World Happiness Report for Turkey 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Turkey: 98
- Happiness Score Turkey:4.975
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Turkey. TR.
Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe.
- It is a parliamentary representative democratic republic.
- Turkey is known for its rich history and diverse culture, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
- It has a significant agricultural and industrial economy, including textile and automotive manufacturing.
Turkey – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History
The region that is now modern-day Turkey has been a cradle of civilizations for millennia. The Anatolian peninsula was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, Lydians, and Phrygians. The city of Troy, made famous by Homer’s Iliad, was located in what is now western Turkey.
Kingdoms and Empires
Throughout history, several powerful empires have controlled parts of the territory that is now Turkey. The Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuk Turks all ruled over significant portions of Anatolia. The Ottoman Empire, which emerged in the 13th century, would become one of the longest-lasting and most influential empires in history, spanning three continents at its peak.
Colonial Period
Turkey did not experience a prolonged colonial period like many other parts of the world. However, during the decline of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, some territories were ceded to European powers or gained autonomy.
Independence and Modern Era
After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the Turkish War of Independence was fought from 1919 to 1923, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk implemented sweeping reforms, including the abolition of the Caliphate, the adoption of Western-style laws, and the introduction of a secular state. Turkey remained neutral during most of World War II but joined the Allied forces towards the end. In the post-war era, Turkey became a multi-party democracy and a founding member of the United Nations, NATO, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Current Political Situation
Turkey is a unitary parliamentary constitutional republic with a multi-party system. The president is the head of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. The current president is Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been in power since 2014. Recent elections have been marked by allegations of democratic backsliding and concerns over human rights issues.
International Relations
Turkey is a member of NATO and maintains close ties with the West, particularly the United States and Europe. However, tensions have arisen over issues such as Turkey’s human rights record, its involvement in the Syrian conflict, and its strained relations with Greece and Cyprus. Turkey also has significant economic and diplomatic ties with countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region.
Human Development and Economy
Turkey has a rapidly growing and diversified economy, with major industries including agriculture, textiles, automotive manufacturing, and tourism. The country has made significant strides in human development, with improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, income inequality and regional disparities remain challenges.
Cultural Highlights
Turkey is a culturally rich and diverse country, with a blend of influences from various civilizations and empires that have ruled the region. Islam is the predominant religion, but Turkey is a secular state with a strong emphasis on secularism. Turkish cuisine, architecture, art, and literature have made significant contributions to global culture.
Conclusion: Turkey is a transcontinental country with a rich history and unique cultural heritage. As a rapidly developing economy and a key regional power, Turkey faces opportunities and challenges in maintaining stability, economic growth, and democratic institutions while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.
Main facts
1. Location
Turkey is a transcontinental country located in Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. It is situated in both the Anatolian region of Western Asia and the Balkan region of Southeastern Europe. Turkey shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Iran, and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the southeast.
2. Map References
Turkey is located in the Southwestern part of Asia and the Southeastern part of Europe.
3. Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 783,562 square kilometers (302,535 square miles), Turkey is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Texas.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Turkey has a total land boundary length of 2,948 kilometers (1,832 miles), shared with the following countries: Greece (192 km), Bulgaria (240 km), Georgia (252 km), Armenia (268 km), Iran (499 km), Iraq (352 km), Syria (822 km), and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan (11 km).
5. Coastline (if applicable)
Turkey has a total coastline of 7,200 kilometers (4,474 miles), with the Black Sea to the north, the Aegean Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
6. Maritime Claims
Turkey claims a territorial sea of 6 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin.
7. Climate
Turkey has a diverse climate, ranging from temperate oceanic in the coastal areas to continental in the interior. The coastal regions generally have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The interior and eastern regions have a more continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters.
8. Terrain
Turkey’s terrain is incredibly diverse, with high mountains, plateaus, and rolling hills. The country is dominated by the Anatolian Plateau, which is a vast, elevated region surrounded by mountains. The Taurus Mountains run parallel to the Mediterranean coast, while the Pontine Mountains and the Caucasus Mountains are found in the northeast.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Turkey is Mount Ararat (5,137 meters or 16,854 feet), located in the far eastern part of the country, near the border with Armenia and Iran. The lowest point is the Mediterranean Sea (0 meters).
10. Natural Resources
Turkey’s major natural resources include coal, iron ore, copper, chromium, antimony, mercury, gold, barite, borate, celestine (strontium), emery, feldspar, limestone, magnesite, marble, perlite, pumice, pyrites, clay, arable land, and hydropower.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Turkey include the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Aegean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Euphrates River, the Tigris River, the Kızılırmak River, and Lake Van.
12. Natural Hazards
Turkey is prone to several natural hazards, including severe earthquakes, especially in the northern part of the country along the North Anatolian Fault, and volcanic activity, primarily in the east and southeast regions. The country is also susceptible to floods, landslides, droughts, and forest fires.
13. Geography – Notes
Turkey’s unique geographical position, straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, has played a significant role in its history and culture. The country’s diverse landscapes, from the fertile Anatolian Plateau to the rugged Taurus Mountains, have shaped its agricultural and economic development. Additionally, Turkey’s proximity to important waterways, such as the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, has made it a strategically important location throughout history.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 15.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 372,725. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 49.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 38.96374535.243322.
- Capital: The capital of Turkey is Ankara
- Major Cities:
- Istanbul – Population: 15 million
- Ankara – Population: 5.6 million
- Izmir – Population: 4.3 million
- Bursa – Population: 2.9 million
- Antalya – Population: 2.4 million
- Population: 83,429,615
- Area(Km2): 783562
- Population Density( P/Km²):110. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:90
- Official Language(s):Turkey is Turkish – 95%
- Currency: TRY
Main Economic Indicators
Turkey has a diversified economy driven by services, industry, and agriculture. It is the 19th largest economy globally, with a GDP of around $761 billion (2022). Key economic challenges include high inflation, current account deficits, and unemployment. Notable policies aim to promote export-oriented growth, privatization, and foreign direct investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 19.6% (Source: Turkish Statistical Institute)
2022: 64.3% (Source: Turkish Statistical Institute)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB- (Negative Outlook)
Moody’s: B2 (Negative Outlook)
Standard & Poor’s: B+ (Stable Outlook)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 6.4%
Industry: 28.4%
Services: 65.2%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural: Tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, hazelnuts, pulses, citrus fruits, grapes, soybeans, corn, barley, vegetables, livestock products
Industrial: Textiles, food processing, automobiles, electronics, mining (coal, chromite, copper, boron), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, paper
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 32.6 million (2022)
Ranking: 20th largest labor force globally
Current Account Balance
2021: -$14.7 billion
2022: -$48.8 billion
Ranking: 149th (2022)
Exports and Imports
Exports (2022): $254.2 billion
Key Export Partners: Germany, United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Iraq
Main Exports: Vehicles, machinery, iron and steel, clothing and textiles, precious metals
Imports (2022): $348.8 billion
Key Import Partners: Russia, China, Germany, United States, Italy
Main Imports: Machinery, chemicals, semi-finished goods, fuels, transport equipment
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (March 2023): $116.4 billion
Gold Reserves (March 2023): 789.9 tonnes
- GDP (Current US$):$754,411,708,203. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 17.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 42.30%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.42. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $3.45. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 13.49%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Nationality: Turk(s)
Adjective: Turkish
Ethnic Groups
Major Ethnic Groups:
- Turkish (70-75%)
- Kurdish (19%)
- Other minorities (7-12%) including Armenian, Greek, Jewish, and others
Religions
Religious Affiliations:
- Muslim (99.8%)
- Other (0.2%) including Christian and Jewish
Age Structure
Population Distribution:
- 0-14 years: 23.7%
- 15-64 years: 67.8%
- 65 years and over: 8.5%
Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 47.6
Youth Dependency Ratio: 35.1
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 12.5
Median Age
Median Age: 32.4 years
Median Age (Male): 31.6 years
Median Age (Female): 33.2 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 32.1% of the adult population
Alcohol Consumption: 1.4 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
Tobacco Use: 27.3% of adults are current smokers
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.4. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 95.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:16.03. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.9. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 87.6%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 63,097,818. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):16.90%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The main branches of the Turkish Armed Forces are the Turkish Land Forces, Turkish Naval Forces, and Turkish Air Force. Turkey also has a Gendarmerie General Command and a Coast Guard Command. Notable special units include the Submarine Force Command, Turkish Naval Special Operations Command, and the elite Turkish Special Forces.
The National Police and Gendarmerie are responsible for internal security, with the Gendarmerie focused on rural areas and the National Police handling urban centers.
Military Expenditures
Turkey’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2021: 1.7%
- 2020: 2.4%
- 2019: 2.7%
- 2018: 2.4%
- 2017: 2.2%
Turkey has consistently ranked among the top 20 countries globally in terms of military expenditure.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel in Turkey is approximately 635,000, with the breakdown by service branch as follows:
- Turkish Land Forces: 355,000
- Turkish Naval Forces: 50,000
- Turkish Air Force: 60,000
- Gendarmerie: 170,000
The National Police force has around 260,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Turkey’s military equipment includes domestically produced and imported hardware such as:
- Main Battle Tanks: Altay, M60A3, Leopard 2A4
- Armored Vehicles: AAPC, Kirpi, Vuran
- Artillery: T-155 Fırtına, J-600T Yıldırım
- Combat Aircraft: F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-4 Phantom II
- Naval Vessels: MILGEM frigates, MUAVENET submarines
Significant future acquisitions include the indigenous TF-X fighter jet program and the ATAK-2 attack helicopter.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Compulsory military service is required for all male citizens between the ages of 20 and 41, with a service obligation of 6-12 months. However, Turkey has been gradually transitioning to a professional military force, and conscription policies are being phased out.
Military Deployments
Turkey has troops deployed in various overseas missions, including:
- Northern Cyprus: Around 30,000 troops
- Syria: Approximately 2,000 troops as part of the Operation Peace Spring and Operation Olive Branch
- Afghanistan: Around 600 troops as part of the NATO Resolute Support Mission
- Somalia: Troops as part of the UN peacekeeping mission
Strategic Military Notes
Turkey’s defense strategy focuses on securing its borders and territorial integrity, as well as maintaining regional influence and deterring potential threats. The military plays a significant role in NATO and is involved in various international peacekeeping missions.
Turkey’s strategic priorities include addressing security concerns in the Middle East, the Aegean, and the Black Sea regions, and maintaining a strong deterrent against potential threats from neighboring countries like Syria, Iraq, and Russia.
- Armed Forces Size: 355200. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.85
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 52.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.