Time Zone |
Asia/Ashgabat |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+5 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Africa/Niamey |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Gapjag is a city in western Turkmenistan, located near the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea, famous for its unique natural wonder, the "Gates of Hell" (Dawazha gas crater). The approximately 70-meter diameter flaring pit has been burning for more than 50 years since its accidental ignition in 1971, making it one of the most spectacular geological wonders in the world and attracting many explorers and tourists. As an important energy-related town in Turkmenistan, Jipjak is surrounded by abundant natural gas resources and the local industry is dominated by energy development. Although small, the city is an iconic location on the tourist map of Turkmenistan due to its unique view of the "Gates of Hell", which showcases the country's unique natural and industrial features.
Diffa, the capital of the Diffa region in southeastern Niger, is located on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert and shares a border with Nigeria, making it one of the most important border cities in Niger. The city is located in the lower Niger River basin around the climate of the tropical desert climate, hot and dry throughout the year, the average annual precipitation is less than 300 millimeters. The economy is based on agriculture and animal husbandry, and the surrounding areas are rich in millet, sorghum and livestock. Diffa, as a regional trade center, undertakes the function of cross-border trade with neighboring countries, such as Nigeria, and is especially famous for the trade of livestock, agricultural products and handicrafts. The city is culturally diverse, with Hausa, Tuareg and Kanuri ethnic groups living in the area, and is unique in its crafts such as traditional leather weaving and silversmithing. Despite infrastructural challenges, Diffa remains an important economic and cultural node in the south-east of the Niger, thanks to its strategic location and rich cultural heritage.