COUNTRY PROFILE & FACTS


Official Name : Republic of Turkey

Date of Foundation: October 29, 1923

Capital:  Ankara

Largest Cities : Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya

Area : 814.578 km2

Geographical Coordinates: Eastern Meridians 26° and 45° and Northern Parallels 36° and 42°

Coastal Borders: Mediterranean Sea in the south, Aegean Sea in the west and Black Sea in the north

Language : The official language is Turkish. English is widely spoken in major cities.

Currency : TL (Turkish Lira) 1 Euro approximately equals to 2, 30 Turkish Liras.

Time Zone: GMT+2; CET +1; and EST (US -East) +7

Business Hours : The workweek in Turkey runs from Monday to Friday. Banks, government offices and majority of corporate offices open at 9 AM and close at 5 PM.

Public Holidays: There are two types of public holiday in Turkey: Those fall on the same day each year; and the religious festivals which change according to the lunar calendar and, therefore, fall on different dates each year. 1 January, 23 April, 1 May, 19 May, 30 August, 28 & 29 October

Visas: Visas are easily obtained upon arrival to the air­port and are required for citizens of most countries.

Electricity: 220V. European standard round two-pin sockets.

Health Services: Cities and major touristic towns have a selection of private inter­national and public hospitals with good standards.

Food: As with many Mediterranean nations Turkish food is very healthy, fresh and enjoyable.

Water: Tap water is chlorinated and, therefore, safe to drink. However, it is recommended that you consume bottled water, which is readily and cheaply available

Communications: Turkey has three GSM operators, with all of them offering 3G services and almost over 95% coverage over the country. Internet service is available all around the country.

International Dial Code: +90