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Turkey
is one of the fastest urbanizing countries in the world, with
a population of over 70 million, and ethnic diversity. |
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The
country has a young population, largely concentrated in commercial
and industrial districts. |
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Ratio
is 103 men to 100 women, due to 1990 results. One out of every
five citizen lives in Istanbul, or the suburbs and/or neighboring
towns. |
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As
stated by the constitution, the official language is Turkish.
A greater majority of the population are moslem. |
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Illiteracy
is very low as a direct result of the education system introduced
by the revolution. 8 years of primary school education is compulsory. |
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Military
service - altough there are exceptions - is required by law
for every male citizen. |
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The
country is extremely rich in mineral deposits and reserves.
Industrial products (over %75), mineral and agricultural products
are major export items. |
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The
western part of the country has a great deal of geographical
diversity, whereas central Turkey is dominated by plateaus,
with an average elevation of 700 to 1000 meters. East is rugged
and high-altitude. The highest mountain within the boundaries
of Turkey is Mt. Ararat (5137m). |
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Geographical
variations mean that the climate is also varied, affected by
the subtropical Mediterranean climate with dry summers. |
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Turkey
is surrounded by the Black Sea on the north, Aegean on the west,
and the Mediterranean to the south. The two natural straits
Bosphorus and Dardannelles, and the inner sea of Marmara are
the only water pass between the Black Sea and the Aegean. The
Aegean is the longest coastline, 2805km long, and with a deepest
point of approximately 1000 m. |
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Turkey
is one of the rare countries in the world self sufficient in
agriculture and foodstuff. |
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Hydroelectric
power is the prime source of energy. Natural gas, geothermal
and recently solar energy are in extensive use. |
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The
Central Bank is in charge of financial policies. Current exchange
rates are based on free market demand, supervised by the Central
Bank. |
|
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Unesco lists nine world heritage sites in Turkey. Seven of them
are cultural sites. These are: Istanbul (the Old Town), Safranbolu,
Bogazkoy (Hattusha), Mt. Nemrut, Xanthos – Letoon, Divrigi
Grand Mosque and Hospital, and Troy. Two are listed as both
cultural and natural heritage sites, and these are: Pamukkale
and Goreme – Cappadocia. |
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The
first urban settlement of the world, Neolithic Catalhoyuk, is
in Turkey. |
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Turkey
is home to two of the Seven Wonders of the World: Tomb of Maussolos
(the Mausoleum), and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. |
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