According to UN estimates, in 2024 the most populous country is India with 1.45 billion people, followed by China (1.42 billion) and the USA (345 million). These three countries account for 39.4% of the world’s population.
Türkiye, with a population of 85.9 million, ranks 18th among 194 states, forming about 1% of the global population. Fr om July 1 to October 1, the population increased by another 155,800 people. Over the year, the population growth amounted to 399,388 people.
Children: global and regional differences
The highest share of children (0–17 years) in 2024 is recorded in the Central African Republic — 56.5%, followed by Niger and Somalia. The lowest share is in South Korea (13.2%).
The global average is 29.6%. In Türkiye it is 25.5%, which is below the global average but higher than in any EU country.
In the EU, the largest share of children is in Ireland (22.7%), Sweden (20.5%), and France (20.2%). The lowest — in Italy, Malta, and Portugal.
Youth: highest share in Syria
Syria leads in the share of youth aged 15–24 (23.5%). The lowest figure is in Monaco (8.7%).
The global average is 15.6%, in Türkiye — 14.9%.
In the EU, the highest levels are in Ireland (13.3%), France, and the Netherlands. Türkiye still remains above EU levels in terms of youth population.
Elderly population: Monaco leads
The highest share of people aged 65+ is in Monaco (36.2%), followed by Japan and Italy. The lowest — in Qatar (1.7%).
The global average is 10.2%. In Türkiye it is 10.6%, slightly higher than the global figure.
In all EU countries, the share of elderly people is higher than in Türkiye, with Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Finland leading.
Fertility: record in Chad, minimum in South KoreaChad is the global leader in fertility with 6.03 children per woman. At the bottom of the list is South Korea (0.73), followed by Singapore and Ukraine.
The global average is 2.25. In Türkiye it is 1.48.
In the EU, Bulgaria has the highest fertility rate (1.75). Türkiye (1.48) is slightly above the EU average.
Life expectancy
Global averages:
• 73.3 years — total
• 70.7 — men
• 76.0 — women
Men
The highest male life expectancy is in Monaco (84.6). The lowest — in Chad (53.4).
In Türkiye, male life expectancy is 74.7 years — above the global average but lower than the EU average.
Women
Leaders: Monaco (88.6), Japan, South Korea.
Lowest — Nigeria (54.9).
Women in Türkiye live on average 80 years — above the global average, but below the EU average.
The next analytical UN demographic report on the topic will be published in July 2026.
Compared to most EU countries, wh ere fertility rates remain consistently below replacement level and the population is rapidly aging, Türkiye is in a more stable demographic position.
Although the country is also experiencing a decline in fertility, its population remains significantly younger, and the share of working-age people is higher than in European countries.
The EU is experiencing an acute labor deficit and high pressure on social systems, while Türkiye — thanks to its younger population, active internal migration, and inflow of foreign specialists — maintains growth in consumption, construction, and the real estate market.
For investors, this is an important signal: Türkiye’s demographic potential over the next 10–20 years is significantly stronger than that of most European economies, supporting long-term demand for residential real estate, commercial properties, and large-scale urban developments.