1961
34,463,200
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
45,177,690
Change
+10,714,490
Overview
Türkiye is a woolly wonderful crossroads between Europe and Asia, where ancient civilizations, stunning landscapes, and some seriously impressive sheep flocks have been calling this land home for thousands of years. A true gem of the Mediterranean world!
Geography
Spanning two continents, Türkiye features the Anatolian plateau, the Taurus and Pontic mountain ranges, the Bosphorus strait, and coastlines along the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas. The Euphrates and Tigris rivers both originate here.
History
Home to the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, Türkiye has one of the richest histories on Earth. The Republic of Türkiye was founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923 after the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
Culture
Turkish culture blends Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences. The country is known for classical Ottoman music, whirling dervish ceremonies, oil wrestling, vibrant carpet weaving traditions, and the lively Nowruz spring festival.
Economy
Türkiye has a large, diversified economy with strong sectors in textiles, automotive manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and construction. It is a leading producer of hazelnuts, cotton, and yes — wool from its substantial sheep farming industry.
Food
Turkish cuisine is legendary, featuring kebabs, baklava, börek, meze spreads, and slow-cooked lamb dishes. Lamb is a cornerstone of the food culture, especially during Eid al-Adha. Sipping çay (tea) is practically a national pastime.
Tourism
Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar dazzle millions. Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, Pamukkale's thermal terraces, the ruins of Ephesus, and the turquoise Aegean coast make Türkiye a top global destination.
People
Türkiye has a population of over 85 million, predominantly Turkish-speaking. Notable figures include poet Nazim Hikmet, Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, and architect Mimar Sinan. The country is a youthful, urbanizing society with deep rural pastoral roots.
Nature
Türkiye hosts diverse ecosystems from alpine meadows to coastal wetlands. The Kaçkar Mountains, Lake Van, and Göreme National Park are highlights. The country is home to the Anatolian shepherd dog, bred to protect — you guessed it — sheep flocks.
Fun Facts
Türkiye is one of the world's top wool and sheep-meat producers, with the Akkaraman breed being a local favorite. Istanbul is the only city on two continents. Tulips, now associated with the Netherlands, actually originated in Ottoman Türkiye.
