Turkey is a country located in Eurasia and is known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. It is also one of the most populous countries in the region. The population of Turkey has been a topic of interest for many people, from tourists to researchers and policymakers. In this article, we will explore the population of Turkey and provide some insights into its demographics.
According to the latest estimates from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the population of Turkey as of 2021 is approximately 84.3 million people. This makes Turkey the 19th most populous country in the world, and the 6th most populous country in Europe. The population of Turkey has been steadily increasing over the years, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3% between 2010 and 2020. The population is expected to continue to grow, albeit at a slower rate, in the coming years.
Current Population of Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental country located between Europe and Asia. As of September 2023, the estimated population of Turkey is approximately 85.9 million people, making it the 19th most populous country in the world.
The population of Turkey has been steadily increasing over the years, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The majority of the population resides in urban areas, with Istanbul being the most populous city in the country.
Turkey has a diverse population, with various ethnic and cultural groups. The majority of the population identifies as Turkish, while there are also significant Kurdish, Arab, and other minority populations.
The following table provides a breakdown of the population by age group:
| Age Group | Population |
|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 21.2 million |
| 15-64 years | 58.7 million |
| 65 years and over | 6 million |
Overall, the population of Turkey is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, albeit at a slower rate. The government has implemented various policies to address the country's population growth, including family planning programs and incentives for families to have fewer children.
Historical Population Trends
Turkey is a country with a rich history and a diverse population. Over the years, the country has experienced significant changes in its population trends. Here is a brief look at some of the historical population trends in Turkey:
- 1927: The first official census was conducted in Turkey in 1927, which reported a population of 13.6 million.
- 1960s: During the 1960s, Turkey experienced a rapid population growth, with the population increasing from 27.6 million in 1960 to 34.7 million in 1970.
- 1980s: The population growth rate slowed down in the 1980s, with the population increasing from 44.4 million in 1980 to 56.5 million in 1990.
- 1990s: During the 1990s, the population growth rate continued to decline, with the population increasing from 56.5 million in 1990 to 63.4 million in 2000.
- 2000s: In the 2000s, the population growth rate continued to slow down, with the population increasing from 63.4 million in 2000 to 73.7 million in 2010.
- 2010s: The population growth rate in Turkey has continued to decline in the 2010s, with the population increasing from 73.7 million in 2010 to 82.0 million in 2020.
Overall, Turkey has experienced significant changes in its population trends over the years. While the population growth rate has slowed down in recent decades, the country continues to have a large and diverse population.
Population Density and Distribution
Turkey has a population density of 104 people per square kilometre. The population density is not evenly distributed throughout the country, with the majority of the population concentrated in the western region.
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, has a population density of 2,750 people per square kilometre. Ankara, the capital city, has a population density of 168 people per square kilometre. The other major cities in Turkey, such as Izmir, Bursa, and Antalya, also have high population densities.
The eastern region of Turkey, on the other hand, has a low population density due to its rugged terrain and harsh climate. The provinces of Hakkari, Tunceli, and Ardahan have the lowest population densities in the country.
The following table shows the ten most populous provinces in Turkey:
| Province | Population |
|---|---|
| Istanbul | 15,519,267 |
| Ankara | 5,639,076 |
| Izmir | 4,367,251 |
| Bursa | 3,056,120 |
| Antalya | 2,511,700 |
| Kocaeli | 1,953,035 |
| Adana | 2,237,940 |
| Gaziantep | 2,076,882 |
| Konya | 2,232,374 |
| Mersin | 1,840,425 |
Overall, Turkey's population density and distribution are influenced by factors such as geography, climate, and urbanisation.
Demographic Structure
Turkey is a country with a population of approximately 84 million people, making it the 17th most populous country in the world. The country's population has been growing steadily over the past few decades, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3% between 2010 and 2020.
The demographic structure of Turkey is relatively young, with a median age of 32.6 years. The majority of the population (50.2%) is between the ages of 15 and 44, while only 8.4% of the population is over the age of 65. This youthful population can be attributed to the country's high birth rate and relatively low life expectancy.
In terms of gender, the population is roughly evenly split, with females accounting for 50.3% of the population and males accounting for 49.7%. However, there are some regional variations in gender distribution. For example, in the eastern provinces of Turkey, the male population is higher than the female population.
Turkey is a diverse country, with a mix of ethnicities and religions. The majority of the population (about 84%) is ethnically Turkish, while the remaining 16% is made up of various minority groups, including Kurds, Arabs, and Armenians. The official language of Turkey is Turkish, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population.
Overall, Turkey's demographic structure is relatively young and diverse, with a mix of ethnicities and religions. The country's population has been growing steadily over the past few decades, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
Urban and Rural Population
Turkey has a population of approximately 84 million people, making it the 18th most populous country in the world. As of 2020, the urban population of Turkey was estimated to be around 76%, while the remaining 24% of the population lived in rural areas.
The urban population of Turkey has been growing rapidly in recent years, with many people moving from rural areas to cities in search of better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is home to over 15 million people and is one of the most populous cities in the world.
Despite the rapid urbanization, Turkey still has a significant rural population. The rural population is mainly concentrated in the eastern and southeastern regions of the country, where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood. The rural population tends to be more conservative and traditional than the urban population.
In terms of demographics, the urban population of Turkey is younger and more diverse than the rural population. The urban population is also more educated and tends to have higher incomes than the rural population. However, the rural population still plays an important role in the economy, particularly in the agriculture sector.
Overall, Turkey has a diverse population with a mix of urban and rural residents. The country's urban population is growing rapidly, but the rural population remains an important part of the country's social and economic fabric.
Factors Influencing Population Growth
The population of Turkey has been growing steadily over the years, and this can be attributed to several factors. These factors include:
1. Fertility Rate
The fertility rate in Turkey has been relatively high, with an average of 2.1 children per woman. This has contributed significantly to the population growth in the country. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in the fertility rate, which has slowed down the population growth.
2. Migration
Turkey has been a popular destination for migrants from neighbouring countries, such as Syria and Iraq. This has contributed to the population growth in the country. However, the recent political instability in the region has led to a decrease in the number of migrants.
3. Life Expectancy
The life expectancy in Turkey has been increasing steadily over the years, thanks to improvements in healthcare and living standards. This has led to an increase in the population, as people are living longer.
4. Urbanisation
Turkey has experienced rapid urbanisation in recent years, with more people moving from rural areas to urban centres. This has contributed to the population growth in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
Overall, the population growth in Turkey can be attributed to a combination of factors, including fertility rate, migration, life expectancy and urbanisation. While these factors have contributed to the growth of the population, there are also challenges associated with a growing population, such as increased demand for resources and infrastructure.
Population Projections
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, the population of Turkey was estimated to be around 84.3 million in 2021. The population has been steadily increasing over the years, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%.
Based on current trends, it is projected that the population of Turkey will continue to increase in the coming years. The United Nations predicts that the population will reach 97.5 million by 2050 and 105.5 million by 2100.
The increase in population can be attributed to a number of factors, including improvements in healthcare, a decrease in infant mortality rates, and an increase in life expectancy. However, it is important to note that the rate of population growth is expected to slow down in the future due to a decrease in fertility rates.
The table below shows the projected population of Turkey for the next few decades, according to the United Nations:
| Year | Population (in millions) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 87.3 |
| 2030 | 90.1 |
| 2035 | 92.5 |
| 2040 | 94.1 |
| 2045 | 95.0 |
| 2050 | 97.5 |
| 2055 | 99.4 |
| 2060 | 100.0 |
| 2065 | 99.7 |
| 2070 | 99.1 |
| 2075 | 98.3 |
| 2080 | 97.4 |
| 2085 | 96.4 |
| 2090 | 95.2 |
| 2095 | 93.9 |
| 2100 | 105.5 |
It is important to note that population projections are subject to change based on various factors, such as changes in fertility rates, mortality rates, and migration patterns. However, these projections provide a useful estimate of what the population of Turkey may look like in the future.
Impact of Population on Economy and Society
Turkey's population has a significant impact on its economy and society. With a population of over 84 million, Turkey is the 20th most populous country in the world. The country's population growth rate of 1.2% is relatively high, which means that Turkey's population is likely to continue to grow in the future.
The population growth rate has a direct impact on the economy. A growing population can create a larger workforce, which can lead to increased economic growth. However, if the population grows too quickly, it can put a strain on the economy, as there may not be enough jobs or resources to support everyone.
In Turkey, the population growth rate has been declining in recent years, which has had a positive impact on the economy. The country's GDP has been growing steadily, and unemployment rates have been decreasing. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as income inequality and a high poverty rate.
The population also has an impact on society. As the population grows, there is an increased demand for housing, healthcare, and education. This can put a strain on public services, and it can be difficult for the government to keep up with the demand.
Overall, Turkey's population has both positive and negative impacts on the economy and society. While a growing population can create opportunities for economic growth, it can also put a strain on public services and resources. As Turkey's population continues to grow, it's important for the government to address these challenges and ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Population Policies and Measures
Turkey has implemented various population policies and measures to manage its population growth and demographic changes.
Family planning
The government of Turkey has been promoting family planning to reduce the fertility rate and control population growth. The Ministry of Health provides free family planning services, including counselling, contraception, and sterilisation. The government also educates the public about reproductive health and family planning through awareness-raising campaigns and programmes.
Migration policies
Turkey has implemented migration policies to manage the influx of refugees and immigrants. The government has provided temporary protection to refugees and asylum seekers, including access to health care, education, and social services. The government has also implemented measures to prevent illegal migration and human trafficking.
Ageing population
Turkey is facing an ageing population, which poses challenges to the economy and society. To address this issue, the government has implemented policies to improve the health and well-being of older people, including better access to health care and social services. The government has also encouraged active ageing and employment of older people to reduce the burden on the pension system.
In conclusion, Turkey has implemented various policies and measures to manage its population growth and demographic changes. The government has promoted family planning, implemented migration policies, and addressed the challenges of an ageing population.