World Population Day

World Population Day is observed annually on 11 July to raise awareness about population issues and highlight the relationship between population and development. The day aims to increase awareness of the conditions necessary for individuals to have the number of children they desire and for the young population to plan for the future.

^Nüfus (Anadolu Ajansı)

World Population Day was proclaimed in 1989 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The date commemorates 11 July 1987, when the world population reached five billion. Each year, this day is observed through information and awareness campaigns by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), emphasizing the importance of population and its role in development.

The purpose of World Population Day is to clarify the relationship between population and development, support reproductive rights and the freedom to form a family, and ensure that policymakers make data-driven decisions on population issues. Global and national population changes directly affect health, education, social and economic policies. Ensuring access to economic and social services so that individuals can have the number of children they desire is among the necessary conditions for the young population to plan for the future.

The world population has grown slowly throughout history but accelerated significantly over the last two centuries. The global population reached seven billion in 2011, approximately 7.9 billion in 2021, 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and is projected to reach 10.9 billion by 2100. This growth is linked to an increase in the number of people of reproductive age, urbanization, migration trends and changes in fertility rates. The global fertility rate has declined from five children per woman in the 1950s to 2.3 today and is expected to reach the 2.1 children per woman level needed for population stability by 2050.^【1】

According to the UNFPA 2025 report, globally one in five people cannot have the number of children they desire due to economic and social barriers. These barriers include costs, lack of job security, housing and childcare expenses, difficulty finding a suitable partner and anxieties about the future. Young people especially face these obstacles, encountering economic challenges, gender inequality, limited access to health and education services, climate change and conflicts that influence their reproductive decisions.^【2】

According to United Nations population estimates, Türkiye’s population as of mid-2025 is 86 million 921 thousand 168. With this population size, Türkiye ranks 18th among 194 countries and accounts for 1.0% of the world population. In Türkiye, the proportion of the child population aged 0–17 is estimated at 24.8% of the total population as of 2025. During the same period, the youth population aged 15–24 accounts for 14.8%, while the population aged 65 and over is 11.1%. According to United Nations projections, Türkiye’s child and youth population proportions are higher than those of all 27 European Union member states, while its elderly population proportion is lower than that of all these countries. For 2025, Türkiye’s total fertility rate is projected at 1.42 children per woman. Life expectancy at birth is estimated at 75.5 years for men and 80.7 years for women as of 2025.^【3】

As of mid-2025, according to United Nations population estimates, the world population is 8 billion 231 million 613 thousand 70. The countries with the largest populations are India, China and the United States, which together account for 39.2% of the world population. Türkiye, with a population of 86 million 921 thousand 168, ranks 18th among 194 countries and accounts for 1.0% of the world population.

According to 2025 projections, the country with the highest child population proportion is the Central African Republic at 56.2%, while the lowest is South Korea at 12.9%. The global average child population proportion is 29.3%. Among European Union countries, the highest child population proportion is in Ireland at 22.3%, and the lowest is in Italy at 14.6%.

In terms of youth population proportion, the highest value is 23.3% in South Sudan and the lowest is 8.8% in Monaco. The global average youth population proportion is 15.6%. Among European Union countries, the highest youth population proportion is in Ireland at 13.5%, and the lowest is in Malta at 9.1%.

The country with the highest elderly population proportion is Monaco at 36.0%, and the lowest is Qatar at 1.7%. The global average elderly population proportion is 10.4%. Among European Union countries, the highest elderly population proportion is in Italy at 25.1%, and the lowest is in the Republic of Cyprus under Greek administration at 14.9%.

According to 2025 projections, the country with the highest total fertility rate is Chad at 5.94 children per woman, and the lowest is South Korea at 0.75 children per woman. The global average is 2.24 children per woman. Among European Union countries, the highest total fertility rate is in Bulgaria at 1.74 children per woman, and the lowest is in Malta at 1.11 children per woman.

For life expectancy at birth, the highest value for men is 84.7 years in Monaco and the lowest is 53.5 years in Chad. For women, the highest life expectancy at birth is 88.7 years in Monaco and the lowest is 55.1 years in Nigeria. The global average life expectancy at birth is 73.5 years, with 70.9 years for men and 76.2 years for women. Among European Union countries, the highest life expectancy at birth for men is 81.9 years in Italy and the lowest is 71.6 years in Lithuania; for women, the highest is 86.6 years in Spain and the lowest is 79.5 years in Bulgaria.

Comparisons with the 27 member states of the European Union show that Türkiye’s child population proportion (24.8%) and youth population proportion (14.8%) are higher than those of all member states, while its elderly population proportion (11.1%) is lower than that of all these countries.

Within the framework of World Population Day, governments and policymakers address the factors influencing individuals’—particularly young people’s—ability to have the number of children they desire and explore long-term sustainable solutions. Policies that protect reproductive rights, promote gender equality and provide economic and social support enable individuals to make informed and free choices. In this context, strengthening housing support, safe and fair working conditions, parental leave, comprehensive reproductive health services and reliable access to information is essential. While each country supports individuals in forming the families they desire through strategies aligned with its own demographic, social and economic dynamics, it also contributes to achieving sustainable development goals.

Population has historically been regarded as a vital resource for states. Societies have benefited from the advantages provided by population size across all eras, from agricultural production to industrial output, and from defensive wars to open-field battles. A sufficient and skilled human capital enables countries to use their existing resources in a correct, efficient and productive manner, playing a key role in economic growth and development.

Economic development has become one of the fundamental goals of efforts to meet unlimited human needs with limited resources. A country’s level of development is determined not only by per capita national income but also by the proportion of skilled human resources. A surplus of educated labor enables countries to achieve significant gains in almost every field.

Alongside economic and health factors, which are central to development, education has emerged as a foundational element of development for all countries. In recent years, the proportion of qualified and trained labor force within a country has become a key indicator in assessing national levels of development.