Leader: President Saparmurat Niyazov
Population: 4,603,244
Size: 188,500 square miles -- slightly larger than California
Infant mortality rate: 73.25/1,000 births
Life expectancy: 61 years
Religions: Muslim 89%; Eastern Orthodox 9%; other 2%
GDP: $19.6 billion/$4,300 per capita
Defense: 2.8% of GDP/19,000 active troops
Stance: Fears U.S. action in Afghanistan could lead to a refugee flood