Cyprus Population in 2024: Size, Demographics, and Characteristics
24 January 2024
What You Need to Know About the Inhabitants of This Mediterranean Island
Cyprus is a unique blend of cultures and traditions, reflected in the diversity of its population. Understanding the demographic characteristics of the island can be helpful for those planning to live, work, or invest here. In this article, we’ll explore the population size, demographic features, and interesting facts about the people of Cyprus in 2024.
Cyprus Population Size
As of 2024, the population of Cyprus is approximately 1.2 million people. This is a relatively small number for a European country, but it is steadily growing due to natural increase and migration processes. The majority of the population resides in major cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, as well as in surrounding suburbs.
Demographic Features
Ethnic Composition. The population of Cyprus primarily consists of two ethnic groups: Greek Cypriots (about 80%) and Turkish Cypriots (about 18%). The remaining 2% includes other ethnic groups, such as Armenians, Maronites, and Latins.
Languages. The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. Greek is the primary language in the southern part of the island, while Turkish predominates in the northern part. English is also widely spoken, especially among tourists and in the business community.
Religion. The main religion in Cyprus is Orthodox Christianity, to which the vast majority of Greek Cypriots belong. Turkish Cypriots are predominantly Muslim. There are also small communities of Catholics, Protestants, and other Christian denominations on the island.
Age Structure. Cyprus has a relatively young population. The median age of the island’s inhabitants is around 37 years. Approximately 16% of the population is under 14 years old, and about 12% are over 65 years old.
Urbanization Level. About 70% of the population of Cyprus lives in urban areas. The most urbanized areas are Nicosia and Limassol, where the country’s main economic and cultural centers are concentrated.
Migration Processes
Cyprus is an attractive destination for migrants, especially from EU countries and third countries. Due to favorable business conditions and the opportunities to obtain residency through investment, the island is seeing an influx of foreign nationals, which also contributes to population growth.
Quality of Life and Life Expectancy
Cyprus is known for its high quality of life, which attracts both locals and foreigners. The average life expectancy on the island is around 82 years, one of the highest in Europe. A well-developed healthcare system, favorable climate, and peaceful environment contribute to maintaining a high standard of living in Cyprus.