Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, lying south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. Although geographically part of the Middle East, Cyprus is culturally and politically aligned with Europe, having been a member of the European Union (EU) since 2004. The island’s history and identity have been shaped by its position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, blending diverse influences while maintaining a distinct national character.

Historical Background

Cyprus’s strategic location has long made it a centre of trade and conflict among empires. It was a British colony from 1878 until 1960, when independence was achieved following years of nationalist resistance led primarily by the EOKA movement, which sought union with Greece (Enosis). The Republic of Cyprus was founded under a constitution designed to share power between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority, but tensions quickly emerged over governance and representation.
Intercommunal violence erupted in 1963, particularly in Nicosia, resulting in the withdrawal of Turkish Cypriots from government institutions. The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was deployed in 1964, a mission that continues to this day.
The island’s division deepened following the 1974 coup by Greek Cypriot nationalists seeking Enosis, which provoked a Turkish military intervention. Turkey occupied roughly 37% of northern Cyprus, prompting large-scale population displacements. In 1983, the northern area declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognised only by Turkey.
Repeated reunification attempts, including the Annan Plan (2004) under UN auspices, have failed to resolve the division; the plan was accepted by Turkish Cypriots but rejected by the Greek Cypriot electorate. Despite ongoing negotiations, the island remains partitioned. Nonetheless, the Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, though EU law is suspended in the Turkish-controlled north.

Geography and Environment

Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia, with a total area of 9,251 square kilometres, including 3,355 square kilometres under Turkish control. The island features a varied landscape: the Mesaoria Plain occupies the central region, flanked by the Troodos Mountains in the south and the Kyrenia Range in the north. The highest peak, Mount Olympus (1,951 m), lies within the Troodos range.
The climate is Mediterranean, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, supporting agriculture and tourism but also posing challenges of drought and water scarcity.
Natural resources include copper, gypsum, marble, and clay, with copper mining historically so central that the island’s name derives from the Greek Kupros. Forests cover about 18.7% of the land, while arable farming accounts for roughly 10%.
Major environmental concerns include water pollution, salinisation, and coastal degradation from urban expansion and tourism. The government has invested in desalination plants and recycling initiatives to combat water shortages. Cyprus is a signatory to global environmental accords such as the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Kyoto Protocol.

People and Society

As of 2024, Cyprus has an estimated population of 1.32 million, with Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkosa) serving as the capital. Approximately 67% of citizens live in urban areas, with other key cities including Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos.
The Greek Cypriots constitute about 98.8% of the Republic’s population, while Turkish Cypriots form the majority in the north. Greek and Turkish are the official languages, and English is widely spoken in business and public life.
Religions: The population is predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian (89.1%), with minorities of Roman Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and Buddhists. Religion retains a strong influence on cultural traditions and social customs.
Social indicators (2024):

• Median age: 39.5 years
• Life expectancy: 80.2 years
• Healthcare expenditure: 9.4% of GDP
• Physician density: 3.56 per 1,000 inhabitants
• Education expenditure: 5.1% of GDP
• Literacy: near universal
• Access to safe water and sanitation: nearly 100%

Education is free and compulsory until age 15, with a school life expectancy of 16 years. Cyprus has a modern, universal healthcare system and one of the region’s highest living standards.
The island hosts a substantial expatriate and migrant community, primarily from Eastern Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East, contributing to its multicultural environment and labour force diversity.

Government and Politics

Cyprus is a presidential republic established under the Constitution of 1960, ensuring separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

• President: Nikos Christodoulidis (since 2023)
• Legislature: Unicameral House of Representatives (Vouli ton Antiprosopon) with 80 seats, of which 24 allocated to Turkish Cypriots have remained vacant since 1964
• Executive: The Council of Ministers, appointed by the President, exercises executive authority
• Judiciary: Independent, combining English common law and civil law elements, with the Supreme Court as the highest judicial authority

The Republic is divided into six administrative districts—Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta, and Kyrenia—although the latter two are largely under Turkish occupation.
The flag of Cyprus features a copper-coloured map of the island above two olive branches on a white background, symbolising peace and unity.
Major political parties (2021 election results):

• Democratic Rally (DISY): 17 seats
• Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL): 15 seats
• Democratic Party (DIKO): 9 seats
• National Popular Front (ELAM): 4 seats
• Movement of Social Democrats (EDEK): 4 seats
• Democratic Alignment (DIPA): 4 seats

Economy

Cyprus has a high-income, service-oriented economy that benefits from its location, skilled workforce, and EU membership. In 2024, GDP (PPP) stood at $50.05 billion, with per capita GDP of $53,300 and 3.4% growth.
Sectoral composition:

• Services: 76.9%
• Industry: 10.3%
• Agriculture: 1.2%

Tourism, financial services, shipping, and real estate are the main pillars of the economy. Popular destinations such as Ayia Napa, Limassol, and Paphos attract millions of visitors annually.
Exports: ships, refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, halloumi cheese, and essential oilsImports: fuel, machinery, vehicles, and food productsKey partners: Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Libya
The government maintains stable finances, though public debt (97% of GDP) remains high. Inflation moderated to 1.8% in 2024, and unemployment stood at 5.7%. The Gini coefficient of 31.5 indicates moderate income equality.
In the Turkish-occupied north, the economy—denominated in the Turkish lira—is smaller and heavily reliant on Turkey for financial and military support. Key industries include agriculture, textiles, and construction materials.

Infrastructure, Energy, and Communications

Cyprus possesses a modern infrastructure system linking all major cities. Larnaca and Paphos International Airports serve as key gateways for tourism and business. Major ports at Limassol, Larnaca, and Famagusta handle trade and passenger traffic, with Limassol also serving as a principal commercial hub.
The Cypriot merchant fleet ranks among the world’s largest, with over 1,000 registered vessels. The island’s electricity grid covers 100% of the population, with 79% of generation from fossil fuels and 16% from solar energy—one of the highest solar shares in Europe.
Internet penetration stands at 91%, and mobile subscriptions exceed the population. The national domain .cy symbolises Cyprus’s strong digital presence. Broadcasting operates in Greek, English, and Turkish, reflecting the island’s linguistic diversity.

Defence and Security

The Cypriot National Guard (Ethniki Froura), established in 1964, is the principal defence force, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the Ministry of Defence. Personnel total between 12,000 and 15,000, with compulsory service of 14 months for Greek Cypriot males aged 18–50.
Historically equipped with Russian-made arms, the force is undergoing modernisation to meet NATO standards. Cyprus also hosts the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP), one of the world’s longest-standing missions, maintaining the Green Line buffer zone that divides the island.
The United Kingdom retains sovereign base areas at Akrotiri and Dhekelia, used for military and intelligence operations, reflecting Cyprus’s continuing strategic importance in the eastern Mediterranean.

Culture and Heritage

Cyprus’s culture reflects a blend of Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Middle Eastern influences. Its archaeological legacy includes Neolithic settlements (Choirokoitia), Ancient Paphos, and the painted churches of the Troodos Mountains, all designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Cypriot cuisine, characterised by Mediterranean flavours, features halloumi cheese, souvlaki, and meze—a variety of small dishes symbolising hospitality and communal dining. Music, folk dance, and festivals play a central role in national life.
National symbols include the Cypriot mouflon (wild sheep) and the white dove, representing freedom and peace. The national anthem, “Hymn to Freedom”, is shared with Greece, underscoring historical and cultural ties.