Türkiye Hits 85.6M Population, Leads Europe in Child Demographics

Türkiye ranks 18th globally as TurkStat-UN data shows Türkiye outpaces EU on child and youth ratios despite lower fertility rates

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Türkiye has become the 18th most populous country in the world with more than 85.6 million residents, accounting for 1% of the global population and outpacing all European Union nations in terms of its child population ratio, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).

The findings were released in TurkStat’s “World Population Day 2025” bulletin, which aligns with the United Nations Population Fund’s annual observance aimed at spotlighting demographic issues worldwide.

Citing UN projections, the bulletin places India at the top of global population rankings in 2024 with over 1.45 billion people, followed by China and the United States. Combined, these three countries represent nearly 40% of the world’s total population.

With a population of 85,664,944, Türkiye holds 1% of the global share and ranks 18th among 194 countries.

Türkiye’s child population ratio—defined as individuals aged 0–17—stood at 25.5%, exceeding the EU average.

While this figure is slightly below the global average of 29.6%, it remains well above all 27 EU member states. Ireland had the highest ratio among EU nations at 22.7%, while Italy registered the lowest at 14.8%.

In terms of youth aged 15–24, Türkiye posted a 14.9% ratio, just under the global average of 15.6% but higher than all EU countries. Ireland again led the EU at 13.3%, while Malta recorded the lowest youth ratio at 9%.

Türkiye’s elderly population—people aged 65 and above—was 10.6% in 2024, slightly above the global average of 10.2% but significantly lower than the EU average, where countries like Italy and Portugal exceed 24%.

On fertility, Türkiye’s rate dropped to 1.48 children per woman, lower than the global average of 2.25 but still above the EU average. Within the EU, Bulgaria had the highest rate at 1.75, while Malta recorded the lowest at 1.11.

Türkiye’s average male life expectancy at birth was 74.7 years, above the global average of 70.7 but below the EU benchmark. Among EU countries, Italy topped male life expectancy at 81.8 years.

For women, Türkiye recorded an average of 80 years—again above the global average of 76, but behind the EU where Spain leads with 86.4 years.

The latest figures underscore Türkiye’s demographic distinction from its European peers, with a younger population base despite declining fertility and life expectancy rates that remain competitive on a global scale.

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