The oil crisis of 1970s, the Gulf War and the unceasing problems with the separatist Kurds in the east continue to weaken modern Turkish economy. Though not well off by European standards, Turkey is developing fast. In 1995, the nation entered into a customs-union agreement with the European Union (EU). Turkey hopes to join the European Union, a remote dream because of the Kurd problem, which has unleashed a violent future for Turkey. Though Turkey is safe for tourists, tourists should avoid certain areas and you must also consult your embassies before planning your itinerary.

Turkey has a strong agricultural base and exports food. Wheat, cotton, sugar beet, sunflower, hazelnut, tobacco, fruits and vegetables are grown abundantly. Sheep is the main livestock and Turkey is a big producer of wool. At present, manufacturing and services dominate the economy. Turkey builds motor vehicles, makes appliances and consumer goods and also handles large engineering projects, and exports them throughout the region. There is a large Turkish work force in Germany.