Turkey

Western Asia

Turkey is a country in Western Asia, home to 85.7 million people, with an area of 783,562 km². Its capital is Ankara.

Capital: Ankara
Population: 85.7 million
Area: 783,562 km²
Region: Western Asia
Density: 109 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Turkey · Western Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Turkey is known for

Turkey is best known for Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale.

Turkey, officially known as the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia and a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cities.

Turkey at a glance

Language: Turkish is the official language, with Kurdish also widely spoken
Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Turkey, with significant minorities practicing Christianity and Judaism
National dish: Kebab, a grilled meat dish, is considered one of Turkey's national dishes
Climate: Turkey has a varied climate with Mediterranean, continental, and oceanic regions
Main industries: Textiles, food processing, electronics, automotive, and tourism
GDP: $793.2 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Turkey is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 76 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Turkey

Some of the main tourist attractions in Turkey include:

Istanbul the largest city in Turkey and a cultural and historic hub with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Cappadocia a region in central Turkey known for its unique landscapes, hot air balloon rides, and historic cave dwellings.
Pamukkale a natural site in southwestern Turkey known for its hot springs and travertine terraces.
Ephesus an ancient city located near the Aegean Sea, known for its well-preserved ruins of Roman and Greek architecture.
Antalya a coastal city on the Mediterranean with beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and a charming Old Town.
Mount Nemrut a mountain in southeastern Turkey with an ancient royal tomb and giant stone heads.
Bodrum a popular beach resort town on the Aegean coast with a beautiful castle, marina, and nightlife.
Safranbolu a historic town in northern Turkey known for its Ottoman-era architecture and beautiful scenery.
Ani an abandoned medieval city located near the border with Armenia, known for its well-preserved ruins and beautiful views.
Trabzon a city on the Black Sea coast known for its beautiful mosques, castle, and traditional architecture.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Turkey has to offer. The country is also known for its friendly people, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine, including baklava, Turkish delight, and Turkish coffee.