Karakum Desert

Lore & Background

Since the early 1980s, the Aralkum desert has formed on the former seabed of the Aral Sea. This new desert is a direct consequence of the Aral Sea's shrinkage, a major environmental disaster. The Karakum Desert itself, however, has a much longer geological history, shaped by millennia of arid conditions. Its sparse population and harsh climate have historically limited human settlement, but the discovery of oil and gas reserves has brought modern development to certain areas.

Reader's Guide

The Karakum Desert is significant as the dominant geographic feature of Turkmenistan, covering roughly 70% of the country. Its sparse population and arid climate shape the region's ecology and human settlement. The desert contains substantial oil and natural gas deposits, and the Darvaza gas crater has become a notable tourist attraction. The Aralkum desert, a newer formation on the former seabed of the Aral Sea, has been developing since the early 1980s, adding a stark new landscape to the region. Travelers should be prepared for extreme temperatures and limited infrastructure when exploring this remote area.

Did You Know?

• The Karakum Desert covers roughly 70% of Turkmenistan.
• The Aralkum desert began forming on the former seabed of the Aral Sea in the early 1980s.
• The Darvaza gas crater is a notable tourist attraction in the Karakum Desert.
• The desert contains substantial oil and natural gas deposits.