Turkey
Republic of Turkey
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.68%
With a population of roughly 85.7 million, Turkey ranks among the world’s 20 most populous countries. The country extends across 783,562 km², translating to a density of 109 people per km². Its capital is Ankara, and Turkish is the official language, while the Turkish lira serves as the national currency.
Population
85,664,944
Area
783,562 km²
Density
109/km²
World Rank
#18
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (11.2 per thousand) and death rate (6.2 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 21.4% of residents under 15 and 10.3% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Ankara
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Europe, Asia
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currencies
- Turkish lira (₺)
- Calling Code
- +90
- Top-Level Domain
- .tr
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 85,664,944
- Land Area
- 783,562 km²
- Population Density
- 109 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.68%
- Annual Growth
- +582,522 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,596 people
- World Population Share
- 1.06%
- Coordinates
- 39.00°, 35.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $15.9k, Turkey sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 8.5%, above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 44.5 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
77.2 years
GDP per Capita
$15,893
Birth Rate
11.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
89.3%
Fertility Rate
1.51 births/woman
Infant Mortality
9.1 per 1,000
Unemployment
8.5%
Literacy Rate
97.3%
Internet Users
87.3%
Under 15
21.4%
Over 65
10.3%
Health Spending
4.3% GDP
Gini Index
44.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
18.4M
15-64 years
58.5M
65+ years
8.8M
Urbanization
Turkey is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 89.3% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Ankara, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 258205.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
76.5M
89.3%
9.1M
10.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 77.2 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 9.1 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 97.3% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Turkey
Turkey has 106 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Turkey is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.5 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Turkey participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 85,664,944 |
| 2030 | 88,049,452 |
| 2035 | 91,187,994 |
| 2040 | 94,502,712 |
| 2045 | 97,995,175 |
| 2050 | 101,667,712 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Turkey.
Largest Cities in Turkey
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Turkey by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Turkey?
The population of Turkey is approximately 85.7 million as of 2026, making it #18 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Turkey?
The capital of Turkey is Ankara.
What languages are spoken in Turkey?
The main languages spoken in Turkey are Turkish.
How big is Turkey?
Turkey covers an area of 783,562 km² with a population density of 109 people per km².
Is Turkey growing or shrinking?
Turkey is growing at a rate of 0.68% per year, adding approximately 582,522 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Turkey?
The average life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Turkey?
The GDP per capita of Turkey is $15,893.