Since independence, there has been a resurgence of Islam, with more and more people practicing daily, and making pilgrimages to local religious sites. Islam in Turkmenistan contains elements of Sufi mysticism and shamanism. Of the two primary cultural groups in Turkmenistan, the Russian population appear closer to the West in their dress, life-styles, and attitudes. Turkmen women wear long, brightly colored dresses and headscarves. Turkmen usually marry within their tribe, and only with parental approval.
Families tend to be large, with four or more children.