Turkmenistan has officially legalized mining and exchanging cryptocurrency, marking a major shift for its tightly-controlled economyTurkmenistan, one of the world’s most closed nations, legalizes crypto mining and exchangesBy The Associated PressASHGABAT, Turkmenistan -- ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (AP) — Turkmenistan, one of the world’s most isolated nations, officially legalized mining and exchanging cryptocurrency on Thursday in a major shift for the country's tightly controlled, gas-dependent economy. Signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the legislation regulating virtual assets brings cryptocurrencies under civil law and establishes a licensing scheme for cryptocurrency exchanges overseen by the country’s central bank. Turkmenistan, a former Soviet country in Central Asia, relies heavily on the export of its vast natural gas reserves to support its economy. China is the country’s main importer of gas, and Turkmenistan is currently working on a pipeline to supply gas to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Turkmenistan also adopted a law introducing electronic visas in April last year, aimed at simplifying entry for foreigners.

Source: ABC News January 01, 2026 20:21 UTC