Introduction
Background
A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority continue, with Turkey controlling part of the island since 1974. The entire island joined the EU in 2004, although EU law does not apply in the Turkish-controlled area.
Geography
Area
total : 9,251 sq km
land: 9,241 sq km
water: 10 sq km
Climate
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters
Natural resources
copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment
People and Society
Population
total: 1,320,525
Ethnic groups
Greek 98.8%, other 1% (includes Maronite, Armenian, Turkish-Cypriot), unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.)
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.)
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.)
Population growth rate
0.95% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
Republic of Cyprus - presidential republic; self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC) - parliamentary republic with enhanced presidency
Capital
name: Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkosa)
Executive branch
chief of state: President Nikos CHRISTODOULIDIS (since 28 February 2023)
head of government: President Nikos CHRISTODOULIDIS (since 28 February 2023)
Legislative branch
summary: area under government control: unicameral House of Representatives (80 seats)
area administered by Turkish Cypriots: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (50 seats)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Evangelos SAVVA (since 15 September 2023)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Julie D. FISHER (since 21 February 2023)
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
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$46.976 billion (2023 est.)
$45.845 billion (2022 est.)
$43.637 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$50,600 (2023 est.)
$50,200 (2022 est.)
$48,500 (2021 est.)
Exports
$28.808 billion (2023 est.)
$27.72 billion (2022 est.)
$26.303 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Hong Kong 10%, Greece 10%, Lebanon 7%, UK 6%, Liberia 5% (2022)
Exports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, cheese, scented mixtures (2022)
Imports
$29.091 billion (2023 est.)
$27.658 billion (2022 est.)
$25.164 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Greece 19%, Turkey 12%, Italy 9%, China 9%, Israel 5% (2022)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, cars, packaged medicine, garments (2022)
Page last updated: Thursday, October 03, 2024
