Overview of Turkey

Profile

Newly industrialized country with approximately 85 million people centered on capital Ankara and largest city Istanbul. Member of NATO, G20, and OECD, strategic crossroads facing Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea. Cultural heritage and cuisine nurtured by diverse geography and long history are highly rated globally, attracting nearly 50 million tourists annually. Recent growth in automobile, home appliance, and defense industry exports, with rapid increase in technology startups. Population youth and urbanization drive economic growth.

Official name: Republic of Türkiye
Common name: Turkey
Numeric code: 792
Alpha-3 code: TUR
Alpha-2 code: TR
Population: Approximately 85 million (2023 estimate) (2023)
Population density: Approximately 110
Primary languages: Turkish
Major religions: Islam (Sunni, Alevi)
National anthem: Turkish National Anthem (İstiklal Marşı)
Calling code: +90
Internet TLD: .tr

History

Founded in 1923 after War of Independence following Ottoman Empire collapse, transitioning to modern state through secularist reforms.

Anatolia saw rise and fall of civilizations from Hittites to Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman. Ottoman Empire became great power spanning East and West with 1453 Istanbul conquest, but lost territory to great powers and nationalist movements from 19th century. After World War I defeat, War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal achieved victory, declaring Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. Westernization policy of Atatürk introduced alphabet reform and secular constitution. Joined NATO as anti-communist bulwark during Cold War, with 21st century continuing presidential system strengthening and expanded regional diplomacy.

Geography & climate

Northern Black Sea coast has steep mountain ranges, central is dry Anatolian plateau, southwest composed of Mediterranean-climate fertile coastal plains. Many active faults with frequent earthquakes.

Mixed Mediterranean climate, humid subtropical climate, continental climate

Area: Asia-Europe / 783562 km²
Capital: Ankara
Largest city: Istanbul
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Van, Lake Tuz
Bordering countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan), Iran, Iraq, Syria

Natural resources

Coal (lignite), Iron ore, Copper, Chromium, Bauxite, Borax, Gold, Natural gas, Petroleum (Black Sea offshore), Magnesium, Marble, Rare earth elements

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

GDP (nominal): 905.5 billion dollars (2022)

GDP (PPP): 3,610 billion dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Turkish

Time zone: Turkey Time (TRT)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Turkish, Kurdish, Arab, Laz, Circassian, Armenian, Greek, Bosniak

Life expectancy

Approximately 78 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 97%

National sports

Soccer, Yağlı güreş, Basketball, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Taekwondo