Turkey Fast Facts

Geography Continent: Spans Europe and Asia

Total Area: 300,948 square miles (780,000 square kilometers)
Borders: Surrounded by the Aegean Sea (west), Mediterranean Sea (south), and Black Sea (north)
Highest Point: Mount Ararat (5,137 meters / 16,854 feet)
Major Rivers: Euphrates, Tigris, Aras
Unique Features: Includes two continents and is home to the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara

Population and Language

Population: Approximately 71.5 million
Official Language: Turkish
Other Languages: Bosnian, Kurdish, Arabic, Circassian; English, German, and French in tourist areas
Major Religion: Predominantly Muslim (majority Sunni)

Government

Capital: Ankara
Largest City: Istanbul
Government Type: Presidential Republic
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

Culture and Heritage

National Sport: Oil wrestling ("Yağlı Güreş")
Modern Sports: Football, basketball, volleyball
UNESCO Sites: 19 recognized sites, including Göbeklitepe, Ephesus, and Cappadocia
Famous Cuisine: Kebabs, baklava, Turkish coffee, and lokum (Turkish delight)
Traditional Music: A mix of Ottoman, Anatolian, and Turkic influences

Economy

Major Industries: Automotive, textiles, agriculture, tourism, and electronics
Famous Exports: Hazelnuts, figs, carpets, and marble

Travel Essentials

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
Popular Destinations: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Mount Nemrut
Time Zone: GMT+3 (no daylight saving time)

Interesting Facts

Home to Göbeklitepe, the world's oldest known temple (built around 9600 BCE).
Istanbul is the only city in the world straddling two continents.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Turkey is the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts.

Turkey's rich history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity make it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.