Worth knowing
Turkmenistan
Merv grew rich as an oasis stop on the Silk Road. In the 12th and 13th centuries it may have held up to half a million people. Its ruins lie near the modern city of Mary.
Where its story happens
Ancient Merv, at 37.66°N, 62.19°E. It's the place the game marks on the globe once the country is found. See it on a map.
Five things to know about Turkmenistan
In Geodar these are the five clues to this country, and it counts as one of the hard countries. The game asks the hardest clue first. Here the easiest comes first.
- Where it is. It's Turkmenistan, in Central Asia, between the Caspian Sea and Afghanistan, north of Iran. See Turkmenistan on a map.
- The Karakum Desert covers most of it, the Caspian Sea lies to its west, and its capital is Ashgabat.
- A gas crater in its desert caught fire decades ago and burned so long it was nicknamed the Door to Hell.
- Its capital holds a world record for white marble: more than 500 marble-clad buildings in one small area.
- Its ancient oasis city of Merv may have been the largest city in the world about 800 years ago.