TURKMEN CAPITAL ASHGABAD

A huge gold-plated monument to "Runhama", a book written by former Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov tops a central square in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on May 11, 2007. According the law, knowledge of the text "up to the ability to recite passages from it exactly" is required for passing all levels of education exams, holding any state employment, and to qualify for a driving license. (UPI Photo/Anatoli Zhdanov)