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      Homepage > Explore turkey > Facts & figures

      ABOUT TURKEY

      FACTS & FIGURES

      DESTINATIONS

      PRE-POST TOURS

      Facts and Figures

      Location and geography

      Republic of Turkey is located on the crossroads between Europe and Asia with most of its territory called Anatolia located in Southwest Asia. Turkey is surrounded by three different seas, the Black Sea on the north, the Aegean Sea on the west and the Mediterranean Sea on the south. Turkey is neighboured to the east by Georgia, Armenia and Iran while to the south by Iraq and Syria, then to the west by Greece and Bulgaria. Turkey has a total area of 783.562 m2 (302.535 sq. mi)


      Demographics

      Turkey's Population / Age Groups

      In total: 82.5 million (2018) (Percentages)

      0 - 1526.6%
      15 - 6467.1%
      65 and older6.3%

      Language

      Spoken by some 150-200 million people around the world Turkish is a widely used language. Although Turkish is written in Latin alphabet, the language belongs to the Ural-Altaic languages related to the Finno-Ugric. In major cities and resort areas English, German and French are also widely spoken.


      Currency

      The Turkish Lira is the official currency in Turkey while the exchange rate is set on a daily basis. It is easy to find a bank or an exchange office while traveller’s checks can be cashed at in most banks. Foreign currencies are accepted at hotels, many shops and restaurants. All major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.


      Business and banking hours

      Business and Banking Hours

      Open

      Closed

      Monday - Friday09:00 am - 17:00 pm12:00 am to 13:30 pm

      Official holidays

      Official Holidays

      Date

      New YearJanuary 1st
      The National Sovereignty and Childrens' DayApril 23rd
      The Commemoration of Atatürk Youth and Sports DayMay 19th
      The Democracy and National Unity DayJuly 15th
      The Victory DayAugust 30th
      The Republic DayOctober 29th
      Ramadan FeastThe date for the start of any Lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality. On 2018 the Ramadan holidays will be held from June 15th to June 17th.
      Sacrifice FeastThe dates vary from year to year, drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year. On 2018 the Sacrifice Feast holidays will be held from August 21st to August 24th

      Visas

      Check out Turkey’s visa regulations to have a smooth travel experience. Turkey offers many facilities concerning its visa policy. Visas can be obtained from Turkish Embassies abroad or at the airport. As the rules may often change, it’s wise to check regularly http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfato receive updated information.


      e-visa

      Turkey’s electronic visa application system offers to its applicants a comfortable and practical way to obtain visa. E-visa is an endorsement allowing the bearer to enter Turkey. This new type of visa replaces “sticker type of visa” issued at the border crossings. Please note that e-visas are only valid when the travel purpose is tourism or commerce. For more information: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/


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