Türkiye ranks 18th globally in population, outpaces EU in youth share

Türkiye has climbed to the 18th position in the global ranking of population size, surpassing many developed nations and maintaining a notably younger demographic composition compared to European Union member states, as revealed by recent data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). This information was released on July 9, just days before World Population Day, which is commemorated annually on July 11. The release comes amid ongoing discussions about demographic trends and their implications for economic and social policies both within Türkiye and internationally. As of the latest United Nations population estimates, Türkiye's population stands at approximately 86.09 million, placing it firmly in the top 20 most populous countries in the world. This figure represents roughly 1 percent of the global population, which is projected to reach 8.23 billion by mid-2025. The world's largest populations are concentrated in India, China, and the United States, with these three nations collectively accounting for nearly 39.2 percent of the total global population. India leads with 1.46 billion inhabitants, followed by China with 1.42 billion and the United States with 347.3 million. In terms of demographic structure, Türkiye exhibits a distinct advantage over many of its peers, particularly when compared to the European Union. According to the data, children under the age of 15 make up 24.8 percent of Türkiye's population, a percentage that exceeds the child population shares in all 27 EU member states. Among the EU countries, Ireland holds the highest proportion of children at 22.3 percent. This youthful demographic suggests a potential for future growth and labor force expansion, although it also presents challenges related to education, employment, and resource allocation. Despite this youthful profile, Türkiye is experiencing a gradual aging of its population. Individuals aged 65 and older constitute 11.1 percent of the population, which is slightly higher than the global average of 10.4 percent but still lower than the proportions found in all EU member states. For instance, Monaco has the highest proportion of elderly citizens globally, with 36 percent of its population being 65 years or older. This trend indicates that while Türkiye maintains a relatively young population, it is not immune to the broader global phenomenon of population aging. Life expectancy at birth in Türkiye continues to remain above the global average, reflecting improvements in healthcare and living standards. Men in Türkiye have a life expectancy of 75.5 years, while women enjoy a longer lifespan of 80.7 years, according to the United Nations estimates cited by TÜİK. These figures underscore the progress made in public health and medical care, contributing to a population that is both growing and living longer. The release of these statistics coincides with World Population Day, an occasion established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to highlight the importance of population issues and promote awareness of reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable development. The day marks the milestone when the world's population reached five billion on July 11, 1987. As such, the timing of the data release serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of global demographics and the need for continuous monitoring and policy adaptation. Looking forward, the demographic profile of Türkiye will likely influence various sectors including education, healthcare, and the economy. Policymakers will need to consider how to harness the potential of a young workforce while addressing the challenges associated with an aging population. Additionally, international comparisons provide valuable insights into how Türkiye can learn from other regions and adapt strategies that align with its unique socio-economic landscape.