Türkiye fertility rate drops to 1.42 amid economic pressures

A report titled ‘Demographic Transformation and Strategies in Türkiye’ by the Institute for Social Studies reveals that the total fertility rate in Türkiye has dropped to 1.42 in 2025, down from 2.19 in 2014. This figure falls significantly below the population replacement threshold of 2.1, with 76 provinces now recording rates below this level.

The report identifies that 75.9% of the fertility loss between 2021 and 2025 is attributed to families deciding not to have a second child. Economic pressures are cited as primary drivers, including high rent, food costs, and childcare expenses. For the lowest 20% income bracket, 67.9% of consumption expenditures are dedicated to housing and food.

Furthermore, 83% of working parents with childcare responsibilities lack access to professional care services. The study warns that this demographic shift could shrink the future working-age population and increase the financial burden on the national social security and pension systems.