Turkey
Türkiye is a transcontinental country located primarily in Western Asia, with a smaller portion in Southeast Europe, straddling the Bosporus strait. Its capital is Ankara, while Istanbul is the largest city and economic hub. The country has a population of about 85-million and operates a mixed economy that ranks among the largest in the world by GDP. Türkiye's economy is diversified, with key sectors including manufacturing, automotive production, textiles, agriculture, construction, tourism and services. The currency is the Turkish lira. The country is a major exporter of machinery, vehicles, textiles, food products and steel, and serves as a strategic energy corridor between Europe and Asia. Türkiye is a presidential republic and a member of international organisations including the United Nations, NATO, the G20 and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. It is also a candidate for membership of the European Union. The country has significant geopolitical importance owing to its location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Türkiye has a rich historical legacy as the centre of the Ottoman Empire and earlier civilisations, which continues to influence its cultural and political identity today.
Turkey Updates
US plans to deport Iranians to Central African Republic, sources say
By: Reuters 12th June 2026 The Trump administration plans to deport a number of Iranians and other migrants to Central African Republic, a chronically unstable country racked... →
UNHCR says fewer people displaced worldwide in 2025 but long-term refugee crisis persists
By: Reuters 11th June 2026 The number of people displaced worldwide by conflict and persecution fell in 2025 for the first time in a decade, but levels of refugees facing... →
Agriculture portfolio committee concerned by slow foot-and-mouth disease response and lack of detail in department's reports
27th May 2026 The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has raised serious concerns about the slow pace of the department’s response to the spread of foot-and-mouth... →
The end of strategic ambiguity as Africa’s security alignments become operational
By: In On Africa IOA 20th May 2026 Analysis in brief: In pursuit of safe countries where citizens can prosper and investors feel secure, Africa is using its new geopolitical... →
Minister Willie Aucamp calls for accelerated global action and partnership ahead of 2026 Copenhagen Ministerial Summit
20th May 2026 Ahead of 2026 Copenhagen Ministerial Summit on 20-21 May 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr... →
Somali piracy returns: a warning from the Western Indian Ocean
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 18th May 2026 Joint naval patrols are stretched thin by the Middle East crisis, but their ability to eradicate piracy was always limited. Piracy has re-emerged... →
Evacuation of passengers from virus-hit cruise ship to be completed on Monday
By: Reuters 11th May 2026 The evacuation of passengers from a Dutch-flagged luxury cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak will be completed on Monday with flights... →
South Africa gets more foot-and-mouth vaccine doses as it battles to contain outbreak
By: Reuters 22nd April 2026 South Africa's government said on Wednesday that it had received 2 million doses of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine from Turkey, as authorities... →
China’s military support for Somalia is on the rise – what Taiwan and Somaliland have to do with it
16th April 2026 China recently pledged to expand military support to Somalia in its fight against al-Shabaab militants. Beijing has promised equipment, training... →
China's gold market importance probably growing, says precious metals analyst 
By: Martin Creamer 14th April 2026 China is probably growing in importance to the gold market the same way it is growing in importance to the global economy. By contrast, the... →
