Turkmenistan is a little-known and largely inaccessible country to foreigners. Since 1991, it has been ruled by an equally bizarre and ruthless dictatorship. Much like North Korea, the heads of state wield absolute power and have the freedom to act on a whim. They have the resources to support their personal pursuits: the country holds immense gas reserves, ranking just behind Qatar as the fourth largest in the world.
Its capital, Ashgabat, is a monument to megalomania and is listed as the world’s most expensive city. Every one of its buildings is constructed entirely of white marble, and in its pristine, deserted streets, only white cars — the only colour allowed by the regime — are permitted to be driven.
The Berdymukhamedov family, now in power for two generations, have museums devoted to their glorification and immense golden statues scattered throughout the country. Public humiliation shows led by the dictator are broadcasted on state television as if they were dazzling performances. The dictator delights in singing songs praising the country alongside his descendants, composed by him.
To uncover the secrets of this reclusive dictatorship, our journalists discreetly joined a tourist group. They found that behind the opulence lies a brutal regime that suppresses and threatens any opposition. The population suffers from rationing and widespread poverty, with no access to the internet. While Turkmenistan officially claims to have 7 million inhabitants, alternative sources estimate that only 3 million remain after many citizens have fled.
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