About Istanbul
Istanbul is a megacity located in Turkey, in the Istanbul Province region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Istanbul is approximately 15,655,924 residents, making it the largest city in Turkey.
Globally, Istanbul ranks #11 among the world's most populated cities. As a megacity with over 10 million inhabitants, Istanbul is one of the largest urban agglomerations on Earth.
With a population of over 15 million, it is home to 18% of the population of Turkey. Istanbul is among the largest cities in Europe and in the world by population. It is a city on two continents; about two-thirds of its population live in Europe and the rest in Asia. Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus – one of the world's busiest waterways – in northwestern Turkey, between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Its area of 5,461 square kilometers (2,109 mi2) is coterminous with Istanbul Province.
Istanbul City Statistics
| City | Istanbul |
| Country |  Turkey |
| Population | 15,655,924 |
| Global Rank | #11 |
| Rank in Turkey | #1 of 286 cities |
| City Category | megacity |
| Region | Istanbul Province |
| Latitude | 41.01 |
| Longitude | 28.9603 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Istanbul Overview
Istanbul is a megacity in Turkey, situated in the Istanbul Province area. With a population of 15,655,924 people, it represents approximately 45.3% of the total urban population in Turkey.
As one of the largest cities in the world, Istanbul is a significant hub for commerce, culture, and transportation. The city's metropolitan area extends well beyond its official boundaries, encompassing numerous satellite cities and suburban areas.
Population Comparison
To put Istanbul's population of 15,655,924 into perspective:
- Istanbul has more people than many entire countries, including Sweden, Portugal, and Hungary.
- If Istanbul were a country, it would rank among the top 100 most populous nations.
- It ranks #1 among all cities in Turkey.
Where is Istanbul Located?
Istanbul is located in Turkey, in the Istanbul Province region, at coordinates 41.01° latitude and 28.9603° longitude. Located in the mid-latitudes, Istanbul experiences distinct four-season weather patterns.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in Turkey
Largest Cities in Turkey
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antalya | 2,426,356 |
| 2 | Konya | 2,232,374 |
| 3 | Adana | 1,810,646 |
| 4 | Diyarbakır | 1,732,396 |
| 5 | Kayseri | 1,389,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Istanbul?
The population of Istanbul is approximately 15,655,924 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Istanbul located?
Istanbul is located in Turkey at approximately 41.01° latitude and 28.9603° longitude.
Is Istanbul one of the largest cities in Turkey?
With a population of 15,655,924, Istanbul is one of the major urban areas in Turkey. It ranks #1 out of 286 cities in the country.
