Türkiye’s Population Growth Accelerates in 2024: Turkstat

The annual population growth rate in Türkiye surged to 3.4 per thousand in 2024, a significant rise from 1.1 per thousand in 2023, according to data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) on Feb. 6. The country's total population reached approximately 85.6 million, with men accounting for 50.02% (42.8 million) and women making up 49.98% (42.8 million) of the total.

Urban Population Trends

Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest and most densely populated city, saw a slight increase, reaching 15.7 million residents—18.3% of the country's total—after adding 45,678 individuals in the past year. The capital Ankara ranked second with 5.8 million people, followed by:

• İzmir (4.5 million)
• Bursa (3.2 million)
• Antalya (2.7 million)

Conversely, Bayburt remained Türkiye’s least populated province, housing only 83,676 residents.

Declining Foreign Population and Provincial Shrinkage

The foreign population in Türkiye declined by 89,996, bringing the total down to 1.48 million. Additionally, 40 provinces experienced population declines in 2024—a stark increase from 10 provinces in 2023, signaling a broader demographic shift.

Aging Population and Government Response

TÜİK data also highlighted an aging trend, driven by lower fertility and mortality rates compared to 2007:

• The median age rose to 34.4 in 2024, up from 34 in 2023.
• The age dependency ratio—which reflects the proportion of children and elderly per working-age adult—declined to 46.1%.

In response to falling birth rates, the government designated 2025 as the "Year of the Family", launching nationwide initiatives to promote family values and counteract demographic challenges.