Guide to Turkey

Name: Republic of Turkey
Population: 72.3 million (UN, 2004)
Capital: Ankara
Area: 779,452 sq km (300,948 sq miles)
Major City: Istanbul
Major language: Turkish
Major religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 68 years (men), 73 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: Turkish lira Main exports: Fruit and vegetables, textiles and clothing, iron and steel
GNI per capita: US $2,790 (World Bank, 2003)
Internet domain: .tr
International dialling code: +90
Local Time: GMT+2hours (Summer).
Electricity: 220 volts AC all over Turkey (A European adaptor will be suitable).
Tap water: Safe to drink in all cities since it has been chlorinated.
Airline: THY www.thy.com
Major Airport: Istanbul's Atatürk
Airport Flying: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes from London
Entry & Visa: A valid passport with at least six months validity and visa is required.
Best time to go: Before April and after June (outside of peak time) when the weather is less humid and crowds less dense. During Ramadan the local fast during daylight hours and so service may be lacking. During the period of Kurban Bayrami in early spring, many business close and accommodation will be scarce.

Notes: Turkey's city Istanbul, is the only city in the world reaching across two continents, with its old city in Europe and modern Istanbul situated in Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It is also unique in having had capital status during two successive empires, Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman, and the legacy from both is visible in the modern city today.

11 October 2007