How has Turkey's urban-rural population distribution changed since the 1965 census?

 Since the 1965 census, Turkey has experienced a significant shift in its urban-rural population distribution. The trend has largely been one of urbanization, with a growing proportion of the population moving from rural areas to cities. Here are some key changes:

1. Urban Population Growth: In 1965, about 27% of Turkey's population lived in urban areas. By 2020, this had increased to around 76%. This sharp rise is a result of factors like industrialization, better infrastructure, and improved job opportunities in cities, which drew people away from agriculture and rural areas.

2. Rural Population Decline: In contrast, the rural population has steadily decreased over the years. In 1965, roughly 73% of Turkey’s population lived in rural areas. By 2020, this had dropped to approximately 24%. Many rural areas saw depopulation as people moved to urban centers for employment, education, and better living conditions.

3. Migration Trends: Rural-to-urban migration accelerated particularly from the 1980s onward, with many people moving to major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The internal migration has been driven by economic reasons, the decline of agriculture, and urbanization policies.

4. Regional Disparities: The shift has not been uniform across the country. While western and central regions experienced faster urbanization, some eastern and southeastern parts of Turkey still have significant rural populations due to different economic and social factors.

5. Changes in Rural Economy: As rural populations have decreased, there has been a corresponding transformation in the rural economy, with a decline in agriculture's share of the national GDP and a rise in service and industrial sectors concentrated in urban areas.

In summary, since 1965, Turkey's population has undergone a dramatic urban shift, with more than half of the population now residing in cities, reflecting global urbanization trends. This transition is tied to economic modernization, improved living conditions in urban centers, and shifts in employment patterns.