Turkey's population increases to 85.8 million, as indicated by mid-year estimates
Turkey's Population Grows Slightly, but Growth Rate Slows
Turkey's population has reached 85,824,854 as of July 1, 2025, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). The latest data shows a slight increase of nearly 160,000 people in the first six months of the year, but the growth rate is slowing significantly.
The population of Turkey is slightly male-dominant, with 50.01% being male and 49.99% female. However, the data does not specify the age or geographical distribution of the population increase.
The decline in fertility rates is a significant factor influencing Turkey's population growth. In 2023, Turkey's fertility rate fell to 1.51, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 needed for population renewal. Lower marriage rates, an increase in divorce rates, young people delaying marriage and childbirth, and a trend among Generation Z towards having fewer or no children are driving this decline.
Another notable factor is the aging population. The share of people aged 65 and above has risen to 11.0%, with projections estimating nearly one in four Turks will be over 65 by 2050. The median age is increasing and reached 34.4 years overall in 2024, signaling that Turkey no longer has a young demographic profile.
Urbanization and education also impact fertility trends in Turkey. More Turks live in urban areas (over 77% urban population), and lifestyles in these areas, combined with higher education levels—especially among women—reduce birth rates.
Government policies such as financial incentives to encourage larger families and extended parental leave have been introduced but have not reversed the long-term trend towards lower fertility. Other influencing factors include migration patterns and cultural shifts affecting household structures.
The next quarterly update by TurkStat will provide a more up-to-date view of birth and death rates, migration patterns, and regional population shifts in Turkey. Economists suggest that urbanization, higher education levels among women, and changing lifestyles are factors pushing fertility rates down in Turkey.
In summary, Turkey's population growth rate is influenced mainly by low and declining fertility rates, an aging population structure, urbanization, social behavioral changes, and educational effects, all contributing to an overall slowdown in growth. The next quarterly update by TurkStat will offer a more detailed picture of these trends.
[1] Anadolu Agency. (2023). Turkey's fertility rate falls to 1.51, below replacement level. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkeys-fertility-rate-falls-to-1-51-below-replacement-level/2141007
[2] Reuters. (2025). Turkey's population growth slows as birth rate falls. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-population-growth-slows-birth-rate-falls-2025-07-01/
[3] World Bank. (2024). Turkey Demographic Profile. [online] Available at: https://data.worldbank.org/country/turkey/overview
[4] BBC News. (2023). Turkey's declining birth rate: What's behind the trend? [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59844630
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