Kastamonu is a province located in the Black Sea Region of Turkey and is known for its historical and natural beauties. It is surrounded by the Black Sea to the north, Cankiri to the south, Sinop to the east, and Bartin and Karabuk to the west. The city has a climate structure that changes as it moves from the coastal areas to the interior. While a mild climate is observed on the Black Sea coast, continental climate features prevail towards the inland. The average annual rainfall is quite high due to the Black Sea climate. Winters are generally cold and rainy, while summers are hot and humid.
The vegetation of Kastamonu is covered with rich forests and large green areas. Especially Ilgaz Mountain National Park is an important area that reflects the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region. This park is ideal for activities such as hiking, camping and nature photography.
The demographic structure in the province has a homogeneous population consisting mostly of local people. However, with the development of tourism in recent years, Kastamonu has become a center of interest for domestic and foreign tourists and has become a center where cultural interaction has increased. The cost of living is lower compared to other major cities in Turkey, which makes Kastamonu one of the preferred destinations especially for retirement.
Economically, Kastamonu attracts attention with its agriculture, forestry and recently developing tourism sector. Especially walnut, garlic and grain production are at the forefront. In addition, handicrafts and especially traditional Kastamonu houses are important elements reflecting the cultural heritage of the city.
In terms of health services, Kastamonu is equipped with both public hospitals and private health institutions. Ease of access to health services and quality of service throughout the province increase the quality of life.
Transportation to Kastamonu is provided by two main ways, road and air. Kastamonu Airport offers direct flights to many cities in Turkey, especially Istanbul. Transportation by road is possible with bus services organized from the surrounding provinces and Istanbul.
Urban transportation is provided by minibuses and private public buses. Infrastructure works have been significantly improved throughout the city in recent years. Kastamonu's local cuisine culture is rich with local delicacies such as meat bread, banduma and siyez bulgur. These dishes can be easily found in the city's restaurants and eateries.
Among the places worth seeing, historical places such as Kastamonu Castle, Nasrullah Mosque, Liva Pasha Mansion Museum come to the fore. Also, coastal towns such as Cide and Inebolu are known for their natural beauty and beaches.
The advantages of living in Kastamonu include a calm and peaceful environment, low cost of living and rich natural resources. The disadvantages are its distance from major metropolitan areas and limited job opportunities. This can lead to difficulties in finding a job, especially among the young population.