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Türkiye
WHO code: TUR
ISO2: TR
ISO3: TUR
Country code: +90
Country groups:
  • WHO_EURO
  • EURO_SURVEIL
General notes

Türkiye: a country between two worlds

Türkiye is in a pretty unique spot — it’s one of the few places on Earth that sits on both Europe and Asia. It’s a big country too, with more than 780,000 square kilometers of land. Three seas touch its borders — the Aegean, Black Sea, and Mediterranean — and the landscape shifts from high mountains to open plains and long coastlines.

More than 82 million people live here, and most of them are in cities. Istanbul is the biggest — it’s packed with history and always full of life. The country’s population is a mix of different ethnic groups. Most identify as Turkish, but there are also many Kurdish, Arab, and other communities.

The population here is quite young — the median age is about 31. That’s important when looking at Turkey health profile statistics. A younger population means the country focuses a lot on things like preventative care, maternal health, and access to services in growing cities. At the same time, health officials are paying attention to trends like aging and shifting lifestyles, to keep healthcare moving in the right direction.

The land of Türkiye: from city lights to quiet valleys

Türkiye is a country full of contrast — one moment you're walking through the lively streets of a modern city, and the next you're standing in silence, surrounded by mountains or forests. From north to south, east to west, the landscape constantly changes. You’ll find calm beaches, snowy peaks, deep forests, and dry highlands — all in one country.

But it’s not just nature that makes Türkiye special. The country has a long, rich history that you can actually see and touch — ancient ruins, old stone houses, traditional markets, and centuries-old customs that people still follow today. Whether you’re exploring a quiet village or visiting a museum in the middle of the city, you’ll always feel a connection to the past.

And if you’re someone who likes to stay active, Türkiye’s got you covered. You can hike in the mountains, swim in the sea, ride a bike through wide open fields, or even explore ancient cities on foot. All of this plays a role in the Turkey health statistics profile — lifestyle and environment really matter. Access to green spaces, fresh food, and opportunities to move around help support both physical and mental health across the country.

Weather in Türkiye: a little bit of everything

One of the first things you notice about Türkiye is how different the weather can be depending on where you are. Along the coasts — like the Aegean or the Mediterranean — summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild and rainy. Perfect for beach days and evening walks. But go inland, and things change: summers are still hot, but winters can be pretty cold, especially in the eastern highlands where snow is a regular guest.

This variety in climate affects not only how people live, but also their health. The air quality, humidity, and temperatures all play a role in things like respiratory health or seasonal illnesses. That’s why climate is often part of the conversation when looking at the Turkey disease burden — because where you live can influence what health challenges you might face.

At the same time, this mix of weather makes Türkiye a great spot for people looking for different kinds of lifestyles. You’ve got sunny coastal towns, cooler mountain villages, and everything in between — which means people can find the environment that suits them best, physically and mentally.

Languages of Türkiye: more than just turkish

Most people in Türkiye speak Turkish — it’s the official language and used pretty much everywhere, from schools and shops to government offices. It belongs to the Turkic language family, and if you’ve ever heard it, you’ll notice it sounds very different from most European languages.

But Türkiye is also home to many other languages. In the eastern and southeastern regions, a large number of people speak Kurdish, while Arabic is more common near the Syrian border, especially around Hatay. Along the Black Sea coast, some communities still speak Laz, a rare language with deep historical roots.

This mix of languages reflects the country’s diversity — a kind of cultural mosaic where many identities exist side by side. And in everyday life, it’s not unusual for people to grow up hearing more than one language at home or in their communities.

People of Türkiye: how the country Is changing

Türkiye’s population is not only large — it’s also changing fast. While the country still has a fairly young average age, more and more people are living longer, and families are having fewer children. As a result, Turkey's life expectancy is going up, and health services are adapting to meet the needs of older adults, especially in bigger cities.

At the same time, there’s a clear move from rural areas to urban centers. More people are heading to cities in search of jobs, education, and better services. This shift is shaping how people live — from the kind of housing they need, to the healthcare and transport systems they rely on.

But with longer lives also come new challenges. Turkey mortality rates are changing as chronic illnesses and lifestyle-related conditions become more common. That’s why there’s growing focus on prevention, early detection, and better access to healthcare — especially in fast-growing urban areas.

A few fun facts about Türkiye

Did you know that two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were located in what is now Türkiye? The Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus are both part of its long and impressive history.
Türkiye is the only country in the world that sits on two continents — Europe and Asia. That’s not just a cool fact — it also helps explain the country’s unique mix of cultures.
Turkish food is famous around the world, and for good reason. From kebabs and mezes to baklava and Turkish delight, the cuisine blends Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central/

Asian flavors into something truly delicious.
Whether you’re into history, languages, food, or just learning about how people live in different parts of the world, Türkiye offers a rich and layered experience that’s hard to match.

European Programme of Work (EPW)
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