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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Turkmenistan
Index
Population: In 1991, population 3,808,900; 1989 annual
growth rate 2.5 percent; 1991 population density 7.8 persons per square
kilometer.
Ethnic Groups: In 1991, Turkmen 72 percent, Russians
nearly 10 percent, Uzbeks 9 percent, and Kazaks 2 percent.
Languages: Turkmen, official national language, spoken
by about 75 percent of population; Russian, replaced as official language
in 1992 constitution, still much used in official communications despite
campaigning to limit its influence; English given status behind Turkmen as
second official language, 1993.
Religion: Approximately 87 percent Muslim (mainly
Sunni), 11 percent Russian Orthodox; many who profess Islam are not active
adherents.
Education and Literacy: In 1991, estimated 98 percent
of those above age fifteen literate; education compulsory through eighth
grade. Much of Soviet education system still in place; substantial
modification in progress to raise quality of work force.
Health: Soviet system of free care for all citizens
remains in place, but in early 1990s supply shortages and poor medical
staff made care inadequate in many areas; infant mortality highest and
life expectancy lowest in Central Asia.
Data as of March 1996
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