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The Province of Balkan occupies the whole western part of the country with the center at Balkanabat city.
Inhabited by the Yomud people, the second largest tribe, it supports the population of 1,5 million people.
The fuel and power complex is the leading sector of the province's economy. The province of Balkan boasts of the reconstructed oil-refinery at the Caspian port of Turkmenbashy that can produce various sorts of fuel.
There also chemical and food processing enterprises.
Western Turkmenistan is also famed for its fish industry. The Caspian Sea furnishes more than 90% of the world's sturgeon. Birds also settle it. Nearly 300,000 birds spend the winter here: pink flamingoes, white swans, pelicans and mallards. Turkmenistan 's Ornithological Nature Reserve is located on the coast.
Because of its climate, the southwest part of the province is classified as an arid subtropical zone. In the southwest we find a Biological station whose researchers study subtropical cultures: olives, pistachios, dates, figs, pomegranates, walnuts and other warm-loving plants.
With its sandy beaches the eastern Caspian seashore is a lovely spot for holidaymakers. It is expected to be turned into a wonderful resort area in the nearest future. To attain this goal a number of smart 5-star hotels are being constructed now.
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