Fertility Transition and Regional Variation of Fertility in Turkey: Panel Data Fixed Effects Estimation, 1975-2000

Turkey, similar to other least developed countries, entered into demographic transition process in the second half of 20th century. However, the transition process was not experienced at the same time and in the same way across different regions of the country. The aim of this study is to reveal the determinants of fertility transition and regional fertility variation in Turkey. The period under consideration is between 1975 and 2000 in other words the later part of transition. Different from previous studies, this study covers longer period of fertility transition and applies panel data fixed effects estimation method. The results indicate that education and income is decisive in fertility transition. However, different factors gain importance in different regions