Turkey

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Turkey
Flag Coat of arms of Turkey Coat of arms
Capital	Ankara
Largest city	Istanbul
Official languages	Turkish
Government	Unitary parliamentary republic
Area
• Total	783,356 km2 (302,455 sq mi)
Population
• 2021 estimate	82,003,882
Currency	Turkish lira

Turkey (Türkiye), officially the Republic of Turkey (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti), is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries and is encircled by seas on three sides. Its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a country of significant geostrategic importance.

Geography

Turkey's geographical location between Europe and Asia has contributed to a rich cultural heritage with influences from both continents. The country's terrain consists of a central plateau surrounded by mountains and coastal plains. The Bosphorus, a narrow strait, separates the European and Asian parts of Turkey and connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, which is further connected to the Aegean Sea via the Dardanelles.

History

The history of Turkey is a tapestry of ancient civilizations including the Hittites, the Greek city-states, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire. Following the decline of the Byzantine Empire, the region fell to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled from the 14th century until the end of World War I. The modern republic was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who implemented sweeping reforms to modernize Turkey.

Politics

Turkey is a parliamentary democracy with a presidential system of government, adopted in a 2017 referendum. The President of Turkey serves as the head of state and the head of government, with significant executive powers. The country is a member of various international organizations, including NATO, the United Nations, and the G20.

Economy

The Turkish 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

Turkey's culture is a unique blend of elements that reflect the various civilizations that have flourished on its soil. This includes a rich tradition in literature, music, dance, and the visual arts. Turkish cuisine, renowned worldwide, reflects the diversity of its landscape and history.

See also

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

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