Balkanabat

Balkanabat is a major city located in the western part of Turkmenistan. It is the administrative center of Balkan Province and is especially known for its importance in the country’s oil and gas industry. The city lies near the Karakum Desert and is not far from the Caspian Sea region.

Formerly known as Nebit Dag, Balkanabat developed as an industrial city due to the discovery of rich oil and natural gas reserves in the surrounding areas. Today, energy production remains the backbone of the local economy, along with construction, transportation, and service industries.

Balkanabat is well connected by roads and railways, linking it to other major cities such as Ashgabat and Türkmenbaşy. The city also has educational institutions, hospitals, sports facilities, and cultural centers that serve the western region of the country.

The surrounding landscape is mostly desert, but the city has been developed with modern infrastructure, residential areas, and public facilities. Balkanabat plays a crucial role in supporting Turkmenistan’s energy sector and contributes significantly to the national economy.