Cyprus - CY - CYP - CYP - Europe

Last updated: January 02, 2025
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  • The Venetian Walls are a series of defensive walls surrounding Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. The first city walls were built in the Middle Ages; they were completely rebuilt in the mid-16th century by the Republic of Venice. Largely intact, they have a a circumference of 5 km (3 mi) and are among the best-preserved Renaissance fortifications in the Eastern Mediterranean. Shown is the Famagusta Gate, the chief gate in the walls.

    The Venetian Walls are a series of defensive walls surrounding Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. The first city walls were built in the Middle Ages; they were completely rebuilt in the mid-16th century by the Republic of Venice. Largely intact, they have a a circumference of 5 km (3 mi) and are among the best-preserved Renaissance fortifications in the Eastern Mediterranean. Shown is the Famagusta Gate, the chief gate in the walls.

  • Satellite view of Cyprus on a cloudless day. Image courtesy of NASA.

    Satellite view of Cyprus on a cloudless day. Image courtesy of NASA.

  • A southwest-looking astronaut photograph of south-central Turkey and northwest Syria. The coastlines of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel are visible along the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The island of Cyprus can be seen off the Turkish and Syrian coasts. Photo courtesy of NASA.

    A southwest-looking astronaut photograph of south-central Turkey and northwest Syria. The coastlines of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel are visible along the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The island of Cyprus can be seen off the Turkish and Syrian coasts. Photo courtesy of NASA.

  • Cyprus hosts a strong arts and crafts culture, and markets are an integral part of traditional Mediterranean life. Visitors will find a variety of local items, including spices, lace, ceramics, and embroidery.

    Cyprus hosts a strong arts and crafts culture, and markets are an integral part of traditional Mediterranean life. Visitors will find a variety of local items, including spices, lace, ceramics, and embroidery.

  • Cyprus landscape looking north to the Troodos Mountains.

    Cyprus landscape looking north to the Troodos Mountains.

  • The Machairas Monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was founded at the end of the 12th century near the village of Lazanias, about 40 km (25 mi) from Nicosia, Cyprus.

    The Machairas Monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was founded at the end of the 12th century near the village of Lazanias, about 40 km (25 mi) from Nicosia, Cyprus.

  • Although part of the Bellapais Abbey in Cyprus is in ruins, portions remain in use for religious services, concerts, and as a romantic setting for weddings. Shown here is the still-very-much-intact refectory.

    Although part of the Bellapais Abbey in Cyprus is in ruins, portions remain in use for religious services, concerts, and as a romantic setting for weddings. Shown here is the still-very-much-intact refectory.

  • Ancient icons in Cyprus.

    Ancient icons in Cyprus.

  • Landscape view looking toward the city of Limassol, Cyprus.

    Landscape view looking toward the city of Limassol, Cyprus.

  • The earliest archeological finds at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus, date to the 11th century B.C. The amphitheater in the distance is from later Roman times.

    The earliest archeological finds at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus, date to the 11th century B.C. The amphitheater in the distance is from later Roman times.

  • The amphitheater at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus, dates to Roman times.

    The amphitheater at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus, dates to Roman times.

  • The amphitheater at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus, dates to Roman times.

    The amphitheater at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus, dates to Roman times.

  • The ruins of the Roman gymnasium at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus.

    The ruins of the Roman gymnasium at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus.

  • Another view of the Roman gymnasium columns at Salamis, Cyprus.

    Another view of the Roman gymnasium columns at Salamis, Cyprus.

  • The Roman public pool at Salamis, Cyprus. The statues were collected from throughout the site and placed in the pool at a later date.

    The Roman public pool at Salamis, Cyprus. The statues were collected from throughout the site and placed in the pool at a later date.

  • Headless statue of a male notable at the Roman public pool at Salamis, Cyprus.

    Headless statue of a male notable at the Roman public pool at Salamis, Cyprus.

  • Walkway within the ruins at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus.

    Walkway within the ruins at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus.

  • The Pyramus and Thisbe mosaic from the House of Dionysos at the Archeological Park at Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus.

    The Pyramus and Thisbe mosaic from the House of Dionysos at the Archeological Park at Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus.

  • Pictured is a peacock mosaic in the House of Dionysos at the Paphos Archeological Park located in southwest Cyprus. Four large Roman villas have been discovered at the park: the House of Dionysos, the House of Aion, the House of Theseus, and the House of Orpheus, all of which have well-preserved mosaic floors.

    Pictured is a peacock mosaic in the House of Dionysos at the Paphos Archeological Park located in southwest Cyprus. Four large Roman villas have been discovered at the park: the House of Dionysos, the House of Aion, the House of Theseus, and the House of Orpheus, all of which have well-preserved mosaic floors.

  • The Apollo and Daphne mosaic in the House of Dionysos at the Archeological Park at Paphos, Cyprus. The seated figure is Peneus, the father of Daphne.

    The Apollo and Daphne mosaic in the House of Dionysos at the Archeological Park at Paphos, Cyprus. The seated figure is Peneus, the father of Daphne.

  • Part of "The Four Seasons" mosaic in the House of Dionysos at the Archeological Park at Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus.

    Part of "The Four Seasons" mosaic in the House of Dionysos at the Archeological Park at Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus.

  • Remains of vaults at the church at Saint Hilarion Castle in the Kyrenia Mountains of Northern Cyprus.

    Remains of vaults at the church at Saint Hilarion Castle in the Kyrenia Mountains of Northern Cyprus.

  • Kyrenia ("Girne" in Turkish) is a city on the northern coast of Cyprus. A market center and seaside resort, its horseshoe-shaped harbor is flanked by a 12th-century castle fortress.

    Kyrenia ("Girne" in Turkish) is a city on the northern coast of Cyprus. A market center and seaside resort, its horseshoe-shaped harbor is flanked by a 12th-century castle fortress.

  • Ledra Street is in the middle of Cyprus's divided capital city of Nicosia. Now a busy shopping center, it has figured prominently in its nation’s history as the site of several battles. At 1 km (0.6 mi) long, it hosts part of the buffer zone established along the ceasefire line that separates the northern Turkish-controlled part of the island from the south.

    Ledra Street is in the middle of Cyprus's divided capital city of Nicosia. Now a busy shopping center, it has figured prominently in its nation’s history as the site of several battles. At 1 km (0.6 mi) long, it hosts part of the buffer zone established along the ceasefire line that separates the northern Turkish-controlled part of the island from the south.

  • Bellapais Abbey is the partial ruin of a 13th-century monastery on the northern side of the small village of Bellapais in Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus, about 5 km (3 mi) from the town of Kyrenia. Portions of the site remain in use for religious services, concerts, and weddings.

    Bellapais Abbey is the partial ruin of a 13th-century monastery on the northern side of the small village of Bellapais in Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus, about 5 km (3 mi) from the town of Kyrenia. Portions of the site remain in use for religious services, concerts, and weddings.

  • The Selimiye Mosque in North Nicosia, Cyprus -- historically known as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia or Ayasofya Mosque -- is a former Christian cathedral that now functions as the main mosque of the city, with a capacity of 2500 worshippers. It is the largest surviving historical building in Nicosia.

    The Selimiye Mosque in North Nicosia, Cyprus -- historically known as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia or Ayasofya Mosque -- is a former Christian cathedral that now functions as the main mosque of the city, with a capacity of 2500 worshippers. It is the largest surviving historical building in Nicosia.

  • The Venetian Walls are a series of defensive walls surrounding Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. The first city walls were built in the Middle Ages; they were completely rebuilt in the mid-16th century by the Republic of Venice. Largely intact, they have a a circumference of 5 km (3 mi) and are among the best-preserved Renaissance fortifications in the Eastern Mediterranean. Shown is the Famagusta Gate, the chief gate in the walls.

    The Venetian Walls are a series of defensive walls surrounding Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. The first city walls were built in the Middle Ages; they were completely rebuilt in the mid-16th century by the Republic of Venice. Largely intact, they have a a circumference of 5 km (3 mi) and are among the best-preserved Renaissance fortifications in the Eastern Mediterranean. Shown is the Famagusta Gate, the chief gate in the walls.

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  • The Levant, the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is vividly displayed on this satellite image. Cyprus's distinctive shape points to the Gulf of Iskenderun in southern Turkey. Other Levant countries in a clockwise direction are Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt. Snow appears clearly in the mountains of Turkey (top) and Lebanon (center) and in thin strips in between in the highlands of Syria. Photo courtesy of NASA.
  • Satellite view of Cyprus on a cloudless day. Image courtesy of NASA.
  • A southwest-looking astronaut photograph of south-central Turkey and northwest Syria. The coastlines of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel are visible along the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The island of Cyprus can be seen off the Turkish and Syrian coasts. Photo courtesy of NASA.
  • Cyprus hosts a strong arts and crafts culture, and markets are an integral part of traditional Mediterranean life. Visitors will find a variety of local items, including spices, lace, ceramics, and embroidery.
  • Cyprus landscape looking north to the Troodos Mountains.
  • The Machairas Monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was founded at the end of the 12th century near the village of Lazanias, about 40 km (25 mi) from Nicosia, Cyprus.
  • Although part of the Bellapais Abbey in Cyprus is in ruins, portions remain in use for religious services, concerts, and as a romantic setting for weddings. Shown here is the still-very-much-intact refectory.
  • Ancient icons in Cyprus.
  • Landscape view looking toward the city of Limassol, Cyprus.
  • The earliest archeological finds at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus, date to the 11th century B.C. The amphitheater in the distance is from later Roman times.
  • The amphitheater at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus, dates to Roman times.
  • The amphitheater at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus, dates to Roman times.
  • The ruins of the Roman gymnasium at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus.
  • Another view of the Roman gymnasium columns at Salamis, Cyprus.
  • The Roman public pool at Salamis, Cyprus. The statues were collected from throughout the site and placed in the pool at a later date.
  • Headless statue of a male notable at the Roman public pool at Salamis, Cyprus.
  • Walkway within the ruins at Salamis, on the east coast of Cyprus.
  • The Pyramus and Thisbe mosaic from the House of Dionysos at the Archeological Park at Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus.
  • Pictured is a peacock mosaic in the House of Dionysos at the Paphos Archeological Park located in southwest Cyprus. Four large Roman villas have been discovered at the park: the House of Dionysos, the House of Aion, the House of Theseus, and the House of Orpheus, all of which have well-preserved mosaic floors.
  • The Apollo and Daphne mosaic in the House of Dionysos at the Archeological Park at Paphos, Cyprus. The seated figure is Peneus, the father of Daphne.
  • Part of "The Four Seasons" mosaic in the House of Dionysos at the Archeological Park at Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus.
  • Remains of vaults at the church at Saint Hilarion Castle in the Kyrenia Mountains of Northern Cyprus.
  • Kyrenia ("Girne" in Turkish) is a city on the northern coast of Cyprus. A market center and seaside resort, its horseshoe-shaped harbor is flanked by a 12th-century castle fortress.
  • Ledra Street is in the middle of Cyprus's divided capital city of Nicosia. Now a busy shopping center, it has figured prominently in its nation’s history as the site of several battles. At 1 km (0.6 mi) long, it hosts part of the buffer zone established along the ceasefire line that separates the northern Turkish-controlled part of the island from the south.
  • Bellapais Abbey is the partial ruin of a 13th-century monastery on the northern side of the small village of Bellapais in Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus, about 5 km (3 mi) from the town of Kyrenia. Portions of the site remain in use for religious services, concerts, and weddings.
  • The Selimiye Mosque in North Nicosia, Cyprus -- historically known as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia or Ayasofya Mosque -- is a former Christian cathedral that now functions as the main mosque of the city, with a capacity of 2500 worshippers. It is the largest surviving historical building in Nicosia.
  • The Venetian Walls are a series of defensive walls surrounding Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. The first city walls were built in the Middle Ages; they were completely rebuilt in the mid-16th century by the Republic of Venice. Largely intact, they have a a circumference of 5 km (3 mi) and are among the best-preserved Renaissance fortifications in the Eastern Mediterranean. Shown is the Famagusta Gate, the chief gate in the walls.

Cyprus Factbook Data

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Julie D. FISHER (since 21 February 2023)

embassy: Metochiou and Ploutarchou Street, 2407, Engomi, Nicosia

mailing address: 5450 Nicosia Place, Washington DC  20521-5450

telephone: [357] (22) 393939

FAX: [357] (22) 780944

email address and website:
ACSNicosia@state.gov

https://cy.usembassy.gov/

Age structure

0-14 years: 15.6% (male 105,533/female 100,099)

15-64 years: 70% (male 486,569/female 437,651)

65 years and over: 14.4% (2024 est.) (male 83,094/female 107,579)
2023 population pyramid
This is the population pyramid for Cyprus. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

Geographic coordinates

35 00 N, 33 00 E

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Heliports

69 (2024)

Natural hazards

moderate earthquake activity; droughts

People - note

demographic data for Cyprus represent the population of the government-controlled area and the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, unless otherwise indicated

Area - comparative

about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut
Area comparison map

about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut

Military service age and obligation

Cypriot National Guard (CNG): 18-50 years of age for compulsory military service for all Greek Cypriot males; 17 years of age for voluntary service; 14-month service obligation (2023)

note: the CNG accepts all foreign nationals of at least partial Cypriot descent under age 32 as volunteers; dual citizenship Cypriot origin citizens, who were born in Cyprus or abroad, have the obligation to serve in the CNG on repatriation, regardless of whether or not they possess a foreign citizenship; a person is considered as having Cypriot origin where a grandparent or parent was/is a Cypriot citizen

Background

A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960 after years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued and forced most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek Government-sponsored attempt to overthrow the elected president of Cyprus was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot administered area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC), but it is recognized only by Turkey. A UN-mediated agreement to reunite Cyprus, the Annan Plan, failed to win approval from both communities in 2004. The most recent round of reunification negotiations was suspended in 2017 after failure to achieve a breakthrough.

The entire island joined the EU in 2004, although the EU acquis -- the body of common rights and obligations -- applies only to the areas under the internationally recognized government and is suspended in the TRNC. However, individual Turkish Cypriots able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus citizenship have the same legal rights accorded to citizens of other EU states.

Environment - current issues

water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution from sewage, industrial wastes, and pesticides; coastal degradation; erosion; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization

Environment - international agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Population below poverty line

13.9% (2021 est.)

note: % of population with income below national poverty line

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 3.5% (2021 est.)

highest 10%: 25.7% (2021 est.)

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Exports - commodities

ships, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, cheese, scented mixtures (2022)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Exports - partners

Hong Kong 10%, Greece 10%, Lebanon 7%, UK 6%, Liberia 5% (2022)

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Administrative divisions

6 districts; Ammochostos (Famagusta; all but a small part located in the Turkish Cypriot community), Keryneia (Kyrenia; the only district located entirely in the Turkish Cypriot community), Larnaka (Larnaca; with a small part located in the Turkish Cypriot community), Lefkosia (Nicosia; a small part administered by Turkish Cypriots), Lemesos (Limassol), Pafos (Paphos); note - the 5 "districts" of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" are Gazimagusa (Famagusta), Girne (Kyrenia), Guzelyurt (Morphou), Iskele (Trikomo), Lefkosa (Nicosia)

Agricultural products

milk, potatoes, sheep milk, pork, goat milk, wheat, chicken, barley, grapes, olives (2022)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Military and security forces

Republic of Cyprus: Cypriot National Guard (Ethniki Froura, EF; includes Army Land Forces, Naval Command, Air Command) (2024)

Budget

revenues: $11.644 billion (2022 est.)

expenditures: $10.765 billion (2022 est.)

note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Capital

name: Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkosa)

geographic coordinates: 35 10 N, 33 22 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

etymology: a mispronunciation of the city's Greek name Lefkosia and its Turkish name Lefkosa, both of which mean "White City"; the Greek name may derive from the Greek phrase "leuke ousia" ("white estate")

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, ships, cars, packaged medicine, garments (2022)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Climate

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Coastline

648 km

Constitution

history: ratified 16 August 1960; note - in 1963, the constitution was partly suspended as Turkish Cypriots withdrew from the government; Turkish-held territory in 1983 was declared the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"); in 1985, the "TRNC" approved its own constitution

amendments: constitution of the Republic of Cyprus - proposed by the House of Representatives; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership of the "Greek Community" and the "Turkish Community"; however, all seats of Turkish Cypriot members have remained vacant since 1964; amended many times, last in 2020;
constitution of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” - proposed by at least 10 members of the "Assembly of the Republic"; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total Assembly membership and approval by referendum; amended 2014

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar -

Exchange rates:
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
0.893 (2019 est.)

Executive branch

chief of state: President Nikos CHRISTODOULIDIS (since 28 February 2023)

head of government: President Nikos CHRISTODOULIDIS (since 28 February 2023)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - under the 1960 constitution, 3 of the ministerial posts reserved for Turkish Cypriots, appointed by the vice president; positions currently filled by Greek Cypriots

elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (limited to 2 consecutive terms); election last held on held 5 February 2023 with a runoff on 12 February 2023 (next to be held in 2028)

election results:
2023: Nikos CHRISTODOULIDIS elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Nikos CHRISTODOULIDIS (independent) 32%, Andreas MAVROGIANNIS (independent) 29.6%, Averof NEOFYTOU (DISY) 26.1%, Christos CHRISTOU (ELAM) 6%, other 6.3%; percent of vote in second round - Nikos CHRISTODOULIDS 52%, Andreas MAVROGIANNIS 48%

2018: Nikos ANASTASIADIS reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Nikos ANASTASIADIS (DISY) 35.5%, Stavros MALAS (AKEL) 30.2%, Nicolas PAPADOPOULOS (DIKO) 25.7%, other 8.6%; percent of vote in second round - Nikos ANASTASIADIS 56%, Stavros MALAS 44%

note: vice presidency reserved for a Turkish Cypriot, but the post has been vacant since 1974 because Turkish Cypriots do not participate in the Republic of Cyprus Government

Flag description

centered on a white field is a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the island has long been famous for its copper deposits) above two olive-green-colored, crossed olive branches; the branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities

note: one of only two national flags that uses a map as a design element; the flag of Kosovo is the other

note: the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag retains the white field of the Cyprus national flag but displays narrow horizontal red stripes positioned a small distance from the top and bottom edges between which are centered a red crescent and a red five-pointed star; the banner is modeled after the Turkish national flag but with the colors reversed

Illicit drugs

the ROC financial system is vulnerable to money laundering by domestic and foreign criminals; proceeds generated by illicit activity abroad pose a greater threat; primary sources of illicit proceeds are investment fraud, corruption, advance fee fraud, tax evasion, illegal drugs, and tobacco smuggling. Additionally, cybercrime, especially phishing, e-mail hacking, and ransomware use, continues to increase. Criminals have reportedly used ROC banks to launder proceeds, particularly from Russian and Ukrainian illicit activity.

 

Independence

16 August 1960 (from the UK); note - Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but these proclamations are recognized only by Turkey

Industries

tourism, food and beverage processing, cement and gypsum, ship repair and refurbishment, textiles, light chemicals, metal products, wood, paper, stone and clay products

note: area administered by Turkish Cypriots - foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, ship repair, clay, gypsum, copper, furniture

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Supreme Court of Cyprus (consists of 13 judges, including the court president); note - the highest court in the "TRNC" is the "Supreme Court" (consists of 8 "judges," including the "court president")

judge selection and term of office: Republic of Cyprus Supreme Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon the recommendation of the Supreme Court judges; judges can serve until age 68; "TRNC Supreme Court" judges appointed by the "Supreme Council of Judicature," a 12-member body of judges, the attorney general, appointees by the president of the "TRNC," and by the "Legislative Assembly," and members elected by the bar association; judge tenure NA

subordinate courts: Republic of Cyprus district courts; Assize Courts; Administrative Court; specialized courts for issues relating to family, industrial disputes, the military, and rent control; "TRNC Assize Courts"; "district and family courts"

Land boundaries

total: 156 km

border sovereign base areas: Akrotiri 48 km; Dhekelia 108 km

Land use

agricultural land: 13.4% (2018 est.)

arable land: 9.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 3.2% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0.4% (2018 est.)

forest: 18.8% (2018 est.)

other: 67.8% (2018 est.)

Legal system

mixed legal system of English common law and civil law with European law supremacy

Legislative branch

description: area under government control: unicameral House of Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56 assigned to Greek Cypriots, 24 to Turkish Cypriots, but only those assigned to Greek Cypriots are filled; members directly elected by both proportional representation and preferential vote; members serve 5-year terms; note - 3 seats each are reserved for the Latin, Maronite, and Armenian religious groups;
area administered by Turkish Cypriots: unicameral "Assembly of the Republic" or Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote using a hybrid d'Hondt method with voter preference for individual candidates

elections: area under government control; last held on 30 May 2021 (next to be held in 2026); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: last held on 23 January 2022 (next to be held in 2027)

election results:
area under government control: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - DISY 27.8%, AKEL 22.3%, DIKO 11.3%, ELAM 6.8%, EDEK-SP 6.7%, DIPA 6.1%, Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Cooperation 4.4%, other 14.6%; seats by party/coalition - DISY 17, AKEL 15, DIKO 9, ELAM 4, EDEK-SP 4, DIPA 4, Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Cooperation 3; composition - men 48, women 8, percent of women 14.3%

area administered by Turkish Cypriots - "Assembly of the Republic" - percent of vote by party - UBP 39.5%, CTP 32%, DP 7.4%, HP 6.7%, YDP 6.4%, other 8%; seats by party - UBP 24, CTP 18, DP 3, HP 3, YDP 2; composition NA

note: the area of Cyprus that Turkish Cypriots administer has a separate unicameral Assembly of the Republic, or Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats); members are directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.6%

female: 99.2% (2021)

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

International organization participation

Australia Group, C, CD, CE, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

National holiday

Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as "Republic Day"

Nationality

noun: Cypriot(s)

adjective: Cypriot

Natural resources

copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment

Geography - note

the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia); several small Cypriot enclaves exist within the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area

Economic overview

services-based, high-income EU island economy; heavy tourism; sustained growth between recovery of national banking system and COVID-19 trade restrictions; high living standards; a known financial hub, its stock exchange functions as an investment bridge between EU-and EEU-member countries

note: Even though the whole of the island is part of the EU, implementation of the EU "acquis communautaire" has been suspended in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, known locally as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, until political conditions permit the reunification of the island. Its market-based economy is roughly one-fifth the size of its southern neighbor and is likewise dominated by the service sector with a large portion of the population employed by the government. Manufacturing is limited mainly to food and beverages, furniture and fixtures, construction materials, metal and non-metal products, textiles and clothing. Little trade exists with the Republic of Cyprus outside of construction, historically relying heavily upon Turkey for financial aid, defense, telecommunications, utilities, and postal services. The Turkish Lira is the preferred currency, though foreign currencies are widely accepted in business transactions.

Political parties

area under government control:
Democratic Front or DIPA 
Democratic Party or DIKO
Democratic Rally or DISY
Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Alliance 
Movement of Social Democrats EDEK
National Popular Front or ELAM 
Progressive Party of the Working People or AKEL (Communist Party) 
Solidarity Movement

area administered by Turkish Cypriots:
Communal Democracy Party or TDP
Communal Liberation Party - New Forces or TKP-YG
Cyprus Socialist Party or KSP
Democratic Party or DP
National Democratic Party or NDP
National Unity Party or UBP 
New Cyprus Party or YKP
People's Party or HP 
Rebirth Party or YDP
Republican Turkish Party or CTP
United Cyprus Party or BKP

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Telecommunication systems

general assessment: Cyprus suffered from the effects of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when the tourism sector was essentially closed; during 2022, there were adverse effects caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in a dramatic drop in the number of Russian tourists entering the country; the mobile market is served by four mobile network operators; the number of mobile subscribers fell in 2020, largely the result of subscribers scaling back on multiple SIM cards as an economic measure; the broadband market continues to develop steadily, providing the country with one of the highest broadband penetration rates in the region; DSL remains the dominant access platform, accounting for about two-thirds of fixed broadband connections; although fiber infrastructure in Cyprus is minimal (supported by the government and regulator) to extend an FttP service to about 200,000 premises; as a result, the number of DSL subscribers is set to fall steadily in coming years as customers are migrated to the fiber platform (2023)

domestic: fixed-line about 34 per 100 and about 149 per 100 for mobile-cellular teledensity (2021)

international: country code - 357 (area administered by Turkish Cypriots uses the country code of Turkey - 90); a number of submarine cables, including the SEA-ME-WE-3, CADMOS, MedNautilus Submarine System, POSEIDON, TE North/TGN-Eurasia/SEACOM/Alexandros/Medes, UGARIT, Aphrodite2, Hawk, Lev Submarine System, and Tamares combine to provide connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Southeast Asia; Turcyos-1 and Turcyos-2 submarine cable in Turkish North Cyprus link to Turkey; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 8 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat) (2019)

Terrain

central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast

Government type

Republic of Cyprus - presidential republic; self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC) - parliamentary republic with enhanced presidency

note: a separation of the two main ethnic communities inhabiting the island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separation was further solidified when a Greek military-junta-supported coup attempt prompted the Turkish military intervention in July 1974 that gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized government on the island; on 15 November 1983, then Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf DENKTAS declared independence and the formation of the "TRNC,” which is recognized only by Turkey

Country name

conventional long form: Republic of Cyprus

conventional short form: Cyprus

local long form: Kypriaki Dimokratia (Greek)/ Kibris Cumhuriyeti (Turkish)

local short form: Kypros (Greek)/ Kibris (Turkish)

etymology: the derivation of the name "Cyprus" is unknown, but the extensive mining of copper metal on the island in antiquity gave rise to the Latin word "cuprum" for copper

note: the Turkish Cypriot community, which administers the northern part of the island, refers to itself as the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" or "TRNC" ("Kuzey Kibris Turk Cumhuriyeti" or "KKTC")

Location

Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey; note - Cyprus views itself as part of Europe; geopolitically, it can be classified as falling within Europe, the Middle East, or both

Map references

Middle East

Irrigated land

268 sq km (2020)

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Evangelos SAVVA (since 15 September 2023)

chancery: 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-5772

FAX: [1] (202) 483-6710

email address and website:
info@cyprusembassy.net

https://www.cyprusembassy.net/

consulate(s) general: New York

honorary consulate(s): Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Kirkland (WA), Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Francisco

Internet country code

.cy

Refugees and internally displaced persons

refugees (country of origin): 10,869 (Syria) (mid-year 2022); 17,270 (Ukraine) (as of 11 February 2024)

IDPs: 246,000 (both Turkish and Greek Cypriots; many displaced since 1974) (2022)

stateless persons: 74 (2022)

note: 55,098 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-August 2023)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$32.23 billion (2023 est.)

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Credit ratings

Fitch rating: BBB- (2018)

Moody's rating: Ba2 (2018)

Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2018)

note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.

Total renewable water resources

780 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 16 years (2020)

Urbanization

urban population: 67% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 0.76% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
total population growth rate v. urban population growth rate, 2000-2030

Broadcast media

mixture of state and privately run TV and radio services; the public broadcaster operates 2 TV channels and 4 radio stations; 6 private TV broadcasters, satellite and cable TV services including telecasts from Greece and Turkey, and a number of private radio stations are available; in areas administered by Turkish Cypriots, there are 2 public TV stations, 4 public radio stations, and 7 privately owned TV and 21 radio broadcast stations plus 6 radio and 4 TV channels of local universities, plus 1 radio station of military, security forces and 1 radio station of civil defense cooperation, as well as relay stations from Turkey (2019)

Drinking water source

improved: urban: 99.7% of population

rural: 99.8% of population

total: 99.8% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.3% of population

rural: 0.2% of population

total: 0.2% of population (2020 est.)

National anthem

name: "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Liberty)

lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS

note: adopted 1960; Cyprus adopted the Greek national anthem as its own; the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus uses the anthem of Turkey

Major urban areas - population

269,000 NICOSIA (capital) (2018)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Physician density

3.14 physicians/1,000 population (2019)

Hospital bed density

3.4 beds/1,000 population (2017)

National symbol(s)

Cypriot mouflon (wild sheep), white dove; national colors: blue, white

Mother's mean age at first birth

30 years (2020 est.)

note: data represents only government-controlled areas

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 59.9% (2023 est.)

government consumption: 19.1% (2023 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 22.1% (2023 est.)

investment in inventories: -0.2% (2023 est.)

exports of goods and services: 89.4% (2023 est.)

imports of goods and services: -90.3% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 43.8

youth dependency ratio: 23

elderly dependency ratio: 20.8

potential support ratio: 4.8 (2021 est.)

note: data represent the whole country

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Cyprus

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years

Population distribution

population concentrated in central Nicosia and in the major cities of the south: Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

National air transport system

number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 401,408 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 20,000 (2018) mt-km

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

5B

Sanitation facility access

improved: urban: 99.7% of population

rural: 98.8% of population

total: 99.4% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.3% of population

rural: 1.2% of population

total: 0.6% of population (2020 est.)

Ethnic groups

Greek 98.8%, other 1% (includes Maronite, Armenian, Turkish-Cypriot), unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.)

note: data represent only the Greek-Cypriot citizens in the Republic of Cyprus

Religions

Eastern Orthodox Christian 89.1%, Roman Catholic 2.9%, Protestant/Anglican 2%, Muslim 1.8%, Buddhist 1%, other (includes Maronite Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, Hindu) 1.4%, unknown 1.1%, none/atheist 0.6% (2011 est.)

note: data represent only the government-controlled area of Cyprus

Languages

Greek (official) 80.9%, Turkish (official) 0.2%, English 4.1%, Romanian 2.9%, Russian 2.5%, Bulgarian 2.2%, Arabic 1.2%, Filipino 1.1%, other 4.3%, unspecified 0.6%  (2011 est.)

major-language sample(s):
Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

note: data represent only the Republic of Cyprus
Greek audio sample

Imports - partners

Greece 19%, Turkey 12%, Italy 9%, China 9%, Israel 5% (2022)

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Elevation

highest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 91 m

Contraceptive prevalence rate

NA

Current health expenditure

8.1% of GDP (2020)

Military - note

established in 1964, the National Guard (EF) is responsible for ensuring Cyprus’s territorial integrity and sovereignty; its primary focus is Turkey, which invaded Cyprus in 1974 and maintains a large military presence in the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; the majority of the force is deployed along the “Green Line” that separates the Greek Cypriots from the Turkish Cypriots; the EF also participates in some internal missions, such as providing assistance during natural disasters; Greece is its main security partner and maintains about 1,000 troops on Cyprus; the EF has conducted training exercises with other militaries including France, Israel, and the US; since Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, the EF has actively participated in the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy and has sent small numbers of personnel to some EU and missions; Cyprus is also part of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (2024)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 12-15,000 active-duty personnel (2024)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the military's inventory includes a large quantity of Russian and Soviet-era weapons and equipment along with a smaller mix of mostly older Brazilian, European, Israeli, and US armaments; in 2023, Cyprus announced a 5-year modernization program to replace its Russian-made weapon systems with modern equipment from the West; the country had been under an arms embargo by the US since 1987 but the embargo was lifted in 2022 with conditions that require certifying each year (2024)

Total water withdrawal

municipal: 100 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

industrial: 20 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

agricultural: 170 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 541,000 tons (2015 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 72,007 tons (2015 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.3% (2015 est.)

Air pollutants

particulate matter emissions: 14.52 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 6.63 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.86 megatons (2020 est.)

Terrorist group(s)

Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)

note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Paphos; Painted Churches in the Troodos Region; Choirokoitia

Coal

consumption: 53,000 metric tons (2022 est.)

exports: 71.6 metric tons (2022 est.)

imports: 78,000 metric tons (2022 est.)

Electricity generation sources

fossil fuels: 83.3% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

solar: 11.5% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

wind: 4.3% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2022 est.)

Petroleum

refined petroleum consumption: 45,000 bbl/day (2022 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.73 (2024 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

54.5% (2023 est.)

Remittances

1.86% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.79% of GDP (2022 est.)
2.13% of GDP (2021 est.)

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Geoparks

total global geoparks and regional networks: 1

global geoparks and regional networks: Troodos (2023)

Ports

total ports: 6 (2024)

large: 0

medium: 0

small: 3

very small: 3

ports with oil terminals: 4

key ports: Dhekelia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Xeros

Labor force

693,000 (2023 est.)

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total: 17.5% (2023 est.)

male: 19.6% (2023 est.)

female: 15.1% (2023 est.)

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Net migration rate

6.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Median age

total: 39.5 years (2024 est.)

male: 38.2 years

female: 41 years

Debt - external

(2019)

Maternal mortality ratio

68 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$1.789 billion (2023 est.)
$1.671 billion (2022 est.)
$1.611 billion (2021 est.)

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Public debt

97.5% of GDP (2017 est.)

note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment

Total fertility rate

1.49 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Military expenditures

1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.8% of GDP (2022)
1.8% of GDP (2021)
1.8% of GDP (2020)
1.6% of GDP (2019)

Unemployment rate

5.96% (2023 est.)
6.81% (2022 est.)
7.51% (2021 est.)

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Population

total: 1,320,525

male: 675,196

female: 645,329 (2024 est.)

Internet users

total: 809,900 (2021 est.)

percent of population: 91% (2021 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions

6.713 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 118,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 6.595 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2022 est.)

Area

total : 9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus)

land: 9,241 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Taxes and other revenues

24.71% (of GDP) (2022 est.)

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$46.976 billion (2023 est.)
$45.845 billion (2022 est.)
$43.637 billion (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Roadways

total: 13,027 km (2022)

Turkish Cypriot control: 7,000 km (2011)

Airports

13 (2024)

Infant mortality rate

total: 8.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

male: 9.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 1.392 million (2022 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 149 (2021 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

31.3 (2021 est.)

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.54% (2023 est.)
8.4% (2022 est.)
2.45% (2021 est.)

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

Current account balance

-$3.886 billion (2023 est.)
-$2.357 billion (2022 est.)
-$1.812 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Real GDP per capita

$50,600 (2023 est.)
$50,200 (2022 est.)
$48,500 (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

total: 332,080 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 37 (2020 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 35.1% (2020 est.)

male: 47% (2020 est.)

female: 23.2% (2020 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

21.8% (2016)

Energy consumption per capita

106.317 million Btu/person (2022 est.)

Death rate

7 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Birth rate

10.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Electricity

installed generating capacity: 2.145 million kW (2022 est.)

consumption: 5.024 billion kWh (2022 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 236.617 million kWh (2022 est.)

Merchant marine

total: 1,005 (2023)

by type: bulk carrier 243, container ship 154, general cargo 211, oil tanker 47, other 350

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

NA

Imports

$29.091 billion (2023 est.)
$27.658 billion (2022 est.)
$25.164 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports

$28.808 billion (2023 est.)
$27.72 billion (2022 est.)
$26.303 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 297,000 (2022 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 34 (2021 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita

total: 9.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

beer: 2.85 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

wine: 2.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

spirits: 4.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 80.2 years (2024 est.)

male: 77.4 years

female: 83.1 years

Real GDP growth rate

2.47% (2023 est.)
5.06% (2022 est.)
9.91% (2021 est.)

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Industrial production growth rate

3.16% (2023 est.)

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 1.6% (2023 est.)

industry: 12.2% (2023 est.)

services: 74% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

Revenue from forest resources

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from coal

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

6.1% of GDP (2020 est.)

Population growth rate

0.95% (2024 est.)
Sources: