Turkey experiences rapid demographic shift as population ages

Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) regarding the second quarter of 2026 reveals a significant reversal in Turkey's population pyramid. While the total population continues to grow due to previous large generational cohorts, the proportion of children is shrinking rapidly while the elderly population has surpassed the 11 percent threshold.

The median age in the country has reached 34.9. This sharp decline in birth rates has reduced first-grade student enrollment to levels seen in the 1970s. Experts suggest that the shift from a young, labor-intensive demographic to an aging one necessitates a comprehensive restructuring of national policies regarding education and healthcare.