TURKEY 


 

Surface 780.576 sq.km
Population 61.000.000 inhabitants
Density  79.2 inhabitants/kmq
Urban Population  70.90%
Demographic Growth 2,1%
Life Expectancy 67.3 years
Alphabetized 82.30%
Language Turkish (official), Kurdish
Capital Ankara (2.550.000 inhabitants)
Government Parliamentary Republic
History The region was Byzantine, except during the Latin occupation of Constantinople (1204-1261). Conquered by Ottoman Turks in 1453 and remained thus until the constitution of the Republic in 1923. During the XIX and XXth century, it encountered persecution against the Armenians.
Economy PIL 187.400 millions $ - Annual credit 1996 - (6.4%) - 1998 - (6.4%) - Inflation 79.8% (101,6%), external debit 75.000 millions $ pro-capital revenue 6.133$ - PIL pro-capital (1998) 6.020$, main suppliers: U.E, USA, Middle East, Oriental Europe, Principal Clients: U.E., USA, Middle East, Oriental Europe.
Catholic Church Origin: The first Christian communities go way back to the times of the Apostles. This territory was the seat of several councils and heresies. Many Fathers of the Church also resided in this country. During the VII century, there were about 450 dioceses. After the schism, the catholics, comparing to the orthodox, were the minority. The christians enjoyed privileges during the ottoman period. 
30.000 (0,05%) Catholics, 1 Patriarchate, Crlicia for the Armenians, with a seat in Beirut, Lebanon - 3 Archdioceses - 2 Apostolic Vicariat; 62 Priests (16 diocesans et 46 nuns); 8 Seminaries; 14 Religious, 113 Nuns.
Rite Orthodox, Armenian, Chaldean, Latin, Syriac.