The state structure
Turmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. In 1992 the country joined the United Nations. The country's constitution was adopted in 1992 and amended in 2008. The country's executive branch is headed by the Head of State and head of government, President Kurbanguly Berdymuchamedov, who took office on December 21, 2006 after the death of the former president and was reelected February 14, 2007 and has remained in power since then. The President is elected for a 5 year term and the next Presidential elections are scheduled for 2012. The Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president.
The country's legislative branch consists of the Assembly (Mejlis). It has 125 members, elected for a five-year term.
The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Council, regional and local level courts. Judges are appointed by the president and serve for life.
Turkmenistan is divided into five provinces (welayatlar) one capital city district. The provinces are subdivided into districts (etraplar).
1) Ahal Province
2) Balkan Province
3) Daşoguz Province
4) Lebap Province
5) Mary Province
