Ankara population nears 6 million as municipality seeks 850 million Euro loan for metro

Ankara's population has reached 5,910,320 people, according to the latest data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). The capital remains the second most populous city in Turkey, following Istanbul. Demographic density continues to rise, with the city center population exceeding 5.5 million residents across 25 districts.

Driven by industrial and public investments, particularly in the defense and technology sectors, the city is seeing significant migration. Expansion is notably concentrated along the western and southern corridors, supported by new housing projects and the presence of major universities and government institutions.

To address growing transportation demands, the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Council has authorized Mayor Mansur Yavaş to seek up to 850 million Euros in external financing. This borrowing, which may involve bond issuances in international capital markets, is intended to fund critical public transport infrastructure. Key projects include the M2 Koru–Yaşamkent and Koru–Bağlıca extensions, the 11-station M5 Kızılay–Dikmen line, and the 12.5-kilometer M6 Çayyolu–Sincan connection.