Country Profile: Cyprus

Cyprus is an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean, characterized by its diverse geography that includes mountains and plains, surrounded by 648 km of coastline. With a population of approximately 1.33 million, the island is divided between a Greek Cypriot region and a Turkish-controlled area, contributing to its complex political landscape. The economy is primarily service-oriented, heavily reliant on tourism and a well-developed financial sector, making it one of the highest-income countries in the EU. Governed as a presidential republic, Cyprus maintains stability through a democratic system, although ongoing tensions with the Turkish Cypriots present challenges to national unity.

Geography

Cyprus is situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey, and has a total area of 9,251 square kilometers, making it the third largest island in the Mediterranean. The terrain features a central plain surrounded by mountains and a number of plains along the southern coast.

Highest Point: Mount Olympus at 1,951 m
Coastline: 648 km
Climate: Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters
Natural Resources: Includes copper, gypsum, and timber
Land Use: 14% of the land is used for agriculture (2023 est.)
Irrigated Land: 269 sq km (2020)

People and Society

The estimated population of Cyprus in 2025 is around 1,332,293, predominantly of Greek ethnicity, with a notable Turkish Cypriot minority. The society is characterized by a high level of urbanization, with about 67% of the population living in urban areas.

Population Growth Rate: 0.89% (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy: 80.2 years (2024 est.)
Major Religions: Eastern Orthodox Christian 89.1%
Official Languages: Greek (80.9%), Turkish (0.2%)
Median Age: 39.9 years (2025 est.)
Urban Population: 67% of total population (2023)

Economy

Cyprus boasts a high-income, service-oriented economy primarily driven by tourism, financial services, and trade. Despite historical challenges, the island's economy has shown resilience and growth, with a projected GDP of $50.055 billion (2024 est.).

GDP per Capita: $53,300 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 5.7% (2024 est.)
Export Partners: Libya 14%, Greece 11% (2023)
Major Industries: Tourism, food processing, construction
Public Debt: 97.5% of GDP (2017 est.)

Government

The Republic of Cyprus operates as a presidential republic, with its capital in Nicosia. The political landscape is marked by a division between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, with each community having its own administrative authority.

Current President: Nikos CHRISTODOULIDIS (since February 28, 2023)
Administrative Divisions: 6 districts
Legal System: Mixed system of English common law and civil law
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years

Military and Security

Cyprus maintains a military structure primarily for national defense, with the Cypriot National Guard being the main military force. Approximately 12-15,000 active personnel are tasked with ensuring the island's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Military Expenditures: 1.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Mandatory Service: 14 months for men, voluntary for women
UN Peacekeeping Presence: Active since 1964

Energy

The energy sector in Cyprus is characterized by a reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, accounting for 79.1% of total capacity. The country has achieved full electrification as of 2022.

Installed Generating Capacity: 2.288 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 5.197 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Renewable Sources: 16% from solar energy (2023 est.)

Environment

Cyprus faces environmental challenges including water scarcity and pollution. The government participates in numerous international environmental agreements to address these issues.

Urban Population: 67% (2023)
Municipal Solid Waste Recycled: 17.6% of total waste (2022 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources: 780 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes a network of airports, roads, and a merchant marine that supports both domestic and international trade.

Airports: 14 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 1,005 ships (2023)
Ports: Six ports, including key facilities in Larnaca and Limassol

Communications

Cyprus has a well-developed telecommunications sector with high rates of mobile and internet usage, ensuring connectivity within its urban centers.

Internet Users: 91% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 1.51 million (2024 est.)
Fixed-line Telephones: 245,000 subscriptions (2024 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,332,293	2025 estimate
Area	9,251 sq km	Total area
GDP	$50.055 billion	Purchasing power parity (2024)
Unemployment Rate	5.7%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	9.95 births/1,000 people	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	80.2 years	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	100%	2022 estimate
Major Urban Area (Nicosia) Population	269,000	2018 estimate
Forested Land	18.6%	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	1.7% of GDP	2024 estimate