Welcome to Türkiye at a Glance

Modern Turkey was established in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, “Father of the Turks,” following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Under Atatürk’s leadership, Türkiye underwent significant reforms in civil, financial, and political sectors, transitioning from one-party rule to multi-party politics in 1950.

Türkiye is home to over 84 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in the region, with a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions.

Türkiye joined the United Nations in 1945 and NATO in 1952. As an associate member of the European Community since 1964, Türkiye has implemented reforms to improve governance and the economy, enabling EU accession talks.

Türkiye spans Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. It borders eight countries and has coastlines along the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas, strategically linking East and West.

Türkiye is divided into seven geographic regions: Marmara, Black Sea, Aegean, Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, and Southeastern Anatolia. It has 81 cities, including Ankara (the capital) and Istanbul (the cultural hub).

Türkiye’s climate varies by region, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters in coastal areas and harsher conditions in the interior. Its diverse terrain includes a central plateau, coastal plains, and mountain ranges, with Mount Ararat as the highest point at 5,166 meters.

Türkiye is rich in natural resources like coal, copper, gold, and marble. Hydropower and arable land also play significant roles in its economy, contributing to agriculture and energy production.

Türkiye has a diverse economy, blending modern industries like textiles, autos, and electronics with traditional agriculture, which employs over 35% of the workforce. Recent reforms have bolstered economic growth, foreign investment, and exports, though challenges remain with external debt and a current-account deficit.

The Turkish flag features a red background with a white crescent and star, symbolizing independence and unity. The crescent and star, rooted in ancient symbolism, have become emblematic of Türkiye’s national pride and heritage.

Türkiye’s geographic coordinates are 39°N and 35°E, encompassing a total area of 780,580 square kilometers, of which 9,820 square kilometers are water. Its vast territory includes diverse landscapes and climates, adding to its natural and cultural richness.

Türkiye’s climate varies by region, with temperate coastal areas featuring hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The interior experiences a harsher climate with colder winters and drier summers. This diversity makes Türkiye suitable for a wide range of agricultural and tourism activities.

As of 2008, Türkiye had a life expectancy of 73 years, reflecting advancements in healthcare and public services. The nation continues to invest in its healthcare infrastructure to support its growing population and improve overall quality of life.

Türkiye boasts a well-developed transportation network, including extensive roadways and 117 airports. Major infrastructure projects, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, underscore its role as a key connector for global trade and energy.