* In terms of population, Turkey is the second largest country in Europe (after Germany), with 70+ million people. In 2020, it is projected to be the most populous European country, with a population of 83 million.
* Four million Turks live abroad. Of that number, almost 2.5 million live in Germany.
* Geographically, Turkey straddles two continents, Europe in the west and Asia in the east.
* The two continents are divided by the Istanbul and Dardanelles straits, which are located in Turkey.
* Turkey is unique in being on the one hand Balkan and European, and on the other, Middle Eastern, Caucasian and Asian. It is also as much a Black Sea country as it is an Aegean and Mediterranean one.
* Another unique aspect of Turkey is the fact that it is the only democratic, secular country among the Muslim nations of the Middle East.
* In addition to being a pioneering country in the Islamic world, Turkey has also become fully integrated into Europe since 1923, when the Republic was established. She is a member of almost all European/European-related institutions, such as the Council of Europe, OSCE, NATO, OECD. Turkey has been an associate member of the European Union since 1963 and a candidate for full membership in the Union since 1999.
* Turkey has the second biggest Army in NATO after the United States.
* Turkey also entertains relations of strategic cooperation with the United States.
* Turkey lies in close proximity to 70 percent of the world's proven energy resources and is a prospective regional centre for storage and distribution of oil and natural gas.
* Turkey is among the world's 20 largest economies (6th in Europe and 17th in the world) and she is a member of the Group of 20 countries.
* The Turkish economy has been identified as being one of the 10 significant emerging markets by U.S. sources.
* Turkey is a prominent producer and exporter of many commodities.
Here are some examples:
* Turkey is the leading cement producer in Europe and the seventh-ranked producer in the world.
* Turkey is the second-ranked producer of glass-made items in Europe and fourth-ranked producer in the world.
* Turkey has 40% of the world marble reserves.
* Turkey is the second-ranked exporter of jewelry in the world.
* Turkey is the world's leading supplier of processed leather.
* Turkey is the second-ranked supplier of textiles and garments to the EU.
* Turkey is the fifth-ranked carpet exporter in Europe.
* Turkey is the sixth-ranked cotton producer in the world.
* Turkey is the world's principal supplier of hazelnuts, chickpeas, fresh and dried figs, and apricots.
* Turkey is the second-ranked supplier of cherry and watermelon in the world.
* Turkey is the second-ranked producer of pine tree honey in the world.
* Turkey is the second-ranked supplier of red lentils in the world.
* Turkey is the third-ranked producer of tomatoes and second-ranked producer of tomato paste in the world.
* Turkey is the third-ranked producer of olives and fourth-ranked producer and exporter of olive oil in the world
* Turkey is the 3rd biggest Yatch builder in Europe and 8th in the world.
* You can still find wolf, wild bears, eagles and wild Mustangs in central and eastern Turkey
* Turks originate from north west china and share the same culture, language and history with countries like; Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Chechnya.
* Most known figures in Turkish History are; Genghis Khan, Kubilay Khan, Attila and these names are still very popular in Turkey
* Turks created 17 Empires in history and the longest-lived empire was the Ottomans over 800 years. They controlled from central Asia to central Africa and to the borders of Vienna.
* Napoleon had to ask the Ottoman Emperor’s permission to become the Emperor of France
1- Highest tea consumption per capita.
2- Highest bread consumption per capita.
3- 74% of world's hazelnut production.
4- 25% (highest fraction) of world fig production.
5- 18% (highest fraction) of world apricot production.
6- 64% of known Boron reserves.
7- 40% (highest fraction) of known Marble reserves.
8- Almost all known meerschaum (luletasi) reserves.
9- Oldest fortified settlement (Catalhoyuk, pop.10000 c.7500BC).
10- Oldest dam that is still functional (near Alacahoyuk, 1240BC).
11- First female fighter pilot in history (Sabiha Gokcen).
12- Oldest temple (Göbeklitepe, near Urfa, 10000BC)
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