Births in Türkiye continued to decrease in 2025, extending a downward trend in the country’s population growth. Once known for having NATO’s highest total fertility rate, Türkiye’s birth rate has fallen to levels that have prompted warnings from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who described the situation as a “demographic disaster.” The country, with a population of approximately 85 million, has been a key military member of NATO.
The ongoing decline in birth rates marks a significant shift for Türkiye, which had maintained relatively high fertility rates compared to other NATO members for decades. This demographic change could have implications for the country’s future workforce and military recruitment.
**Why this matters**
A declining birth rate can affect a nation’s long-term economic growth and its ability to sustain military forces. For NATO, Türkiye’s demographic shift is notable because it has the alliance’s youngest population and largest military. Changes in population dynamics may influence Türkiye’s role and contributions within the alliance in the coming years.
Source: NewsData