As of 2024, the top 1% in Turkmenistan earned 19.50% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 12.06%. Turkmenistan’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 4.06%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Turkmenistan in 2024
In 2024, income in Turkmenistan was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 19.50% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 12.06% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Turkmenistan | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 19.50% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 48.89% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 12.06% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Turkmenistan?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Turkmenistan’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 4.06% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 15.44 percentage points to 19.50%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Turkmenistan has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 24.72% while the bottom 50% received 27.73%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 48.89% and 12.06% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 4.06% | 24.72% | 27.73% | -3.01 pp |
| 1986 | 5.00% | 24.68% | 27.61% | -2.93 pp |
| 1992 | 10.19% | 29.97% | 24.55% | 5.42 pp |
| 1998 | 18.40% | 47.99% | 13.09% | 34.90 pp |
| 2004 | 18.37% | 47.96% | 13.12% | 34.84 pp |
| 2010 | 19.37% | 48.78% | 12.18% | 36.60 pp |
| 2016 | 19.29% | 48.72% | 12.26% | 36.46 pp |
| 2022 | 19.50% | 48.89% | 12.06% | 36.83 pp |
How Turkmenistan Compares Globally
Turkmenistan vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Turkmenistan’s top 1% income share of 19.50% is slightly higher than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Turkmenistan receives 12.06% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Turkmenistan Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Turkmenistan ranks 50th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Turkmenistan ranks 140th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Turkmenistan include Taiwan's income inequality, Thailand, Egypt's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Turkmenistan?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Turkmenistan earned 19.50% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Turkmenistan?
Income inequality in Turkmenistan has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 4.06% in 1980 to 19.50% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Turkmenistan?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Turkmenistan received 12.06% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 48.89%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.