During the last decade Turkey has come a long way to become not only the 17th largest economy but also a regional power, multiplying its GDP in this period over countries like the Netherlands or Switzerland in nominal terms.
Turkey is one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the past four decades. In 2010, the International Monetary Fund ranked Turkey as the 17th largest economy in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with $ 735,828,000 M.
The country is strategically located between Asia and Europe, which together with the existing commercial links with Central Asian republics as well as the cultural and linguistic ties it shares with them, have made Turkey a gateway to the region and vital bridge to European markets. These advantages coupled with the ingrained culture of entrepreneurship and business in Turkey, have allowed their companies to have dominant positions in countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Iran.
With a population of 83 million inhabitants, of which approximately 50% are below 25 years, Turkey has a young and dynamic market that is the main engine of the economy.
Politically, Turkey is a secular and democratic republic since 1923. Stability has been the dominant note in about the last century which, coupled with record economic growth in the OECD. Turkey has become one of the largest recipients of direct investment in the region.