When you think of the most isolated countries in the world, North Korea is likely the first that comes to mind. Indeed, North Korea is infamous for its closed-off nature, and the outside world’s understanding of the country can be compared to the limited perspective of a frog in a well. However, in my opinion, North Korea’s isolation is nothing compared to that of Turkmenistan. While North Korea has a “half-open door,” Turkmenistan’s isolation is akin to a completely locked one.
Have you ever heard of Turkmenistan? If not, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Today, let’s take a deep dive into this mysterious country, which manages to stay completely cut off from the rest of the world in the age of globalization. And what’s even more surprising is that not only is it incredibly closed off, but it is also surprisingly wealthy—so wealthy that it doesn’t even need to flaunt its wealth.
Turkmenistan: The Mysterious and Isolated Nation
Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, is one of the most isolated countries on Earth. With an area of 490,000 square kilometers—similar to the size of France—it may sound large. However, its population is only around 6.4 million, roughly the size of a small city in China. The “quietness” here is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced in a bustling metropolis. In a world where everything seems to be globalized, Turkmenistan seems to have created its own isolated bubble. 
While countries like North Korea still allow some tourists in, Turkmenistan operates under a much more stringent system. Imagine a country where the visa rejection rate is as high as 85% and the transit visa rejection rate is a perfect 100%. This is not merely a closed door; it’s as if there is no door at all.
The Unimaginable Isolation: The World Outside Doesn’t Matter
Despite the rapid globalization and widespread access to information through the internet, Turkmenistan is virtually unaware of the world beyond its borders. I would bet that 99% of the people here couldn’t even point to China or the United States on a map. The level of isolation in Turkmenistan is so extreme that it almost mirrors the ancient Chinese concept of “Yelang arrogance,” where people are completely oblivious to the outside world but believe they are at its center.
In this country, people live their daily lives almost entirely cut off from the rest of the world. Information comes mostly from Russia, and the rest of the world is treated as a mere “geographical name.” What’s happening in the outside world doesn’t concern them. They are focused only on their own country’s affairs.
The Surprising Wealth of Turkmenistan: Why Is It So Rich Despite Being So Isolated?
You might wonder how a country so isolated could be so wealthy. Well, let’s talk about Turkmenistan’s natural resources. Although the country’s natural conditions aren’t great—80% of its land is desert or semi-desert, and water resources are extremely scarce—Turkmenistan has one major asset that sustains its economy: natural gas.
Yes, you heard that right—Turkmenistan is the fourth-largest holder of natural gas reserves in the world. Its reserves exceed 50 trillion cubic meters! And that’s not all. The country also has massive oil reserves, estimated to be 21 billion tons. So, despite its lack of water, Turkmenistan thrives thanks to the wealth hidden beneath its desert sands. Furthermore, it has significant deposits of coal and rare metals. Thanks to exports of oil and natural gas, Turkmenistan’s national income reaches around 12 billion USD annually.
It’s no surprise that Turkmenistan relies on its “underground” wealth to sustain its economy. In fact, China is Turkmenistan’s biggest customer, importing 45% of its natural gas every year. Imagine that in the winter when some places might freeze without it!
One of the Least-Visited Countries in the World
This may sound paradoxical, but do you know how many visitors Turkmenistan receives each year? According to statistics, the country receives fewer than 20,000 visitors annually. That’s right—fewer than the audience at a large concert in Beijing! Most of these visitors are government officials, and it’s nearly impossible for regular tourists to visit. Turkmenistan has a very selective approach to tourism, with a visa approval rate of just 10%. If you manage to visit, it’s akin to winning the lottery.
For the vast majority of people, Turkmenistan remains an unexplored “wilderness.” There are no major tourist attractions, and no one outside of international officials has likely ever taken a photo on the streets of the country.
Ashgabat: The Unbelievably White City
If you are lucky enough to step foot in Turkmenistan, the first thing you’ll notice is its capital, Ashgabat. The city is so overwhelmingly white that it’s hard to believe it’s real. Every building, every street, even the cars are white! It’s as though you’ve entered a version of “Frozen” in real life. This city is so pristine that it’s considered one of the cleanest in the world. Not a scrap of paper can be seen on the streets, and the city is eerily quiet, as if it exists in a separate, artificial reality.
Turkmenistan’s Hidden Riches: A Desert of Wealth
We often say, “money allows you to be audacious,” but in Turkmenistan, this audacity comes from its vast underground wealth. With the fourth-largest natural gas reserves in the world and oil reserves of over 21 billion tons, Turkmenistan has emerged as one of the world’s most promising energy exporters. However, despite its abundance of resources, the country faces the reality of relatively low wages—around 2,600 RMB per month for an average worker. But, the low wages are balanced out by the extraordinarily low cost of living.
The Ridiculously Low Cost of Living
If you’re a tourist coming from a major city, the cost of living in Ashgabat will likely shock you. A simple meal, like grilled meat, costs just 30 RMB. A 5-kilometer taxi ride is only 8 RMB. Vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes, and potatoes are priced below 3 RMB per kilogram. It’s as if you’ve stumbled into a “living paradise.”
Even more astonishing is the low cost of housing. In the more remote cities, you can buy property for as little as 600 RMB per square meter. In major cities, rent ranges from just 200 to 500 RMB per month. After seeing these prices, you might start to question whether you’ve entered some sort of “life utopia.”
Free Utilities and Dirt-Cheap Gas: The Surprising Benefits of Turkmenistan’s Oil and Gas Wealth
With such a low cost of living, it’s no surprise that Turkmenistan’s citizens also enjoy some unbelievable perks. Water and electricity are completely free for everyone—whether you’re rich or poor, you get to enjoy the luxury of free utilities. You can run your air conditioning without worrying about the electricity bill, and take a shower without the concern of water charges. But that’s not all—gasoline costs just 0.1 RMB per liter! Compared to the gas prices in the U.S. or Europe, Turkmenistan is in a parallel world where fuel is practically free.
Low Population, High Efficiency: Turkmenistan’s Unique Urbanization
Turkmenistan has a population of just 6.4 million, which is about the size of a second-tier city in China. With 80% of the land covered in desert, only 9.8 million square kilometers are suitable for habitation. This unique geography has led to rapid urbanization, with fewer people “clustering” in urban areas, allowing for efficient infrastructure development and lower housing costs.
Neutral and Isolated: Turkmenistan’s International Policy
Since 1995, Turkmenistan has been recognized as a permanent neutral country by the United Nations, meaning it does not participate in any military conflict. This neutrality has reinforced its reputation as an isolated, closed-off nation. Its extreme isolation is reflected in its visa policies, with a rejection rate of 85%, and the country’s ban on importing foreign books, newspapers, and films. Turkmenistan even once had a leader who shut down the national libraries because he believed the people didn’t need to read.
