Turkmenistan is a Central Asian nation known for its isolated political system and vast reserves of natural gas. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the country came under the rule of authoritarian leaders who established strict state control over public life.
To shape its international image, the government began investing heavily in grand architectural projects. Central to this strategy was an unusual effort to collect official Guinness World Records. From marble-clad skyscrapers to massive staged gatherings, these titles reflect the regime's desire for global recognition.
Click through the gallery to learn more about the political history behind that ambition, the record-breaking landmarks and events that resulted from it, and what they reveal about the country.