#156 in world Europe UN member

Cyprus

Nicosia Europe Southern Europe

Cyprus is a presidential republic located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea within Southern Europe. Current estimates place the population at approximately 1.4 million people, with recent data indicating a high-income economy and a GDP per capita of approximately 41,782 USD.

Where is Cyprus?

Cyprus

Continent
Europe
Country
Cyprus
Coordinates
35.00°, 33.00°

Population Details

Population
1.4M
Area
9,251 km²
Density per km²
150 / km²
Growth rate
+0.98%
Annual growth
+13.6K people
Daily growth
+37.36 people
World population share
0.02%

Population Trend

Historical series from 1960 to 2026

Start 586.5K Latest 1.4M

Population & Social Snapshot

Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Cyprus

Age Distribution

0-14 years 222.6K
15-64 years 960.1K
65+ years 202.5K

Urbanization

66.7% Urban
923.7K
Urban 923.7K
Rural 461.5K

Health & Education Benchmarks

Life Expectancy at Birth +11%
81.8 years
World avg: 74.0 years
Fertility Rate -41%
1.38 births per woman
World avg: 2.35 births per woman
Infant Mortality Rate -78%
4.1 per 1,000 live births
World avg: 18.6 per 1,000 live births
Literacy Rate (Adults) +14%
98.7 % of adults
World avg: 86.9 % of adults
Internet Users +24%
89.6 % of population
World avg: 72.5 % of population

Demographics

Quick Facts

Capital
Nicosia
Region
Europe
Area
9,251 km²
Languages
Greek, Turkish
Currency
euro (€)
Timezones
UTC+02:00
UN Member
Yes

Economy

The economy of Cyprus is characterized by a strong service sector, with an estimated GDP per capita of 41,782 USD and a healthy annual growth rate of 3.9%. The nation currently ranks 42nd globally for GDP per capita and 5th within Southern Europe, reflecting its status as a prosperous European Union member. While the unemployment rate is approximately 4.9%, ranking 102nd globally for lowest unemployment, the economy continues to diversify through maritime shipping, financial services, and emerging energy sectors. Its strategic position makes it a vital hub for trade and logistics between Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Society

Cyprus demonstrates high social development, with a life expectancy at birth of 81.8 years, which ranks 40th globally. The nation has a high literacy rate of 98.7%, the 35th highest globally, supported by significant investment in education and a strong emphasis on tertiary academic achievement. Digital infrastructure is also a priority, with approximately 89.6% of the population using the internet, placing the country 64th in the global internet usage rankings.

Climate & Environment

Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild winters, receiving most of its rainfall between November and March. Inland areas can reach high temperatures during the summer, while the Troodos Mountains, featuring Mount Olympus at 1,951 m (6,401 ft), offer a cooler environment and occasional winter snow.

Government & Politics

Government Type
Presidential republic
Independence
1960-08-16 (UK)

The Republic of Cyprus is a presidential republic where the President serves as both the head of state and the head of government. Under the 1960 constitution, executive power is exercised by the President and a Council of Ministers. The President is elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term. Legislative authority is vested in the House of Representatives, a unicameral body whose members are also elected through popular vote. The political system is characterized by a multi-party structure, with various factions representing a spectrum of social and economic views. A unique aspect of the Cypriot administration is the suspension of seats originally allocated to the Turkish Cypriot community due to the ongoing division of the island. Nicosia serves as the administrative capital and the seat of government. Since 1 May 2004, the republic has been a member of the European Union, and its legal framework is fully aligned with the acquis communautaire.

History

Situated at a strategic crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus has a history spanning over 10,000 years. Early settlement by Mycenaean Greeks influenced the island's cultural identity before it fell under the control of various empires, including the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, and Romans. Following the division of the Roman Empire, Cyprus became part of the Byzantine Empire for several centuries. The island was later seized during the Crusades and eventually came under Ottoman rule in 1571. In 1878, the Ottoman Empire leased the administration of the island to the United Kingdom, which formally annexed Cyprus during World War I. After years of anti-colonial resistance, Cyprus achieved independence from the UK on 16 August 1960. However, post-independence years were marked by intercommunal tension between the Greek and Turkish populations. In 1974, a coup attempt by Greek nationalists was followed by a military intervention from Turkey, leading to the division of the island and the establishment of a United Nations-monitored buffer zone known as the Green Line. Despite this division, the Republic of Cyprus has developed rapidly, joining the European Union in 2004 and adopting the euro in 2008. Modern efforts continue to focus on reunification and regional stability.

Notable Facts

  • The island is the original source of the word copper, derived from the Latin 'cuprum,' reflecting the extensive copper mines that fueled ancient Mediterranean trade.
  • Nicosia remains the only divided capital city in the world, with a United Nations buffer zone separating the northern and southern sectors.
  • The island's highest point is Mount Olympus, which reaches an elevation of 1951 m (6401 ft) in the Troodos Mountains.
  • Cyprus boasts one of the highest literacy rates in the region at 98.68%, supported by a strong emphasis on both public and private higher education.
  • The country features a coastline of 648 km (403 mi) and is home to some of the cleanest swimming waters in Europe, frequently topping regional environmental rankings.

Geography

Highest Point
Mount Olympus (1,951 m)
Lowest Point
Mediterranean Sea (0 m)
Coastline
648 km

Explore weather and climate data for cities in Cyprus

Monthly averages for Nicosia

January
Good
Temp
17°C / 10°C
Feels Like
15°C / 8°C
Rain
10days (62 mm) Wet
Sun
8.9h Good
Humidity
74% Muggy
February
Good
Temp
17°C / 9°C
Feels Like
15°C / 7°C
Rain
6days (30 mm) Good
Sun
9.7h Good
Humidity
70% Muggy
March
Good
Temp
20°C / 11°C
Feels Like
18°C / 9°C
Rain
6days (37 mm) Good
Sun
11.1h Excellent
Humidity
65% Muggy
April best
Excellent
Temp
24°C / 14°C
Feels Like
24°C / 12°C
Rain
4days (27 mm) Good
Sun
11.9h Excellent
Humidity
61% Muggy
May best
Excellent
Temp
28°C / 18°C
Feels Like
29°C / 17°C
Rain
5days (32 mm) Good
Sun
13h Excellent
Humidity
57% Moderate
June
Good
Temp
32°C / 22°C
Feels Like
35°C / 23°C
Rain
1days (5 mm) Excellent
Sun
13.9h Excellent
Humidity
57% Moderate
July
Fair
Temp
36°C / 25°C
Feels Like
39°C / 27°C
Rain
0days (1 mm) Excellent
Sun
13.9h Excellent
Humidity
52% Moderate
August
Poor
Temp
35°C / 25°C
Feels Like
39°C / 28°C
Rain
1days (2 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.9h Excellent
Humidity
59% Moderate
September
Good
Temp
32°C / 23°C
Feels Like
35°C / 24°C
Rain
2days (6 mm) Excellent
Sun
11.7h Excellent
Humidity
61% Muggy
October best
Excellent
Temp
28°C / 19°C
Feels Like
29°C / 19°C
Rain
3days (12 mm) Excellent
Sun
10.8h Excellent
Humidity
63% Muggy
November best
Excellent
Temp
23°C / 15°C
Feels Like
23°C / 15°C
Rain
7days (38 mm) Good
Sun
9.2h Good
Humidity
69% Muggy
December
Good
Temp
19°C / 11°C
Feels Like
17°C / 10°C
Rain
9days (59 mm) Wet
Sun
8.3h Good
Humidity
75% Muggy
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity Status Details
January 17°C / 10°C 15°C / 8°C 10days (62 mm) Wet 8.9h Good 74% Muggy Good View Details
February 17°C / 9°C 15°C / 7°C 6days (30 mm) Good 9.7h Good 70% Muggy Good View Details
March 20°C / 11°C 18°C / 9°C 6days (37 mm) Good 11.1h Excellent 65% Muggy Good View Details
April best 24°C / 14°C 24°C / 12°C 4days (27 mm) Good 11.9h Excellent 61% Muggy Excellent View Details
May best 28°C / 18°C 29°C / 17°C 5days (32 mm) Good 13h Excellent 57% Moderate Excellent View Details
June 32°C / 22°C 35°C / 23°C 1days (5 mm) Excellent 13.9h Excellent 57% Moderate Good View Details
July 36°C / 25°C 39°C / 27°C 0days (1 mm) Excellent 13.9h Excellent 52% Moderate Fair View Details
August 35°C / 25°C 39°C / 28°C 1days (2 mm) Excellent 12.9h Excellent 59% Moderate Poor View Details
September 32°C / 23°C 35°C / 24°C 2days (6 mm) Excellent 11.7h Excellent 61% Muggy Good View Details
October best 28°C / 19°C 29°C / 19°C 3days (12 mm) Excellent 10.8h Excellent 63% Muggy Excellent View Details
November best 23°C / 15°C 23°C / 15°C 7days (38 mm) Good 9.2h Good 69% Muggy Excellent View Details
December 19°C / 11°C 17°C / 10°C 9days (59 mm) Wet 8.3h Good 75% Muggy Good View Details

Temperature

42°C 36°C 30°C 24°C 18°C 12°C 6°C 0°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
HighLow

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 17°C / 10°C . Feb: 17°C / 9°C . Mar: 20°C / 11°C . Apr: 24°C / 14°C . May: 28°C / 18°C . Jun: 32°C / 22°C . Jul: 36°C / 25°C . Aug: 35°C / 25°C . Sep: 32°C / 23°C . Oct: 28°C / 19°C . Nov: 23°C / 15°C . Dec: 19°C / 11°C .

Rainfall

0 mm 12 mm 24 mm 36 mm 48 mm 60 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 62 mm. Feb: 30 mm. Mar: 37 mm. Apr: 27 mm. May: 32 mm. Jun: 5 mm. Jul: 1 mm. Aug: 2 mm. Sep: 6 mm. Oct: 12 mm. Nov: 38 mm. Dec: 59 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The population of Cyprus is approximately 1.4M (2024).

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia.

Cyprus's GDP per capita is $41.8K (2024).

Life expectancy in Cyprus is 81.82 years (2024).

Cyprus covers 9,251 km² (3,572 sq mi).

Cyprus has a moderate population density of 150 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Cyprus's population is growing steadily at 1.0% per year, in line with global averages.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Cyprus falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $41.8K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Cyprus reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

Cyprus has 2 official languages: Greek, Turkish.

Cyprus uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.

Cyprus is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Cyprus are April, May, October, November, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show that Cyprus has a population of approximately 1.4 million people. This figure reflects an annual growth rate of 0.98%, placing the nation 156th in the world by population size and 36th among European countries. The population density is approximately 150 people per km² (388 per sq mi).

Cyprus has a robust high-income economy with an estimated GDP per capita of 41,782 USD. Recent data shows an annual GDP growth rate of 3.9%, which contributes to its global GDP per capita rank of 42nd. Nationally, the unemployment rate stands at approximately 4.9%, which is the 102nd lowest globally.

The adult literacy rate in Cyprus is approximately 98.7%. According to the latest available data, the country ranks 35th globally for literacy. This high standard of education is a cornerstone of the nation’s social policy, ensuring that the vast majority of citizens are prepared for a modern, service-oriented workforce.

Recent data indicates that approximately 89.6% of the population in Cyprus are internet users. This level of digital penetration ranks the country 64th globally. The widespread access to digital services supports the island's growing reputation as a regional hub for technology and financial services within the Mediterranean region.

No, Cyprus is an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea with a coastline stretching approximately 648 km (403 mi). It covers a total area of 9,251 km² (3,572 sq mi). The island's geography is dominated by two mountain ranges, with Mount Olympus reaching a height of 1,951 m (6,401 ft).

The latest ranking places Cyprus at global 156 of 215 countries and territories worldwide. In a regional context, it ranks 36 of 47 in Europe and 5 of 9 in Southern Europe. This positioning reflects its status as a small but demographically stable Mediterranean island nation.

The estimated 2026 population density of Cyprus is 149.9 people per km² (388.2 per sq mi). This density ranks the country 79 of 215 globally and 16 of 47 in Europe. Settlement is most concentrated in the coastal plains and the fertile Mesaoria plain surrounding the capital.

Recent data indicates that the population is growing at an annual rate of 0.98%. This growth is supported by an estimated net change of 37 people per day, including migration. While natural growth is modest, the island remains an attractive destination for foreign residents and returning expatriates.

The current fertility rate in Cyprus is 1.38 births per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. This ranks the island 180 of 215 globally for fertility. The low birth rate is balanced by a high life expectancy of 81.8 years and consistent positive net migration.

Approximately 66.7% of the population in Cyprus resides in urban areas, placing it 100 of 215 globally for urbanization. Most residents live in or around the five main district capitals, with Nicosia and Limassol serving as the primary centers for commerce, administration, and modern industrial activity.

All Indicators

Explore Cyprus's data across 50+ indicators

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