Day 21
Turkmenistan
According to the government, there are 6.2 million people in Turkmenistan, although the results of the last census in 2012 were never released to the public. In the lead up to the next census planned for next year, a preliminary survey was conducted revealing that there may only be 2.8 million people living in the country now. This can be explained by a falling birthrate, a rising death rate due to poor standards of living, and mass exodus of people looking for work outside of the country. As we pray, we speak over this nation to clap your hands, Turkmenistan, shout to God with cries of joy. We release the joy of the Lord over this nation (The Bible, Psalm 47:1)
Source: Turkmenistan Faces ‘Shocking Population Decline’ As Exodus Continues (Radio Free Europe)
Although a country with mighty oil and gas reserves, the past two years its struggling economy has resulted in widespread food shortages. Turkmenistan makes its name as one of the most isolated and consolidated authoritarian regimes in the world. It lacks basic freedoms, judicial independence, accountable institutions, and it discriminates against ethnic minorities. Turkmenistan’s dictator seeks to control every aspect of life. There are only about 1000 Christian Believers in this nation. Turkmenistan continues to maintain there are no cases of COVID-19, though they do report unusually high numbers of cases and deaths related to pneumonia!
