population: 113,000 million

extension: 87.7 km² square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Balkanabat and interested in visiting museums, one option is to visit the Balkanabat History Museum. If you're looking for similar museums nearby, you may also consider checking out the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and Mausoleum or the Turkmen Carpet Museum in Ashgabat, which are both within driving distance from Balkanabat.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes in Balkanabat and throughout Turkmenistan include:

1. Plov: A rice dish cooked with lamb, onion, carrots, and spices.
2. Manty: Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat, onions, and herbs.
3. Shashlyk: Grilled skewers of marinated lamb or beef.
4. Beshbarmak: A hearty dish consisting of boiled noodles served with lamb or beef broth and meat.
5. Lagman: Noodle soup with vegetables and either lamb or beef.

You may also want to try some traditional Turkmen bread, such as chorek or tandir bread, which is typically eaten alongside meals.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Balkanabat and the surrounding area include visiting the Yangykala Canyon, exploring the Gozli Ata pilgrimage site, and taking a dip in the therapeutic waters of the Garabogazköl lagoon. Additionally, you could also check out the bazaar in Balkanabat to experience the local culture and taste traditional food.