Nature

According to natural conditions, Turkmenistan is located in three main natural landscape zones: deserts, oases and mountains. 13 different natural areas may be distinguished at the territory of the country. The plains 15%, mountains and forelands 12%, water surfaces and non-soil formations (talus, rocks, and precipices) occupy major part of the country - 73%. The Karakum desert occupies northern and central part of the country (about 80% of the territory).

The highest point in Turkmenistan is Ayrybaba Peak of Koytendag Mountains (3139m above the sea level); the lowest point is Akchakaya hollow in the northwest of the Zaunguz Karakum (81m below the sea level). The length of a coastline of the Turkmen part of the Caspian Sea is 1200km.

Fauna of Turkmenistan is marvelous. The Kopetdag mountains harbours Central Asia’s most thriving leopard population, mountain sheep; the only autochthon population of Kulan is found in Badkhyz nature reserve, together with other large carnivores, leopard, hyena and lynx and a thriving population of gazelles and mountain sheep.