Turkey is more than 3 times the area of Britain and has a population of some 70 million. Ankara, the capital, is 1000 feet above sea level and has a population of 4,4 million. Other major cities are Istanbul (12,5 million); Izmir (3,7 million); Adana (2 million) and Bursa (1.5 million).
Although Turkey is situated in large Mediterranean geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, diverse nature of the landscape, and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts, result in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal areas enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolian plateau experiences extremes of hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall. In summer, temperatures can get as high as 35-40C, while winters can be cold (as low as -15C). Spring and autumn are usually rainy, but it can be sunny and warm until late October.
The official language is Turkish of which there are more than six regional variations. English is widely spoken in major cities. The official alphabet is the Latin alphabet.
The official currency in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira (YTL). You will have no difficulty changing pounds to YTL/Euros. It is advisable to change all your new turkish liras back before you leave the country.
The BKR rates are as follows with effect from March 2008:
£1= YTL 2.340
£1= USD 1.970
£1= € 1.300
Standard time is East European zone time (GMT + 2 hours). From the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October Daylight Saving Time is observed.
220-240V, continental plugs (two-pin) are used.
Different procedures apply for different passport holders; please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website to see what VISA procedures apply for you.
Please visit the official FCO travel advice website for detailed travel, security and safety information if you are intending to visit Turkey.
For more detailed information please download Welcome Notes and the Feedback Questionnaire.
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