislature ratified a new constitution that effectively allows President Berdymukhamedov to serve indefinitely. Presidential term limits were extended from 5 to 7 years, and the 70-year age cap for presidential candidates was removed. Some experts argue that these reforms will entrench Berdymukhamedov's power, making future political reforms unlikely. Although the constitution grants Turkmen citizens the right to choose their government through periodic elections, Turkmenistan has never held competitive elections. Changes in 2012 that expanded the number of political parties did little to improve the political landscape, according to observers. The Turkmen government does not recognize opposition parties and persecutes dissident politicians. Human Rights: Turkmenistan ranks as one of the most repressive and isolated countries in the world, according to several human rights organizations such as Freedom House and Amnesty International. Although the country adopted a National Human Rights Action Plan in April 2017, activists say that basic civil liberties are still not recognized. The government persecutes religious and ethnic minorities, independent journalists, political dissidents, and people who engage in homosexual acts. Also, sexual intercourse between men is illegal under the criminal code. Activists, citing protections listed in the constitution, argue that Turkmen leaders lack the political will and capacity to ensure citizens are protected against arbitrary punishment. Turkmenistan received the lowest possible ranking (Tier 3) in the State Department's 2017 Trafficking in Persons report. Turkmenistan at a Glance Land area: 188,457 sq. mi.; slightly larger than California Population: 5.66 million Ethnicity: 85% Turkmen, 5% Uzbek, 4% Russian, and others Religion: Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, Other 2% GDP (2016): $36.18 billion; per capita GNI is $16,060 at PPP Political Leaders: President and Prime Minister: Gurlbanguly Berdynulkhamedov, Chairman of the Mejlis (legislature): Akja Nu rberdiyewa Data from World Bank Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: According to the State Department, Turkmenistan did not report any terrorist incidents in 2016, but the Turkmen government, nevertheless, continued to maintain pervasive surveillance of the population. The government closely monitors the country's Muslim population, and the country's government has imprisoned Muslims who espouse alternative interpretations of Islam. The country has participated in international training initiatives hosted by agencies such as the U.N. Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia and the U.N. Office of Drugs and Crime. Corruption, however, hampers the country's law-enforcement efforts. Turkmenistan is not a major producer of drugs, but it is a transshipment point for Afghan opiates going to Turkey, Russia, and Europe. In 2016, President Berdymukhamedov reportedly directed government bodies to redouble their efforts to stop the illicit drug trade in the country. Turkmenistan has participated in U.S.-led counterarcotics trainings, including one for drug unit commanders in May 2016. K~:>

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