Türkiye's population has surged to 85,372,377 people, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute's latest statement released on Tuesday.

The population grew by 92,824 individuals compared to the previous year, with a near-equal distribution between males and females.

Decline in Foreign Population

However, there has been a notable decrease in the foreign population residing in Türkiye, dropping by 253,293 people to reach 1,570,543 individuals. This decline may reflect various factors such as changes in immigration policies, economic conditions, and geopolitical dynamics.

Shift in Population Growth Rate

The annual population growth rate has significantly declined to 1.1 per thousand in 2023, marking a sharp decrease from 7.1 per thousand in 2022. This shift underscores potential demographic trends, including changes in birth rates, mortality rates, and migration patterns.

Urbanization Trends

While 93% of the population resides in province and district centers, there has been a slight increase in the proportion living in towns and villages. This trend may reflect ongoing urbanization efforts, infrastructure development, and regional economic disparities.

İstanbul's Population Decreases

İstanbul, Türkiye's largest city and economic hub, witnessed a decline in its population by 252,027 individuals, totaling 15,655,924 people. This decrease may raise questions about factors such as affordability, quality of life, and migration patterns within the country.

Provincial Population Insights

Bayburt emerged as the least populated province, while Sinop recorded the highest median age. These provincial variations in population dynamics may reflect unique socio-economic factors, cultural influences, and geographic characteristics.

Demographic Changes

The proportion of the working-age population aged 15-64 has increased, while the child population aged 0-14 has decreased. Moreover, the total age dependency ratio has decreased slightly, indicating potential shifts in family structures and dependency patterns.

Population Density Dynamics

The population density stands at 111 persons per square kilometer for Türkiye, with İstanbul recording the highest density at 3,013 persons per square kilometer. Conversely, Tunceli reported the lowest population density, highlighting regional variations in population distribution and land use.

Regional Variances

Konya, with the largest surface area, had a population density of 60, whereas Yalova, with the smallest surface area, reported a density of 360 persons per square kilometer. These regional variances underscore the diverse geographical and demographic landscapes within Türkiye. (ILKHA)