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General Information

Bridging two continents, Turkey is blessed with a stunning variety of natural environments and cultural
experiences. She is rich in reminders of a fascinating past and lives in an exciting and optimistic present.
Sun - kissed beaches, sparkling seas. Sail into hidden emerald coves, dive into
her cool waters and emerge into the bright, warm light. Climb through fragrant woods to discover ancient
ruins forgotten but content. Sit at ease in the shade of an olive tree, listening to the tinkling bells
of foraging goats and see the quick smile and friendly wave of a young goat-herd.
Breathe the crisp morning air atop Mt Nemrut Dagi as you wait
for the warm golden light of dawn to wash over your face, see it animate the mysterious stone faces of
statues that have witnessed the same scene for millenia.
Experience the serene calm of Sumela Monastery perched improbably
on a cliff rising 500 meters from a forest valley. The breathtaking sight of lake Van,
azure water surrounded by windswept plains with lonely ruined monuments sitting quietly.
Explore the colourful bazaars of Istanbul with their carpets and spices and wind
- down on a roof - top terrace with Turkish coffee and sweet baklava while watching a romantic sunset
over the splendour of the Blue Mosque.
Trek through mysterious Black Sea mountains where traditional
lifestyles survive intact. The thick, lush forests, wild streams and waterfalls will delight.

The Roman Theater at Ephesus
And so much more awaits you. The Roman ruins of
Ephesus and
Pergamon,
the heights of
Mt Ararat, the whirling
Dervishes of Konya, the pools
of
Pamukkale, the
Georgian Churches of Artvin, the myths and legends,
the music, the food, temples, theatres, palaces, caravanserai's, mosques and churches and above all.
The hospitality of the people you will meet.
Turkey
General Information |
| Official name |
Republic of Turkey |
| Anthem |
istiklal Marsi (English: Independence March) |
| Capital |
Ankara |
| Largest city |
Istanbul |
| Official language |
Turkish |
| Religion |
Muslim 99% (mostly Sunni) |
Government
- President
- Prime Minister
|
Republic
Abdullah Gul
Recep Tayyip Erdogan |
| Major industry |
Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism
are the main industries in Turkey. |
Area
- Total
- Water |
783,562 km2 (37th)
1.3% |
Population
- 2009
- Density |
74,816,000
95.5/km2 (102nd) |
| Currency |
The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TL)
*from 1 January 2009, the "New Turkish lira" was removed, its official name in Turkey becoming just "lira".
>>Exchange Rates(Central Bank of the Republic
of Turkey) |
Time zone
- Summer(DST) |
EET (UTC+2)
EEST (UTC+3)
Daylight Saving Start/ last Sunday in March
Daylight Saving End/ last Sunday in October |
| Electricity |
220V 50Hz |
| Internet TLD |
.tr |
| Calling code |
+90 |
| Public holidays |
Turkey Public holidays 2010 |