Turkmenistan vs United States: A Comparison
When it comes to comparing countries, there are several factors to consider. In this article, we will explore the differences between Turkmenistan and the United States in terms of their region and annual GDP.
Let’s dive in and uncover some interesting insights about these two countries. Topic 1: Region
Subtopic 1: Area and Capital
Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, has an area of approximately 488,100 square kilometers.
Its capital city is Ashgabat. In contrast, the United States spans a vast area of around 9.8 million square kilometers, making it the third-largest country in the world.
Washington, D.C. serves as its capital. Subtopic 2: Official Language and Currency
Turkmen is the official language of Turkmenistan.
Being a former Soviet republic, Russian still holds influence as a widely spoken language. The official currency of Turkmenistan is the Turkmenistan manat.
On the other hand, the United States does not have an official language, but English is predominantly spoken. The U.S. dollar is the country’s official currency, recognized both domestically and internationally.
Subtopic 3: Government Form
Turkmenistan operates under a presidential republic system, where the President holds executive power, making most of the major decisions. In comparison, the United States follows a federal presidential constitutional republic, where powers are divided between the federal government and individual states, ensuring a balanced distribution of authority.
Topic 2: Annual GDP
Subtopic 1: GDP per Capita
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures a country’s economic output. In Turkmenistan, the GDP per capita was $4,488 USD in 2020.
This places Turkmenistan as a lower-middle-income country. Conversely, the United States, with its highly developed economy, had a GDP per capita of $67,426 USD in the same year, making it one of the highest in the world.
Subtopic 2: Inflation Rate
Inflation is a crucial economic indicator that measures the rate at which prices rise. In Turkmenistan, inflation has been a concern in recent years, with an average rate of 11.7% between 2016 and 2020.
This high inflation has led to increased costs for basic goods and services, impacting the citizens. In contrast, the United States has generally managed to keep inflation under control, with an average rate of around 1.8% during the same period.
In conclusion, Turkmenistan and the United States differ significantly in terms of their region and annual GDP. While Turkmenistan holds a smaller area size, its specific area allocation in Central Asia contributes to its unique culture and heritage.
The country’s lower GDP per capita and higher inflation rate pose distinct economic challenges. Meanwhile, the United States, being an economic powerhouse and one of the largest countries, exhibits a strong GDP per capita and a relatively stable inflation rate.
Understanding the differences between these two countries allows us to appreciate the diverse landscapes of our global community and the varying economic landscapes that shape their development. Topic 3: Population
Subtopic 1: Life Expectancy
Life expectancy is an important indicator of a country’s healthcare system and overall quality of life.
In Turkmenistan, the average life expectancy as of 2020 was around 72 years for males and 76 years for females. The country has made significant progress in improving healthcare access and services over the years, contributing to increased life expectancies.
On the other hand, the United States has a higher average life expectancy, with males living for approximately 76 years and females for around 81 years. This can be attributed to the country’s advanced medical infrastructure and healthcare advancements.
Subtopic 2: Unemployment Rate
Unemployment rates reflect the job market conditions in a particular country. In Turkmenistan, the unemployment rate was estimated to be around 8% in 2020.
The government has made efforts to boost employment opportunities by promoting economic diversification and investment in sectors like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. In contrast, the United States had an unemployment rate of approximately 8% during the same period.
However, it is worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on employment globally, causing temporary spikes in unemployment rates. Subtopic 3: Average Income
Average income is an essential factor in assessing a country’s economic well-being and the living standards of its citizens.
In Turkmenistan, the average income of individuals was approximately $6,400 USD per year. The country’s economy heavily relies on its vast natural gas reserves, which contributes to its income distribution.
In comparison, the United States has a much higher average income, with individuals earning around $60,000 USD per year. The country’s strong economy and diverse industries provide a wide range of employment opportunities, leading to higher average incomes.
Topic 4: Infrastructure
Subtopic 1: Roadways and Harbors
Infrastructure plays a vital role in a country’s economic development and connectivity. Turkmenistan has been investing in improving its infrastructure, particularly in terms of roadways.
The country has an extensive road network that spans over 58,000 kilometers, connecting urban centers and rural areas. Additionally, Turkmenistan has set its sights on developing its harbors, such as the Caspian Sea port of Turkmenbashi.
This port serves as a strategic gateway for trade between Central Asia and other countries in the region. In comparison, the United States boasts a well-developed and sophisticated infrastructure system.
The country has an extensive network of highways that stretches over 6.6 million kilometers, facilitating the transportation of goods and people across its vast territory. The United States also has numerous harbors on its coastlines, such as the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of New York and New Jersey, which handle significant volumes of international trade.
Subtopic 2: Passenger Airports
Air travel is an essential mode of transportation for both domestic and international travel. In Turkmenistan, the country’s main international airport is Ashgabat International Airport, located in the capital city.
The airport is well-equipped and handles numerous flights to various destinations. Moreover, the country has been investing in expanding its domestic air network, improving connectivity within Turkmenistan.
The United States boasts a highly developed aviation industry, with numerous passenger airports across the country. Some of the major airports include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
These airports serve millions of passengers annually and contribute significantly to the country’s transportation infrastructure. In summary, Turkmenistan and the United States differ in their population demographics, with variations in life expectancy, unemployment rates, and average income.
Turkmenistan has shown progress in improving life expectancies and reducing unemployment rates, while the United States benefits from a higher average income and longer life expectancies. Additionally, the countries vary in terms of infrastructure, with Turkmenistan investing in roadways and harbors, and the United States boasting a well-developed road network, extensive harbor facilities, and a robust aviation industry.
Understanding these differences allows us to appreciate the distinct characteristics that shape the socio-economic landscapes of Turkmenistan and the United States. Topic 5: Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
Subtopic 1: Population Below the Poverty Line
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) provides insights into the level of corruption within a country.
Turkmenistan has a CPI score of 19 out of 100, indicating a relatively high level of perceived corruption. This perception aligns with the fact that a significant portion of Turkmenistan’s population lives below the poverty line.
Approximately 30% of the population in Turkmenistan is estimated to be living below the poverty line. This is a concerning statistic, highlighting the challenges faced by a substantial portion of the population in accessing basic necessities and opportunities for upward mobility.
In contrast, the United States has a CPI score of 67 out of 100, reflecting a relatively lower level of perceived corruption. As a developed country, the United States has implemented robust institutions and frameworks to combat corruption.
Additionally, the percentage of the population living below the poverty line in the United States is approximately 12.3%. While this figure may seem high for a developed country, it reflects the existence of income inequality and social disparities within the United States.
Subtopic 2: Human Freedom Index
The Human Freedom Index measures the level of personal, civil, and economic freedoms within a country. Turkmenistan ranks low on the Human Freedom Index, reflecting limited freedom of expression, assembly, and press freedoms.
The government exercises strict control over information and dissenting voices, affecting the overall human freedom experienced by its citizens. On the other hand, the United States ranks relatively higher on the Human Freedom Index, with a robust framework that protects civil liberties and promotes individual freedoms.
The country ensures freedom of speech, assembly, and press through the First Amendment of its Constitution. However, it is important to note that debates around freedom and civil liberties in the United States continue, as issues related to racial justice, privacy, and other societal concerns are ongoing topics of discussion.
Topic 6: Percentage of Internet Users
Subtopic 1: English Speaking %
The percentage of internet users is an important measure of a country’s digital connectivity and access to information. In Turkmenistan, the percentage of the population who are active internet users is relatively low at around 32.6%.
This can be attributed to various factors, including limited infrastructure, government restrictions on internet access and content, and socio-economic factors. Additionally, the percentage of English-speaking individuals within the population is also relatively low due to Turkmen being the primary language spoken in the country.
In contrast, the United States has a significantly higher percentage of internet users, with around 91.8% of the population actively using the internet. This high level of connectivity is facilitated by advanced infrastructure, widespread access to technology, and a culture that embraces digital innovation.
Moreover, English is most commonly spoken in the United States, further contributing to the accessibility and consumption of online content in English.
Conclusion
By examining the Corruption Perceptions Index, Human Freedom Index, and the percentage of internet users, we can better understand the differences between Turkmenistan and the United States. Turkmenistan faces challenges related to corruption, poverty, limited human freedoms, and lower internet connectivity.
These issues affect the well-being and opportunities available to its citizens. On the other hand, the United States demonstrates a higher level of transparency, relative affluence, stronger protection of civil liberties, and a more connected population.
Understanding these disparities allows us to appreciate the complexities and unique characteristics that shape the socio-political landscape of each country.