Area Turkey has land area of 780,576 sq. kilometers, twice the size of California.  The coastline is 7,200 km long, extending from the Black Sea in the North to the Mediterranean Sea in the South. Set in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey share borders with Greece and Bulgaria in the West, Georgia and Armenia to the Northeast, Iran to the East and Iraq and Syria in the Southeast. Population An estimated 62 million people, with an annual growth rate of  2%. Language Turkish, an Altaic language, written in the Latin script since 1928. Most well-educated Turks and especially those involved in the Tourism business speak excellent English and often French and German as well. Government Turkey has been a Republic since 1923. The form of government is a secular, Multiparty Democracy with a unicameral legislature, a President and a Prime Minister. Religion 98% Muslim ( 80% Sunni and 20% Alevi ) with practicing communities of Jews and Christians in the large cities. Major Commercial Cities Istanbul, the  cultural and business center with a population of 10 million. Ankara, the political capital, with 3 million inhabitants.  Izmir, the economic capital of the Aegean region, with 2.5 million people.  Adana, the fast-growing southern city, a magnet for industry and agriculture, with a population of 1.5 million.  Climate Summers are hot and somewhat humid along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast. Winters are mild, with frequent rain showers. Springtime is blessed with bright sunshine and refreshing breezes while Autumn glows with the lingering warmth of indian summer. In Istanbul, July and August are hot but not unpleasant, with cool mornings and evenings. Autumn is bright and crisp. Winters are often cold and snowy. March and April are dominated by gray skies, but when spring breaks through, it is glorious. Attire Light cottons and linens for summer travel, with a cotton sweater or jacket for evenings. Windbreakers are recommended for sea cruises. Casual attire ( slacks, shorts and bathing suits) are fine for the seaside and countryside, while in Istanbul, you'll feel comfortable in something a bit more  formal. Two essentials: sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and a sun hat. In Spring and Autumn, cottons plus some light-weight woolens and a raincoat are good choices. For a winter trip, pack a warm jacket or overcoat plus an umbrella and hat. Ladies, remember to pack a scarf for mosque visits. Currency The Turkish lira. The largest denomination at present is the TL 10.000.000 bill. With inflation upwards of  70 % annually, the value of the lira constantly changes against major world currencies. Changing money is very simple; exchange bureaus give the best rates. Economy Turkey has an industrialized economy with a large agricultural sector. Major sectors are automotive, iron and steel, household appliances and electronics, textiles and apparel, consumer goods, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cement, building materials, glass, ceramics and financial services. The economy is based on free-market principles, although the state sector is still quite large. Public Holidays Jan. 1st.  New Year's Day, April 23rd. National Independence and Children's Day,  August 30th. Victory Day, October 29th Republic Day. Festivals International Istanbul Music Festival: June 20th. - July 30th.  Hours 9 am - 6pm for most offices. Many bank branches close between 12 - 1:30 for lunch. Large stores and the Covered Bazaars are generally open from 10 am - 6:30 pm.  Small shops stay open till all hours, generally opening between 9 - 10 in the morning. In the middle of summer in hot southern locations, some shops may close in mid afternoon for a short siesta and then stay open till 9 or 10 at night. Breakfast  ( 7 - 10 am ) and lunch ( 12 - 2:30 pm ) at standard times. Dinner tends to be late, around 8 - 9 pm and even later during the summer months, although restaurants are generally open for service by 7 pm.