Balıkesir is spread over a large geographical area and is considered as one of the important provinces of Turkey in terms of population. The demographic structure of the city shows both rural and urban characteristics, reflecting the diverse socio-economic and cultural characteristics of Balıkesir.
According to the censuses conducted in recent years, the total population of Balıkesir is more than 1 million people. Although most of the population lives in the city centers, there is also a widely distributed rural population throughout Balıkesir. While those living in rural areas generally work in traditional sectors such as agriculture and animal husbandry, they are mostly employed in industry, trade and service sectors in the city centers.
Balıkesir has a young population in terms of demographic structure. Most of the population is young and middle-aged, while the rate of elderly population is below Turkey's average. This situation supports the dynamic and open to development structure of the city. The high rate of young population has significant effects on education and labor market; especially the increase in the level of education and sectoral diversification of the young labor force provide economic advantages.
In terms of ethnic diversity, Balıkesir, like many other cities in Turkey, hosts people from different cultural backgrounds. In addition to Turks, small percentages of people from different ethnic groups such as Kurds, Zaza, Circassians live in Balıkesir. While this ethnic diversity enriches the cultural structure of the city, it can also pose various challenges in terms of social cohesion and integration.
Balıkesir is also an active city in terms of immigration. Receiving both internal and foreign migration, the city constantly renews its demographic structure. While internal migration is usually carried out by individuals or families in pursuit of economic opportunities, external migration is mostly seen in the form of inter-country labor mobility or refugee flows. Although the migrant population contributes to the socio-economic dynamics of the city, it has the potential to create an additional burden on local services.
In short, the demographic structure of Balıkesir exhibits a dynamic and ever-changing character. This change directly affects the economic, social and cultural life of the city, creating both opportunities and challenges. The high rate of young population, ethnic diversity and migration mobility make Balıkesir one of the most dynamic regions of Turkey.