Turkey: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Turkey — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
82,319,724
#18 of 197 countries
Area
783,562 km²
#38 of 248 countries
Density
105.1 / km²
#105 of 245 countries

Turkey has a population of 82,319,724 spread across 783,562 km², giving it an average density of 105.1 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world. This moderate density means a mix of bustling cities and quieter rural areas to explore.

Most Populous Cities

Istanbul
15,701,602
18953 / km²
Ankara
3,517,182
4069 / km²
Bursa
3,101,833
17018 / km²
İzmir
2,938,292
3504 / km²
Gaziantep
2,130,432
15833 / km²
Adana
1,816,750
1456 / km²
Diyarbakır
1,791,373
5764 / km²
Kayseri
1,434,357
11545 / km²
Konya
1,433,861
7912 / km²
Antalya
1,344,000
8489 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
34.4
Life Expectancy
76.7 yrs
Literacy Rate
97.3%
Government
presidential republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Turkey is classified as an upper middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 31% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Upper middle income
GDP per Capita
$13,375
Cost of Living
31% of US
Inflation
53.9%
Inequality
44.5
High