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Turkey - Key Country Facts

Turkey - Key Country Facts

Formal name: Republic of Türkiye (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti in Turkish)

Location: Uniquely positioned at the crossroads of the Old World, where Asia, Africa, and Europe are closest to one another. Geographically, Turkey lies in the northern hemisphere, approximately midway between the equator and the North Pole, covering a longitude of 26°E to 45°E and a latitude of 36°N to 42°N. The country’s roughly rectangular shape extends 1,660 kilometres (1,031 miles) in width.

Bordered by eight countries — Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the south — Turkey is additionally bounded to the north by the Black Sea, to the west by the Aegean Sea, and to the south by the Mediterranean Sea. This strategic location makes Turkey a melting pot of cultural, historical, and geographical diversity, guaranteeing extraordinary travel experiences and combining Eastern and Western influences.

Geologically, Turkey lies on the Anatolian sub-plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate, making it home to diverse landscapes, including mountain ranges, plateaus, coastal regions, and islands.

Capital: Ankara (located in Central Anatolia)

Area:

  • Total: 783,562 sq. km
  • Coastline: Approximately 8,333 km

Land Boundaries: 2,648 km

  • Greece 192 km
  • Bulgaria 223 km
  • Georgia 252 km
  • Armenia 311 km
  • Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan exclave) 17 km
  • Iran 534 km
  • Iraq 352 km
  • Syria 899 km

Population: Approximately 87 million

Language:

The official language of Turkey, proud and resonant, is Turkish, a noble member of the Turkic family of languages. This venerable speech, though steeped in ancient traditions, found itself adorned with a Latin alphabet, formally modified in the year 1928. Yet, within the borders of this storied land, the voices of many others echo. Kurdish, like a flowing stream, courses through the southeastern reaches; Arabic whispers along the southern frontier; and Laz, a rarity, lingers in the northeastern corners. Meanwhile, in the big cities, amidst the hum of commerce and the buzz of modernity, English emerges with growing prominence, bridging lands and cultures and weaving its way into the fabric of youth and enterprise.

Religion:

  • Sunni Islam (majority)
  • Alevi Islam (minority)
  • Christianity and Judaism (less than 2%)

Islam is the predominant religion in Turkey, with secularism cherished in its constitution. The country is dotted with architectural marvels like the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), the Blue Mosque (Sultânahmed Camii), and the Sumela Monastery (Sümela Manastırı), positioning it as a prime destination for religious and historical tourism.

Political System:
Turkey is a unitary parliamentary republic with a presidential system. The President is both the head of state and government.

Legislature: Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi (TBMM).

Administrative Divisions: 81 provinces grouped into seven geographical regions (Marmara, Aegean, Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, and the Mediterranean).

National Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
Banknotes in circulation include denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 lira. Coins range from 1 kuruş to 1 lira.

National Symbols:

  • Flag: The Turkish flag, known as the "Ay Yıldız" (Crescent and Star), features a red background with a white crescent and star.
  • Emblem: The national emblem includes a crescent moon and star motif.
  • Anthem: İstiklal Marşı (Independence March).
  • National Motto (by Atatürk): Ya istiklâl ya ölüm (Peace at Home, Peace in the World).
  • National Day: 29 October (Proclamation of the Republic in 1923).

Geography and Natural Wonders:
Turkey’s diverse relief includes the Taurus Mountains in the south, the Pontic Mountains in the north, the Anatolian Plateau, and the stunning coastline of the Turkish Riviera. Unique natural formations like Pamukkale's travertine terraces and Cappadocia's fairy chimneys attract visitors worldwide.

Economy:
Turkey’s mixed economy, with agriculture, industry, and services as key sectors, makes it one of the major players in the financial system around the globe. The country is one of the world's largest exporters of textiles, automotive products, and agricultural goods. Istanbul, Turkey's economic hub, bridges European and Asian markets.

History:
Turkey has a rich history that extends over ancient civilisations, from the Hittites and Phrygians to the Romans and Byzantines. The spread of Islam with the Seljuk Empire via the Silk Road and the rise of the Ottoman Empire marked one of history’s most influential periods, with Istanbul as its capital. In 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established the Republic of Turkey, ushering in modernisation and reforms.

Communication:
International calls to Turkey use the +90 country code. High-speed internet and mobile networks are widely available.

Time Zone: UTC+3 - Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) all year

Daylight in Major Cities of Turkey

Istanbul — Winter Solstice (between 20-22 December): Day length +/- 9 h 16m / Summer Solstice (between 20-22 June): Day length +/- 15h 11m.

Ankara — Winter Solstice (between 20-22 December): Day length +/- 9h 23m / Summer Solstice (between 20-22 June): Day length +/- 15h 03m.

Izmir — Winter Solstice (between 20-22 December): Day length +/- 9h 32m / Summer Solstice (between 20-22 June): Day length +/- 14h 53m.

Largest Cities:

  • Istanbul
  • Ankara
  • Izmir
  • Bursa
  • Antalya
  • Konya
  • Adana
  • Şanlıurfa
  • Gaziantep
  • Kocaeli
  • Mersin
  • Diyarbakır
  • Hatay
  • Manisa
  • Kayseri
  • Samsun
  • Balıkesir
  • Tekirdağ
  • Aydın
  • Van

Major Tourist Top Attractions: 

  • Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), Suleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi), Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayı), Yıldız Park
  • Cappadocia: Hot air balloon rides over unique Fairy Chimney rock formations
  • Ephesus (Efes): Well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins
  • Pamukkale: Thermal pools and ancient Hierapolis
  • Antalya: Stunning beaches and ancient Lycian ruins
  • Trabzon: Sümela Monastery (Sümela Manastırı), Altindere Valley National Park, Çal Cave
  • Central Anatolia Region: İBB Emirgan Grove, Sultansazligi National Park, Kurşunlu Waterfall Nature Park
  • Eastern Anatolia Region: Double Minaret Madrasa (Çifte Minareli Medrese), Ağrı, Elâzığ, Ishak Pasha Palace (İshak Paşa Sarayı), Lake Van (Van Gölü), Akdamar Island (Akdamar Adası), Floating Islands of Bingöl Natural Monument (Yüzen Adalar Tabiat Anıtı)
  • Southeastern Anatolia Region: Lower Duden Waterfalls (Düden Şelalesi), Kurşunlu Waterfall (Kurşunlu Şelalesi), Mount Nemrut (Nemrut Dağı) National Park, Göbeklitepe, Perge Ancient City
  • Marmara Region: Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park (Çanakkale Savaşları Gelibolu Tarihî Alanı), Troy (Truva): the ruins of the legendary city and its famous wooden horse replica, Bozcaada and Gökçeada Islands, Rákóczi Museum (Rakoçi Müzesi), Cunda Island or Alibey Island (Cunda Adası ve Alibey Adası)
  • Black Sea Region: Karaca Cave (Karaca Mağarası), Borçka Karagöl Nature Park (Borçka Karagöl Tabiat Parkı), Ayder Plateau, Amasra Coastline, Fırtına Valley, Safranbolu Houses
  • Aegean Region: Temple of Artemis (Artemis Tapınağı), Çeşme Peninsula, Pergamon, Şirince Village, Knidos, Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park (Dilek Yarımadası - Büyük Menderes Deltası Millî Parkı), Aphrodisias (Afrodisyas), Miletus (Milet)
  • Mediterranean Region: Patara Beach (Patara Plajı), Saklıkent Gorge (Saklıkent Kanyonu), Mount Tahtalı (Tahtalı Dağı), Olympos Teleferik, Kekova Sunken City, Termessos, Aspendos Theatre (Aspendos Tiyatro), Göynük Canyon (Göynük Kanyonu), Kaş and Kalkan, Kaputaş Beach (Kaputaş Plajı), Çıralı and Olympos, Tarsus Waterfall (Tarsus Şelalesi), Anemurium Ancient City (Anamurium Antik Kenti), Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz Mavi Lagün)

Turkish Gastronomy:

  • The 2025 Michelin Guide is celebrating Turkish gastronomy by awarding 132 restaurants with Michelin Stars, Green Stars, and Bib Gourmand distinctions. The ceremony took place on December 5, 2024, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus in Istanbul.
  • On December 9, 2024, the Gault & Millau guide highlighted Turkey’s top chefs and restaurants at a ceremony held at Çırağan Palace Kempinski.
  • Meanwhile, the Golden Spoon Gastronomy awards, organised by a Turkish civil society group, recognise the country’s leading culinary talents for 2023.
  • UNESCO is also acknowledging Turkey’s rich food culture by including Afyonkarahisar, Gaziantep, Hatay, and Kayseri in its Creative Cities Network as Cities of Gastronomy.

Major international championships and sports competitions scheduled in Turkey*:

2025

  • Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship, 18 to 23 January, Istanbul
  • Ice Hockey U20 World Championship, 27 January to 2 February, Istanbul
  • European Archery Indoor Championships, 19 to 23 February, Samsun
  • Fencing Cadet European Championships, 23 to 26 February, Antalya
  • Fencing Junior European Championships, 27 February to 2 March, Antalya
  • FIS Snowboard World Cup, 28 February to 2 March, Erzurum
  • UCI Track Cycling Nation Cup, 14 to 16 March, Konya
  • Artistic Gymnastics World Cup, 20 to 23 March, Antalya
  • Judo Grand Slam, 1 April, Antalya
  • Modern Pentathlon World Cup, 9 to 13 April, Antalya 
  • Ice Hockey World Championship, 21 to 27 April, Istanbul
  • Archery World Cup, 3 to 8 June, Antalya
  • EuroHockey U18 Championships (Field Hockey), 13 to 19 July, Alanya
  • World Rallycross Championship, 25 to 27 July, Istanbul
  • FIBA U16 EuroBasket, 8 to 16 August, Istanbul
  • ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating, 27 and 30 August, Ankara
  • Triathlon European Championship, 6 to 7 September, Istanbul
  • Motocross World Championship, 7 September, Afyonkarahisar

2026

  • Artistic Gymnastics World Cup, 12 to 15 March, Antalya 
  • European Archery Championships, 18 to 24 May, Antalya
  • FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup, 27 June to 5 July 2026, Istanbul
  • European Women's Volleyball Championship, 1 September, Ankara and Baku (Azerbaijan) and Brno (Czech Republic)

2027

  • Artistic Gymnastics World Cup, 25 to 28 March, Antalya
  • European games, 1 June, Istanbul

2028

  • Artistic Gymnastics World Cup, 23 to 26 March, Antalya

2032

The 2032 UEFA European Football Championship (Euro 2032) will be hosted by Turkey and Italy.

*Disclaimer: Advantour does not manage the events that are listed on this page and is not responsible for any changes in announcements. Though we always strive to deliver the most up-to-date and accurate information, plans can change abruptly and without notice.