Republic of Turkey

Republic of Turkey
Flag Coat of arms of Turkey Coat of arms
Capital	Ankara
Largest city	Istanbul
Official languages	Turkish
Government	Unitary presidential constitutional republic
• President	(Name of the current president)
• Vice President	(Name of the current vice president)
Area
• Total	783,356 km2 (302,455 sq mi)
Population
• Estimate	(Latest population estimate)
Currency	Turkish lira
Time zone	UTC+3 (EET)
ISO 3166 code	[[ISO 3166-2:TR |TR ]]

The Republic of Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkans in Southeastern Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries and encircled by three different seas. The nation's position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a country of significant geostrategic importance.

History

The area now known as Turkey has been inhabited since the Paleolithic age. It was first settled by ancient Anatolian peoples, and later by the Greeks and Persians, followed by the Romans and Byzantines. The Seljuk Empire's victory over the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 heralded the Turkification of the region, which was solidified with the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. After the decline of the Ottoman Empire, the modern Republic of Turkey was established in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, following the Turkish War of Independence.

Geography

Turkey is characterized by its diverse landscapes which include high mountains, fertile valleys, and arid steppe, along with coastal plains. It has a varied climate that ranges from the Mediterranean in the south to oceanic in the north and continental in the interior. Notable geographical features include Mount Ararat, the Bosphorus, and the Dardanelles.

Politics

Turkey is a constitutional republic with a presidential system. The president is the head of state and government, overseeing the executive power. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey exercises legislative power. The nation has been a candidate country to join the European Union since 1999, and it is a member of the NATO, G20, and the United Nations.

Economy

Turkey's economy is classified as an emerging market economy. It is among the world's leading producers of agricultural products; textiles; motor vehicles, transportation equipment; construction materials; consumer electronics and home appliances.

Culture

Turkish culture is a product of efforts to be a "modern" Western state, while maintaining traditional religious and historical values. The culture has its roots in the Ottoman Empire, which encompassed a wide variety of cultures. Today, Turkey is known for its rich cuisine, its vast history, and a major tourism industry. Turkish music and literature form an integral part of the cultural identity of Turkey.

Demographics

Turkey is a diverse society with a population derived from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. The official language is Turkish, and the majority religion is Islam, with a secular constitution.

See also

• History of Turkey
• Geography of Turkey
• Politics of Turkey
• Economy of Turkey
• Culture of Turkey
• Demographics of Turkey