While Turkmenistan is rich with natural gas resources, most of the wealth is controlled by the ruling elites. Overall, Turkmen society is one of the poorest in the former Soviet Union. Breadlines are long, and there have been several reports of foodstuff shortages. Turkmenistan's society is closed, so it is difficult to obtain information. Turkmen President Saparmurad Niyazov has ruled authoritatively and autocratically since the nation's independence from Russia in 1991.
Political opposition is forbidden and there is no freedom of the press.
Human rights monitors have occasionally been denied access to the country. Jewish Life Jewish services and institutions are scarce in Turkmenistan. The Ashkhabad synagogue was converted into a sports complex under the Soviets, and there are no other formal congregations. While Ulpan programs have been taught, there is no formal Jewish school. This situation greatly differs from those of the other Central Asian states, where post-Soviet Jewish life has developed.