Turkey vs Kazakhstan
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M. Turkey is 4.2 times more populous than Kazakhstan. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 4.7 times larger than Kazakhstan's ($291.5B). Kazakhstan covers 2,724,900 km², 3.5 times larger than Turkey's 783,562 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 2.8 years higher than Kazakhstan's 74.4 years.
TurkeyKazakhstan| Population | +319.4%85.7M | -76.2%20.4M |
| Area | -71.2%783,562 km² | +247.8%2,724,900 km² |
| GDP | +366.3%$1.36T | -78.6%$291.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +12.3%$15,892.716 | -10.9%$14,154.632 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.7%77.2 yrs | -3.6%74.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +19.7%9.1 | -16.5%7.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +78.6%8.5% | -44.0%4.8% |
| Capital | Ankara | Astana |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Turkish | Kazakh, Russian |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | KZT (₸) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Turkey is 4.2 times more populous than Kazakhstan, with 85.7M residents compared to 20.4M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Kazakhstan is a nation of 20.4M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Kazakhstan averages 7 people per km² (sparse). Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Kazakhstan.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Kazakhstan is classified as a high-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 4.7 times larger than Kazakhstan's ($291.5B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Kazakhstan's GDP per capita of $14,154.632 is 26% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Turkey are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Kazakhstan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 74.4 years in Kazakhstan, a gap of 2.8 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Kazakhstan (74.4 years) is 2.4 years above the global average of 72 years. At 9.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Turkey's infant mortality is 20% higher than Kazakhstan's 7.6.
Geographic Comparison
Kazakhstan (2,724,900 km²) is 3.5 times larger by land area than Turkey (783,562 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Kazakhstan borders 5 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Kazakhstan's 2 timezones. Both Turkey and Kazakhstan are located in Europe and Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Central Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Kazakhstan is in GDP: Turkey's $1.36T compared to Kazakhstan's $291.5B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Kazakhstan is in population: Turkey's 85.7M compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Kazakhstan is in land area: Turkey's 783,562 km² compared to Kazakhstan's 2,724,900 km² represents a 71% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Kazakhstan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 1.1x that of Kazakhstan ($14,154.632). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Turkey is 14.6x more densely populated than Kazakhstan (109 vs 7 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Kazakhstan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Turkey live an average of 2.8 years longer than those of Kazakhstan (77.2 vs 74.4 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Kazakhstan's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Turkey's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kazakhstan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Kazakhstan for Families
For family travel, Kazakhstan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (7.6 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Kazakhstan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey vs Kazakhstan for Budget Travelers
Kazakhstan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,154.632 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kazakhstan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Kazakhstan for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kazakhstan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Turkey vs Kazakhstan Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Kazakhstan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Kazakhstan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Kazakhstan can approach or exceed average costs in Turkey's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Kazakhstan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Kazakhstan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Kazakhstan covers 2. Kazakhstan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Turkey or Kazakhstan by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M. Turkey is 4.2 times more populous than Kazakhstan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Kazakhstan?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Kazakhstan's $291.5B. Turkey's economy is 4.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Kazakhstan?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Kazakhstan's 74.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.8 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Kazakhstan's is 2.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Turkey or Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is larger by land area, covering 2,724,900 km² compared to Turkey's 783,562 km². Kazakhstan is 3.5 times larger than Turkey.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Kazakhstan?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Kazakhstan recognizes: Kazakh, Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has lower inflation at 8.8%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Kazakhstan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 2.5 times the global median, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Kazakhstan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kazakhstan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (7.6 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Turkey or Kazakhstan cheaper to visit?
Kazakhstan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,154.632 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kazakhstan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better ...
Is Turkey or Kazakhstan better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kazakhstan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Turkey or Kazakhstan more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Kazakhstan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Kazakhstan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Turkey or Kazakhstan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Kazakhstan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Kazakhstan covers 2. Kazakhstan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...