Turkmenistan
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
1 / 100
Not Free
Nations in Transit
Turkmenistan is a repressive authoritarian state where political rights and civil liberties are almost completely denied in practice. Elections are tightly controlled, the economy is dominated by the state, corruption is systemic, religious groups are persecuted, and political dissent is not tolerated.
Research & Recommendations
Turkmenistan
Not Free
1
100
| PR Political Rights | 0 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 1 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
2
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Turkmenistan
0
100
| DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 0.00 100 |
| DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 1.00 7 |
Last Year's Democracy Percentage & Status
0
100
The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 1 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The Democracy Percentage, introduced in 2020, is a translation of the Democracy Score to the 0-100 scale, where 0 equals least democratic and 100 equals most democratic.
See the methodology.
Executive Summary
In 2023, Turkmenistan remained an autocracy ruled by the strongman Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and his son, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. The year was marked by the elder Berdimuhamedow’s return to power. In January, the parliament adopted constitutional changes that again made the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council), which Gurbanguly chairs, the highest political body in Turkmenistan. The amendments also bestowed upon Gurbanguly the constitutional status of “National Leader of the Turkmen people,” which gave him far-reaching authority to shape domestic and foreign policy.
Nations in Transit 2024 Policy Recommendations
Ensure that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is soundly defeated.
The future of European democracy and security is now inextricably linked to the fate of Ukraine. European Union (EU) and NATO member states must not only invest far more—and more efficiently—in their collective defense, but also provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to roll back Russian advances and build a durable democracy of its own.
Support democratic renewal and reform.
In addition to defending the international order from emboldened autocrats, democratic governments must attend to democratic renewal within Europe, particularly among nascent democracies.
Provide consistent messaging and support to Europe’s aspiring democracies.
Military aggression from autocracies in the region has underscored the dangers of exclusion from democracy-based organizations like the EU and NATO, galvanizing the political will of policymakers in aspiring member states and generating further public pressure to undertake long-sought democratic reforms.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
1
/ 100
Not Free
Nations in Transit Score
0
/ 100
Population: 6,431,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked