Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Cyprus
CapitalNicosia
Population1,370,754
GDP$41.2bn
Area9,234 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2017, 2004, 1983, 1974The 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.
Geography
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
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
land: 9,241 sq km
water: 10 sq km
Area - comparative
about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut
Land boundaries
total: 156 km
border sovereign base areas: Akrotiri 48 km; Dhekelia 108 km
border sovereign base areas: Akrotiri 48 km; Dhekelia 108 km
Coastline
648 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters
Terrain
central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast
Elevation
highest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 91 m
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 91 m
Natural resources
copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment
Land use
agricultural land: 13.3% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 10.3% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.8% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.2% (2022 est.)
forest: 18.7% (2022 est.)
other: 68% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 10.3% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.8% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.2% (2022 est.)
forest: 18.7% (2022 est.)
other: 68% (2022 est.)
Irrigated land
269 sq km (2020)
Reference: 2020Population distribution
population concentrated in central Nicosia and in the major cities of the south: Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca
Natural hazards
moderate earthquake activity; droughts
Geography - note
the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia)
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Cypriot(s)
adjective: Cypriot
adjective: Cypriot
Ethnic groups
Greek 98.8%, other 1% (includes Maronite, Armenian, Turkish-Cypriot), unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.)
note: note: data represent only the Greek-Cypriot citizens in the Republic of Cyprus
Reference: 2011note: note: data represent only the Greek-Cypriot citizens in the Republic of Cyprus
Languages
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: note: data represent only the Republic of Cyprus
Reference: 2011major-language sample(s): Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: data represent only 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: note: data represent only the government-controlled area of Cyprus
Reference: 2011note: note: data represent only the government-controlled area of Cyprus
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)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 70% (male 486,569/female 437,651)
65 years and over: 14.4% (2024 est.) (male 83,094/female 107,579)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 42.9 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 22.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 20.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.8 (2024 est.)
note: note: data represent the whole country
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 22.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 20.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.8 (2024 est.)
note: note: data represent the whole country
Median age
total: 39.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 38.2 years
female: 41 years
Reference: 2024male: 38.2 years
female: 41 years
Population growth rate
0.95% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
10.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
7 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
population concentrated in central Nicosia and in the major cities of the south: Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca
Major urban areas - population
269,000 NICOSIA (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
30 years (2020 est.)
note: note: data represents only government-controlled areas
Reference: 2020note: note: data represents only government-controlled areas
Maternal mortality ratio
14 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.73 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 18.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 18.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.56 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
2.2 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21.8% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
Tobacco use
total: 33.1% (2025 est.)
male: 44.1% (2025 est.)
female: 22.2% (2025 est.)
male: 44.1% (2025 est.)
female: 22.2% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2022 est.)
male: 16 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 16 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
People - note
demographic data for Cyprus represent the population of the government-controlled area and the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, unless otherwise indicated
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 73,303 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 244,944 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 130 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 244,944 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 130 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
No approved office-holder timeline imported yet.
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 Greek name for the island is Kupros, which is probably derived from the Sumerian kabar, meaning "copper" or "bronze;" copper mines were located on the island in antiquity
note: 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")
conventional short form: Cyprus
local long form: Kypriaki Dimokratia (Greek)/ Kibris Cumhuriyeti (Turkish)
local short form: Kypros (Greek)/ Kibris (Turkish)
etymology: the Greek name for the island is Kupros, which is probably derived from the Sumerian kabar, meaning "copper" or "bronze;" copper mines were located on the island in antiquity
note: 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")
Government type
Republic of Cyprus - presidential republic; self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC) - parliamentary republic with enhanced presidency
note: 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
Reference: 1983, 1974, 1963note: 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
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: may have been named after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory; the Greek name for the city, Lefkosia, and the Turkish name, Lefkosa, both mean "White City"
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: may have been named after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory; the Greek name for the city, Lefkosia, and the Turkish name, Lefkosa, both mean "White City"
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: note: the 5 "districts" of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" are Gazimagusa (Famagusta), Girne (Kyrenia), Guzelyurt (Morphou), Iskele (Trikomo), Lefkosa (Nicosia)
note: note: the 5 "districts" of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" are Gazimagusa (Famagusta), Girne (Kyrenia), Guzelyurt (Morphou), Iskele (Trikomo), Lefkosa (Nicosia)
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and civil law, with European law supremacy
Constitution
history: ratified 16 August 1960
amendment process: 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
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
note: 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
Reference: 1985, 1983, 1964, 1963amendment process: 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
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
note: 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
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Cyprus
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
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
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (limited to 2 consecutive terms)
most recent election date: 5 February 2023, with a runoff on 12 February 2023
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%
expected date of next election: 2028
note: note 1: 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
note 2: under the 1960 constitution, 3 ministerial posts are reserved for Turkish Cypriots, appointed by the vice president, but Greek Cypriots currently hold the positions
Reference: 2028, 2023, 2018, 1974head of government: President Nikos CHRISTODOULIDIS (since 28 February 2023)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (limited to 2 consecutive terms)
most recent election date: 5 February 2023, with a runoff on 12 February 2023
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%
expected date of next election: 2028
note: note 1: 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
note 2: under the 1960 constitution, 3 ministerial posts are reserved for Turkish Cypriots, appointed by the vice president, but Greek Cypriots currently hold the positions
Legislative branch
legislature name: House of Representatives (Vouli Antiprosopon)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 80 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 5/30/2021
parties elected and seats per party: Democratic Rally (DISY) (17); Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL) (15); Democratic Party (DIKO) (9); National Popular Front (ELAM) (4); Movement of Social Democrats (EDEK) (4); Democratic Alignment (DIPA) (4); Cyprus Green Party (KOP) (3)
percentage of women in chamber: 14.3%
expected date of next election: May 2026
note: 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
Reference: 2026, 2021legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 80 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 5/30/2021
parties elected and seats per party: Democratic Rally (DISY) (17); Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL) (15); Democratic Party (DIKO) (9); National Popular Front (ELAM) (4); Movement of Social Democrats (EDEK) (4); Democratic Alignment (DIPA) (4); Cyprus Green Party (KOP) (3)
percentage of women in chamber: 14.3%
expected date of next election: May 2026
note: 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
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Cyprus (consists of 13 judges, including the court president)
judge selection and term of office: Republic of Cyprus Supreme Court judges appointed by the president of the republic on 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"; "TNRC district and family courts"
note: 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 on 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"; "TNRC district and family courts"
note: note: the highest court in the TRNC is the Supreme Court (consists of 8 judges, including the court president)
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
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
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
Reference: 2023chancery: 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
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Julie Davis FISHER (since 21 February 2023); note - Ambassador FISHER is temporarily assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine as Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim; she remains fully accredited in Cyprus
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/
Reference: 2023embassy: 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/
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
16 August 1960 (from the UK)
note: note: Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but only Turkey recognizes these proclamations
Reference: 1983, 1975, 1960note: note: Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but only Turkey recognizes these proclamations
National holiday
Independence Day, 1 October (1960)
note: note: Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as "Republic Day"
Reference: 1983, 1960note: note: Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as "Republic Day"
Flag
description: a copper-colored silhouette of the island is centered on a white field above two crossed green olive branches
meaning: the olive branches symbolize hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities
note: note 1: one of two national flags that uses a map as a design element; the flag of Kosovo is the other
note 2: the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag retains the white field of the Cyprus national flag but has narrow horizontal red stripes near the top and bottom edges, with a red crescent and a five-pointed red star between them; the banner is modeled on the Turkish national flag, but with the colors reversed
meaning: the olive branches symbolize hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities
note: note 1: one of two national flags that uses a map as a design element; the flag of Kosovo is the other
note 2: the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag retains the white field of the Cyprus national flag but has narrow horizontal red stripes near the top and bottom edges, with a red crescent and a five-pointed red star between them; the banner is modeled on the Turkish national flag, but with the colors reversed
National symbol(s)
Cypriot mouflon (wild sheep), white dove
National color(s)
blue, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Freedom)
lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS
history: adopted 1966; Cyprus uses the Greek national anthem; the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus uses Turkey's national anthem
Reference: 1966lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS
history: adopted 1966; Cyprus uses the Greek national anthem; the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus uses Turkey's national anthem
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Paphos; Painted Churches in the Troodos Region; Choirokoitia
selected World Heritage Site locales: Paphos; Painted Churches in the Troodos Region; Choirokoitia
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
No approved legislature or election dataset imported yet.
Economy
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: 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.
note: 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.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $50.055 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $48.386 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $47.085 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $48.386 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $47.085 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $53,300 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $52,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $51,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $52,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $51,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.2% (2024 est.)
industry: 10.3% (2024 est.)
services: 76.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 10.3% (2024 est.)
services: 76.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 58.9% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 18.6% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 20.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: -1.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 96.7% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -93.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 18.6% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 20.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: -1.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 96.7% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -93.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, potatoes, sheep milk, pork, goat milk, wheat, chicken, olives, grapes, barley (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
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: note: area administered by Turkish Cypriots - foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, ship repair, clay, gypsum, copper, furniture
note: note: area administered by Turkish Cypriots - foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, ship repair, clay, gypsum, copper, furniture
Industrial production growth rate
4.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
772,300 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 15.6% (2024 est.)
male: 17.4% (2024 est.)
female: 13.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 17.4% (2024 est.)
female: 13.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
13.9% (2021 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2021note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 31.5 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.6% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 26.2% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 26.2% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $14.39 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $13.733 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $13.733 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 97.5% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: 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
Reference: 2017note: 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
Taxes and other revenues
24.1% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$3.05 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$3.831 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.178 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$3.831 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.178 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $35.12 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $32.922 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $32.563 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $32.922 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $32.563 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Libya 14%, Greece 11%, Lebanon 8%, Bermuda 7%, Marshall Islands 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, cheese, scented mixtures (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $33.802 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $32.556 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.486 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $32.556 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.486 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Greece 20%, UK 10%, Italy 7%, Turkey 6%, Spain 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, cars, packaged medicine, coal tar oil (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $2.088 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $1.789 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $1.671 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $1.789 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $1.671 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$3.05 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$3.831 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.178 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$3.831 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$2.178 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $35.12 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $32.922 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $32.563 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $32.922 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $32.563 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Libya 14%, Greece 11%, Lebanon 8%, Bermuda 7%, Marshall Islands 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, cheese, scented mixtures (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $33.802 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $32.556 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.486 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $32.556 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.486 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Greece 20%, UK 10%, Italy 7%, Turkey 6%, Spain 6% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, cars, packaged medicine, coal tar oil (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 2.288 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 5.197 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 146.11 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 5.197 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 146.11 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 79.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 16% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 3.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 16% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 3.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 46,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 71.6 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 22,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022exports: 71.6 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 22,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 45,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 107.188 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 270,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
14 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 18.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 18.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.56 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
2.2 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
21.8% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 33.1% (2025 est.)
male: 44.1% (2025 est.)
female: 22.2% (2025 est.)
male: 44.1% (2025 est.)
female: 22.2% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2022 est.)
male: 16 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 16 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and civil law, with European law supremacy
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Cyprus (consists of 13 judges, including the court president)
judge selection and term of office: Republic of Cyprus Supreme Court judges appointed by the president of the republic on 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"; "TNRC district and family courts"
note: 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 on 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"; "TNRC district and family courts"
note: note: the highest court in the TRNC is the Supreme Court (consists of 8 judges, including the court president)
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Cypriot National Guard (Ethniki Froura, EF): Army, Navy, Air Force (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 12-15,000 active Cypriot National Guard (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory includes mostly Russian and Soviet-era weapons and equipment along with a smaller mix of largely 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)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 1987Military 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: 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
Reference: 2023note: 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
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 primary security partner and maintains a military presence 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
the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has been deployed in Cyprus since 1964; its mandate includes supervising the de facto ceasefire that came into effect in August 1974 and maintaining a buffer zone between the lines of the Cypriot National Guard and of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces; UNFICYP has about 1,100 personnel assigned (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2004, 1974, 1964the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has been deployed in Cyprus since 1964; its mandate includes supervising the de facto ceasefire that came into effect in August 1974 and maintaining a buffer zone between the lines of the Cypriot National Guard and of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces; UNFICYP has about 1,100 personnel assigned (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Reference: 2023chancery: 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
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Julie Davis FISHER (since 21 February 2023); note - Ambassador FISHER is temporarily assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine as Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim; she remains fully accredited in Cyprus
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/
Reference: 2023embassy: 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/
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 73,303 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 244,944 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 130 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 244,944 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 130 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
note: 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
note: 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
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
5B
Airports
14 (2025)
Heliports
68 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 1,005 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 243, container ship 154, general cargo 211, oil tanker 47, other 350
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 243, container ship 154, general cargo 211, oil tanker 47, other 350
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
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 3
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 4
key ports: Dhekelia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Xeros
Environment
Environmental issues
scarce water resources; salination; water pollution from sewage, industrial wastes, and pesticides; coastal degradation; erosion; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization
International environmental 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
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters
Land use
agricultural land: 13.3% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 10.3% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.8% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.2% (2022 est.)
forest: 18.7% (2022 est.)
other: 68% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 10.3% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.8% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0.2% (2022 est.)
forest: 18.7% (2022 est.)
other: 68% (2022 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 67% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.76% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.76% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 6.837 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 100,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 6.737 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 100,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 6.737 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
14.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 769,500 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 17.6% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 17.6% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 112 million cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 17 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 177 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 17 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 177 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
780 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 1
global geoparks and regional networks: Troodos (2023)
Reference: 2023global geoparks and regional networks: Troodos (2023)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 270,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
mix of state and privately run TV and radio; the public broadcaster operates 2 TV channels and 4 radio stations; 6 private TV broadcasters, satellite and cable TV services (including from Greece and Turkey), and a number of private radio stations; in areas administered by Turkish Cypriots, there are 2 public TV stations, 4 public radio stations, 7 privately owned TV stations and 21 privately owned radio stations, 6 radio and 4 TV channels at local universities, 1 military radio station, and 1 radio station for civil defense cooperation, as well as relay stations from Turkey (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.cy
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,237,112 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 1,254,275 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 1,270,737 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 1,286,671 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 1,302,247 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 1,317,309 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 1,331,370 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 1,344,976 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,358,282 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 1,370,754 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $21,046,452,117 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $22,946,583,376 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $25,754,011,492 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $26,196,660,680 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $25,555,082,267 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $30,372,637,513 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $31,218,047,044 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $35,075,440,603 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $37,634,551,821 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $41,225,787,247 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 190,366 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 202,062 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 87,065 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 74,433 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 63,149 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 65,886 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 68,736 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 70,451 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 75,728 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 80,760 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 10,951 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 10,632 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 10,311 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 9,983 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 9,653 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 9,341 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 9,014 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 8,697 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 8,138 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 7,749 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,370,754 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 1,382,335 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 1,120,489 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 202,062 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 14.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 80,760 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 7,749 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 84 | 2001 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 1,855 | 2001 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 15 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 10 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.812 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.782 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.015 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.378 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.886 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.265 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.097 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Yes Legal since 1998; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Yes Civil cohabitation since 2015 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Yes Forbids some discrimination based on gender identity. No No Gender change is not legal. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $41,225,787,247 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $41,783 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 0.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 4.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 81.8 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.4 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 66.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 89.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 97.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 91.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 189.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 98.7% | 2011 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 106.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 4.7% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 3,842 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 15.6% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 8.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 4.1 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 18.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 156.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 37.6 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 221,298 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 35.1676° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 33.3736° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 35.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 33.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:13