Turkey (Türkiye) Country Guide 2026: Regions, Geography &...

✓ Last reviewed: 29 September 2026 — Verified and updated by İlyas Bayrak, licensed Turkish guide (licence 070867), with the My Turkey Adventure editorial team. Prices, opening hours, transport fares and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. Quick Answer: Türkiye (formerly Turkey) is a large, transcontinental country located at the crossroads of Southeastern Europe and Western Asia. A nation of 85 million people, its vast geography is divided into seven distinct regions, offering everything from the Mediterranean coast to the ancient landscapes of Anatolia. For travellers, it's a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty, best explored with an understanding of its unique regional character. What’s the Official Name: Turkey or Türkiye? You may have noticed a change in recent years. In 2022 , the country officially changed its internationally recognized name from "Turkey" to "Türkiye" (pronounced tur-key-yay) at the United Nations. This move was made to better reflect the Turkish spelling and pronunciation of the country's name. It also helps to dissociate the country's identity from the English word "turkey" (the bird). While many people still use the anglicized version, you will see Türkiye used in all official communications and increasingly across the travel industry. Where is Türkiye Located? The first thing to understand about the turkey country geography is its unique position straddling two continents. It's one of a handful of transcontinental nations in the world. A Bridge Between Continents: A small portion of the country, known as East Thrace, lies in Southeast Europe. The vast majority of the country, the Anatolian Peninsula, is in Western Asia. The city of Istanbul itself is famously split between the two continents, divided by the iconic Bosphorus Strait. Neighbouring Countries: Türkiye shares borders with eight countries, making it a critical geopolitical player. Its neighbours are Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia , Arme