Turkey
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
In 2024, Turkey's fertility indicators reveal both declines and subtle shifts amid a broader downward trend over the past decade. Notably, the average number of children per mother dropped sharply from 2023, while lifetime childlessness also saw a modest decrease, suggesting complex demographic dynamics in the country. Despite a slight rise in the average maternal age, it remains among the lowest in Europe.
- The children per mother ratio fell by 0.15 to 2.38 in 2024, continuing a multi-year descent from a 2010s average of 2.75.
- Lifetime childlessness decreased to 38.0% from 40.4% in 2023 but remains elevated compared to historical levels, indicating gradual shifts in family formation patterns.
- Average maternal age increased by 0.34 years to 27.3, yet Turkey still ranks near the bottom in Europe for the youngest mothers.
- The birthgap generational indicator rose slightly to 28.6%, reflecting modest increases in completed fertility despite a long-term downward trajectory.
In 2024, Turkey shows a high children per mother rate with a declining fertility trend and relatively young maternal age.
- Children per mother highest in Europe (2.38) but falling sharply
- Mean maternal age low for Europe (27.3 years) but gradually rising
- Lifetime childlessness rate rising, mid-range in Europe
- Total births decreasing, down 22% since 2010s average
- Societal Half-Life relatively short, ranking 11th in Europe
Key fertility indicators — Turkey
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 38.0% |
| Children per Mother (CPM) | 2.38 |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 28.6% |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 60.2 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 36 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
Completed fertility among mothers in Turkey reached 62.0% in 2024, marking a 2.4 percentage point increase from 2023. The total motherhood prevalence rate has been gradually declining over the five years spanning 2020 to 2024, averaging 62.5%. This figure is about 7.8 percentage points lower than the average observed during the 2010s, which stood at 69.8%. On the global stage, Turkey holds the 24th position out of 38 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 22nd among 31 nations.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 64.7% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 59.6%* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 62.0% |
Source: Eurostat. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Turkstat.
Children per mother (CPM)
The number of children per mother in Turkey has dropped to 2.38 in 2024, marking a notable decrease of 0.15 from the previous year. Over the past five years, this figure has been on a downtrend, with the average at 2.58. Compared to the average during the 2010s, which was 2.75, there’s been a decline of approximately 0.37. On the global stage, Turkey ranks near the top with one of the highest CPM values, positioned 37th out of 38.
Within Europe, it holds the highest CPM, ranking 31st out of 31 countries.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 2.69 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 2.54* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 2.38 |
Source: Eurostat. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Turkstat.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average age of mothers at childbirth in Turkey reached 27.3 years in 2024, marking an increase of 0.3 years from 2023. Over the last five years, this maternal age has steadily climbed, maintaining an average of 26.8 years. This figure stands 0.9 years above the average during the 2010s. On a global scale, Turkey's average maternal age ranks among the lowest, positioned at 37th out of 38 countries. Likewise, in a European context, the country remains near the bottom, ranking 30th out of 31 in average maternal age.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 26.52 |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 26.92* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 27.26 |
Source: Eurostat. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Turkstat.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) reached 28.6% in 2024, reflecting a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.48. This marks a slight increase of 1.5 percentage points compared to 2023. Over the latest five years from 2020 to 2024, the indicator has shown an upward trend, averaging 22.2%. When contrasted with the 2010s average of 7.2%, the current figure stands about 21.4 percentage points higher. Despite this rise, Turkey remains among the countries with the lowest TFG levels worldwide, positioned 34th out of 38, and also ranks 28th among 31 European nations.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 15.7% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 27.1%* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 28.6% |
Source: Eurostat. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Turkstat.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2024, Turkey’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 60.2 years. It has decreased by 3.3 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 84.5 years. Compared with the 2010s average (314.0 years), SHL is now shorter by about 253.8 years.
Globally, Turkey ranks 12 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 11 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Turkey, there would be 36 great-grandchildren, representing a -64.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Turkey has one of the lowest TGI drops (ranked 34/38). Within Europe, it has one of the lowest TGI drops (ranked 28/31).
Birth trajectory
According to the birth trajectory in 2024, the total number of births is expected to decline significantly over the next two centuries. Starting from 937,559 births in 2024, this figure would drop by 50% to approximately 468,780 by 2084. The downward trend continues, with births projected to decrease by 75% by 2144 and ultimately fall by 90% to just 93,756 by 2224, assuming migration does not affect these numbers.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
Turkey’s lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) stood at 38.0% in 2024, marking a decline of 2.4 percentage points from 2023. Over the last five years (2020–2024), this rate has shown an upward trend, averaging 37.5%. When compared to the 2010s average of 30.2%, the current level is approximately 7.8 percentage points higher. On the global stage, Turkey holds the 16th position out of 38 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 11th out of 31.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 35.3% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 40.4%* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 38.0% |
Source: Eurostat. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Turkstat.
Total births
In 2024, total births in Turkey reached 937,559, showing a decline of 24,007 from the previous year. The five-year trend indicates a decrease, with an average of 1,022,719 births annually during this period. When looking back to the 2010s, the average number of births was 1,204,202, making the current figure 266,643 fewer—a drop of 22.1%.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 1.10M |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 961.6k* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 937.6k |
Source: Eurostat. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Turkstat.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
Turkey's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) reached 18.8% in 2024, marking a significant increase of 5.8 percentage points from 2023. Over the past five years, the indicator has shown a rising trend, averaging 3.0% between 2020 and 2024. Compared to the 2010s average of -42.1%, the current figure stands significantly higher by approximately 60.9 percentage points. On a global scale, Turkey ranks near the bottom, positioned 33rd out of 35 countries in terms of BRI. The country's standing in Europe reflects a similarly low ranking, placing 29th among 30 nations.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | n/a |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | -11.8% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 13.0%* |
| 2000 | n/a | 2024 | 18.8% |
Source: Eurostat. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from Turkstat.
