Cyprus: Introduction

Total Population: 1,103,647

Annual Growth Rate: 1.2%

Density: 119 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 70.3%

Population of main cities including suburbs: Levkosia (230,000); Lemesos (180,000); Larnaka (80,000); Nea Pafos (50,000).

Ethnic Origins: The Republic of Cyprus is divided into two parts, the Greek part (77%) under the control of the Republic of Cyprus, and the Turkish Occupied area in the North (18%), as well as other Christian ethnic groups (Armenians etc..). Nicosia retains the distinction of being the very last divided capital in the World.

Official Language: Greek and Turkish

Other Languages Spoken: English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism industry.

Business Language(s): English, French, German

Religion: Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian Apostolic and other 4%.

Literacy Rate: 96.8%

Area: 9,250 km²

Type of State: Republic based on parliamentary democracy. The internationally recognized government is the one that controls the southern two-thirds of the island named "Republic of Cyprus". The Northern one-third is Turkish-occupied and only recognized internationally by Turkey. It is called "the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

Type of Economy: Well developed economy, member of the European Union and Eurozone (the application of the european legal framework is suspended in the north part), with great potentials in attracting foreign investment.
A liberal economy with favourable business laws and high potentials of development; Unemployment rate among the lowest in Europe; extreme dependence on tourism.

HDI*: 0.810/1

HDI (World Rank): 35/169

Telephone Code:
To Make a Call From Cyprus, Dial 00
To Make a Call to Cyprus, Dial +357

Internet Suffix: .cy

Computers: 30.9 per 100 Inhabitants

Telephone Lines: 47.9 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 38.0 per 100 Inhabitants