Turkey, Families in

Turkey is an upper middle-income country with stable institutions and widespread public services. Turkey has been undergoing rapid social and economic changes including demographic transition. Its relatively recent and rapid urbanization and industrialization have been accompanied by increased economic and cultural ties to Europe and North America. Marriage is almost universal and practically all births occur within marital unions, whether they be civil or religious marriages. Because of traditional and religious values, sexual relationships and extramarital births are very rare in rural areas, but they have been increasing in urban areas.