Turkish population not to reach 100 million: Statistical institute

ANTALYA (AA) - Turkey’s population will halt at 93.5 millon in 2050, then start to decline, according to surveys by Turkish Statistical Institute.

The reports on long-term population projections show that Turkish population will keep on rising until 2050 when it halts at 93.5 million if the current fertility rates continue to be the same.

In view of the current rates, the population will start to decline after 2050 and figure 89.2 million in 2075.

According to the info received by Anadolu Agency from Ministry of Development’s “2014 Program”, the Turkish population, which was estimated 75.6 million in late 2012, will reach 76.5 million at the end of this year.

The fertility rate in 2012 also decreased to 2.08 children from 2006’s 2.12 children, therefore dropping below replacement rate, which is roughly 2.10 births per woman.

Another survey on population and health in Turkey reveals that the fertility rate fell to 1.02 for the upper-class people.

In consequence of the decrease in fertility rates, Turkey’s population growth rate receded to 12 per mille from 2006’s 12.2 per mille.

In Turkey, baby mortality rates also declined, which has come to mean that old age population now keeps a bigger share in total population.

In late 2012, elderly population in Turkey constituted 7.5% of the population.

It is estimated that fertility rates will keep on decreasing in the future if necessary precautions are not taken.

Ministry of Development’s “2014 Program” suggests synchronizing domestic life and professional life, creation of children-friendly environments and improvement in the quality of education.