Turkey Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Turkey, Middle Eastern State; 779,400 km², 82.3 million residents (2019).Turkey is 97 percent located in southwestern Asia (Asia Minor); 3 percent of the land mass (eastern Thrace) is in Europe. The Asian and European parts are separated by the Bosphorus, Lake Marmara and the Dardanelles. Turkey borders in the northwest (European part) to the Mediterranean, Greece, Bulgaria and the Black Sea. The Asian part borders in the north to the Black Sea, in the northeast to Georgia, in the east to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran, in the south to Iraq and Syria, and in the south and southwest to the Mediterranean. The capital is Ankara (4.6 million residents, 2015).

Country facts

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti / Republic of Turkey
Country abbreviation: TR
Area: 779 400 km²
Population (2019): 82.3 million residents
Capital: Ankara
Main language: Turkish
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: Recep Tayyip Erdoǧan (President)
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 9,311
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 10,380
Currency unit: 1 lira = 100 kurus
Currency code: YTL
Country number (telephony): 90
Internet domain name: tr
Time difference compared to Sweden: +1
National Day: October 29 (Proclamation of the Republic, 1923)

Nature

Land use: forest (15%), agricultural land (51%), other (34%)
Highest mountain: Ararat (5 165 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 106 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.0%; birth number 15 ‰, death number 5 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (23%), 15-64 (68%), 65- (9%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 76 years, women 81 years
Infant mortality (2019): 9 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 105 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.791 (place 64 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 75%
Most populous cities (2015): Istanbul (14 million residents), Ankara (4.6 million), Izmir (2.8 million)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (7%), industry (32%), service (61%)
Exports (2017): US $ 166,200 million
Main export products: textiles, food, transport
Main exporting countries: Germany, United Kingdom
Imports (2017): US $ 225 100 million
Main import products: machinery, chemicals, fuel
Main importing countries: China, Germany, Russian Federation
Railway network (2018): 12,700 km

Geography of Turkey

Location

Turkey is a transcontinental country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It shares borders with 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. The country is strategically positioned, with the Bosphorus Strait separating its European and Asian parts. Turkey has coastlines along the Aegean Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Black Sea to the north. This unique positioning gives Turkey significant geopolitical and economic importance.

The country spans an area of 783,356 square kilometers (302,455 square miles), making it one of the largest countries in the region. The capital city of Turkey is Ankara, located in the interior, while Istanbul, its largest city, lies on the European side and is considered a major cultural, historical, and economic hub.

Topography

Turkey’s topography is diverse, ranging from coastal plains to high mountain ranges. The country is divided into several distinct regions, each with its own landscape and geographical features. The majority of the country is covered by the Anatolian Plateau, a high, flat region that is surrounded by mountain ranges. The eastern part of Turkey is more mountainous, with ranges such as the Pontic Mountains along the Black Sea coast and the Taurus Mountains along the southern edge of the country.

In the west, the Aegean region is characterized by a more temperate climate, with a rugged coastline and fertile plains. The Marmara region, which includes Istanbul, is an important area due to its location near the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The eastern part of the country is home to some of the highest peaks, such as Mount Ararat, which stands at 5,137 meters (16,854 feet) and is the highest point in Turkey.

Turkey is also home to many rivers, including the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which have played significant roles in the country’s history, as well as the Kızılırmak, which is the longest river entirely within Turkey. These rivers, along with the country’s lakes and coastal areas, contribute to Turkey’s agricultural potential.

Natural Resources

Turkey is rich in natural resources, including both renewable and non-renewable resources. The country has significant deposits of coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, and gold, which are vital to its mining industry. Turkey has also been an important producer of marble and natural stones, which are exported globally. The country is also home to substantial reserves of natural gas and oil, although it is a net importer of these energy resources due to its limited domestic reserves.

Agriculture is another important sector in Turkey’s economy, with the country being a major producer of fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Turkey is one of the world’s leading producers of hazelnuts, apricots, cherries, and figs. The fertile soil, especially in regions such as the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, supports a variety of crops, including wheat, cotton, tobacco, and olives.

Turkey’s strategic location also makes it a key player in global trade routes, particularly through its access to the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Bosphorus Strait. This makes Turkey an important trade hub for both Europe and Asia.

Climate of Turkey

General Climate

Turkey has a diverse climate due to its large size and varied geography. The country’s climate ranges from Mediterranean on the southern and western coasts to continental in the interior and even alpine conditions in the higher mountain regions. The Mediterranean climate in the southern coastal regions is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The Aegean and Marmara regions also experience this type of climate, with moderate temperatures and regular rainfall during the winter months.

The interior of the country, particularly the Anatolian Plateau, has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Ankara, for instance, experiences a marked seasonal temperature variation, with summer temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while winter temperatures can drop below freezing.

The Black Sea region, located on the northern coast of Turkey, has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, humid summers. This region experiences the most rainfall in the country, making it one of the most fertile areas in Turkey. The eastern part of the country is characterized by a harsh climate, with cold winters and hot, dry summers. The mountainous areas of eastern Turkey experience alpine conditions, with heavy snowfall in the winter and cooler temperatures throughout the year.

Rainfall Patterns

Rainfall in Turkey is unevenly distributed, with the coastal regions receiving more precipitation than the interior. The Mediterranean coast receives the most rainfall, particularly in the winter months, with annual totals ranging from 700 mm to 1,500 mm (27 to 59 inches). The Black Sea coast, due to its proximity to the sea and the prevailing westerly winds, receives even higher levels of rainfall, with some areas receiving more than 2,000 mm (79 inches) annually.

In contrast, the interior regions, especially in central Anatolia, are much drier, with some areas receiving less than 400 mm (16 inches) of rainfall per year. The southeast of Turkey, near the border with Syria and Iraq, experiences semi-arid conditions, with even less rainfall, and is more prone to droughts.

The varied rainfall patterns contribute to the diversity of vegetation and agricultural production across the country. The coastal areas, with their milder climate and abundant rainfall, are suitable for growing a wide range of crops, while the interior is better suited to crops that require drier conditions, such as wheat and barley.

People of Turkey

Population and Ethnic Composition

Turkey has a population of approximately 84 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in Europe and the Middle East. The majority of the population is ethnic Turkish, but the country is also home to a variety of other ethnic groups. The largest minority groups in Turkey include Kurds, who primarily live in the southeastern part of the country, as well as Arabs, Armenians, and others.

The Kurds, in particular, make up about 15 to 20 percent of the population and have a distinct language, culture, and history. The government has historically had tensions with the Kurdish minority, and issues of Kurdish identity and autonomy have been sources of political conflict.

Turkey’s population is predominantly Muslim, with the vast majority adhering to Sunni Islam. There are also smaller communities of Alevis, Christians, and Jews, particularly in urban areas. The country is officially secular, with the government maintaining a strict separation between religion and state affairs. This secularism is a legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, who introduced a series of reforms to reduce the influence of religion on politics.

Language

Turkish is the official language of Turkey and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. It belongs to the Turkic language family and is written using the Latin alphabet, which was adopted in 1928 as part of Atatürk’s modernization reforms. The language is characterized by its vowel harmony and agglutinative structure, meaning that words are often formed by adding suffixes to root words.

In addition to Turkish, there are a number of regional languages spoken by ethnic minorities. Kurdish is widely spoken in the southeastern regions, particularly among the Kurdish population. Other languages spoken include Arabic, Armenian, and the various dialects of minority groups, though these languages have a limited presence in public life. English is also increasingly spoken, particularly in major cities and by younger generations, and is commonly used in business and academia.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Turkey, with approximately 99% of the population identifying as Muslim. The majority of Turkish Muslims are Sunni, but there is also a significant Alevi minority, which is a branch of Shi’a Islam. Alevi Muslims practice a distinct form of Islam that incorporates elements of Sufism and is more liberal in terms of religious practices.

Despite the overwhelming Muslim population, Turkey is officially a secular state, and the government maintains strict separation between religion and politics. This secularism was established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the 1920s and remains a defining feature of the modern Turkish state. The Turkish government controls religious institutions through the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), but religion has minimal influence in political decision-making compared to many other Middle Eastern countries.

There are also small Christian and Jewish communities in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul and other urban centers. These communities have lived in Turkey for centuries, and religious tolerance is generally practiced, although there have been some tensions, particularly related to the status of religious minorities in the country.

Economy of Turkey

Economic Structure

Turkey has a mixed economy with a large, diversified industrial base and a significant agricultural sector. The country is the 20th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP and is a member of the G20, a group of the world’s largest economies. Turkey’s economy is characterized by a combination of modern industry and commerce with more traditional agricultural practices.

The services sector, including finance, retail, and tourism, is the largest contributor to the country’s GDP, followed by industry and agriculture. Key industries include textiles, automotive, electronics, construction, and chemicals. The agricultural sector, while less dominant than in previous decades, remains important, with Turkey being a major producer of cotton, tobacco, fruits, and vegetables.

Turkey’s economy has experienced significant growth in recent decades, driven by a combination of industrialization, urbanization, and foreign investment. The country has also pursued economic reforms to modernize its infrastructure, banking system, and workforce.

Industry and Manufacturing

Turkey is one of the leading industrial nations in the Middle East and Europe, with a diverse range of manufacturing industries. The textile industry is particularly important, with the country being one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of textiles and garments. The automotive industry is also a major contributor to Turkey’s economy, with domestic manufacturers such as TOFAS and international companies like Ford and Renault operating production plants in the country.

Other key industrial sectors in Turkey include electronics, steel, chemicals, and machinery. The country has a growing aerospace industry, with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) developing its own military aircraft and drones. The construction industry has also seen significant growth, with large infrastructure projects such as bridges, airports, and roads boosting economic activity.

Trade and Agriculture

Turkey has a strong and diversified trade sector, with the European Union being its largest trading partner. The country exports a wide range of goods, including automobiles, textiles, machinery, and agricultural products. Turkey is one of the largest exporters of textiles and garments, and it is also a leading producer of agricultural products such as tobacco, cotton, and hazelnuts.

Agriculture remains an important part of the economy, with the country’s fertile land and favorable climate making it suitable for the production of a wide variety of crops. Turkey is one of the world’s top producers of fruits and vegetables, particularly apricots, cherries, and figs. The agricultural sector is supported by irrigation systems, though it faces challenges related to water scarcity and inefficient farming practices in some areas.

Government of Turkey

Political System

Turkey is a presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and head of government. The President is elected for a five-year term through a direct popular vote. The political system is characterized by a strong executive branch, and the President has significant powers over foreign policy, defense, and the administration of the country.

The legislative branch of Turkey is the Grand National Assembly, a unicameral body with 600 members who are elected every five years. The legislature is responsible for passing laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the executive. Turkey has a multiparty political system, though the ruling party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), has dominated Turkish politics in recent years under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Political History

Turkey’s political history has been shaped by its transformation from an empire to a modern republic. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I led to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk introduced sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing the country, including the adoption of a secular, Western-style government, the Latin alphabet, and legal and educational reforms.

Since its founding, Turkey has experienced periods of military rule, political instability, and democratic transition. Military coups in 1960, 1971, and 1980 led to periods of authoritarian rule, but the country returned to civilian governance after each coup. In recent decades, Turkey has undergone significant political and economic reforms, particularly under the leadership of President Erdoğan, who has been in power since 2003.

Governance Challenges

Turkey faces several governance challenges, including political polarization, tensions between secularism and Islamism, and issues related to freedom of expression and human rights. The country’s political landscape has become increasingly divided in recent years, with the ruling AKP party and its opponents engaging in bitter political battles. Issues such as freedom of the press, the independence of the judiciary, and the treatment of minority groups, particularly the Kurds, remain contentious.

The country’s relations with the European Union and its neighbors, including Syria, Iraq, and Greece, have also been a source of political tension. Additionally, the ongoing refugee crisis, with millions of refugees fleeing conflict in Syria, has placed significant strain on Turkey’s resources and social fabric.

Culture of Turkey

Traditional Music and Dance

Turkey has a rich and diverse musical heritage that reflects its long history and cultural exchanges. Traditional Turkish music is a blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and European influences, and it features a wide range of instruments, such as the saz (a stringed instrument), oud (a type of lute), and kanun (a type of zither). Turkish classical music, known as Ottoman classical music, developed in the Ottoman Empire and is characterized by its complex rhythms and melodies.

Folk music, also an essential part of Turkish culture, varies by region, with different styles, instruments, and dances. Halay, a traditional folk dance performed in a circle, and Zeybek, a dance with slow and dramatic movements, are among the most recognized forms of dance in Turkey. Traditional music and dance continue to play an important role in Turkish cultural events, festivals, and celebrations.

Art and Literature

Turkey has a rich artistic tradition that spans thousands of years, from the ancient art of the Hittites and Phrygians to the ornate architecture of the Ottoman Empire. Turkish art has evolved through these diverse cultural influences, blending Islamic, Byzantine, and Persian elements.

In literature, Turkey is famous for its poets, novelists, and playwrights. Mevlana Rumi, the 13th-century poet, and Nazım Hikmet, a 20th-century poet and playwright, are among the country’s most celebrated literary figures. Turkish literature covers a wide range of themes, from love and mysticism to social and political issues.

Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is a rich fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan flavors. It is known for its diversity and range of dishes, with kebabs, mezes (small appetizers), and baklava (a sweet pastry) being among the most famous foods. Pilaf and börek (savory pastries filled with cheese or meat) are also common dishes.

The Turkish coffee culture is an integral part of the country’s heritage, with Turkish coffee being recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The country’s diverse regional cuisines include specialties like lahmacun (Turkish pizza) and manti (Turkish dumplings), which vary depending on the region.

Festivals and Celebrations

Turkey celebrates a wide range of festivals that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated in many parts of Turkey, particularly in Kurdish regions. Republic Day (October 29) marks the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and is celebrated with patriotic events and ceremonies.

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are important religious holidays, observed with fasting, prayer, and feasts. Hıdırellez, a spring festival celebrated by many people of Turkish descent, is also an important cultural event, with music, dancing, and outdoor activities. Turkish festivals often feature traditional music, dance, food, and social gatherings, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural traditions.