Amphibians, birds, crustaceans, fish, insects, mammals, reptiles and spiders find representation among the animals and desert- and mountain-style vegetation are included among the plants of the Central Asian Turkic state of Turkmenistan.

Specifically, birds include such endangered species as flamingo and pelican. Fish include sturgeon. Mammals include bats, rodents, and wild cats and tigers.

Plants range from wildflowers to succulents, ornamentals, medicinals, herbs, and edibles. For example, the mountainous areas and oases are known for such food-producing plants as almond, fig and pistachio trees. The country's population draws upon a rich culinary, cultural and medicinal heritage through the number of herbal and wild plants that flourish within Turkmen borders.

Russia is the nation of which the Central Asian Turkic state of Turkmenistan was a recent part.

Specifically, Turkmenistan and Russia were both part of the former Soviet Union. In fact, Turkmenistan was one of the very last of the republics to secede during the dismantling of the former Soviet Union. The Soviet Union ceased to exist as a politico-geographic entity on December 26, 1991. That was just one day after Turkmenistan finally and officially left.

Ashgabat (Aşgabat) is the capital city of the Central Asian Turkic state of Turkmenistan.

Specifically, Ashgabat is located in Ahal Province. It shares its importance in that province with Anau (Änew), which is the province's capital city. It started out as a village founded by Russians in 1881. In fact, it temporarily was named Poltoratsk during the period 1919-1927. Under the Soviets, the name of the city was Ashkhadbad before being named Ashgabat under the independent Turkmenistani government.