Located in the Central Asia, Turkmenistan is 53rd largest nation in the world, and shares land borders with Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan. Ashgabat is the capital city, and the political and cultural center of Turkmenistan. This country is the fourth largest exporter of natural gas and other exports include cotton, textiles, and polymers. Turkmenistan is among top ten producers of cotton and the most important source of income. Only two per cent of land is arid and can be cultivated, with good irrigation facilities the farmers of Turkmenistan grow wheat, rice, sugarcane, potatoes and melons. Akhal-Teke horses are known as the "wind of heaven" because they are hardy, fast, and well suited for the hot and harsh climate. For centuries the carpets, Turkmenistan has been producing velvety and beautiful carpets in toning shades of red, maroon, and brown. Women hand knit the carpets, weaving curtains, and pouches using fine wool.