cyprus population — cyprus population — The average age of the population in Cyprus has reached 41 years as of January 2025, marking a significant increase from 34.9 years in 2005 and 37 years in 2015. This shift indicates that the country has aged by four years in just a decade and by 6.1 years over the past 20 years.
Cyprus population: Rising Elderly Population
During this period, the proportion of elderly citizens aged 65 to 79 has grown noticeably, rising by 5%. By 2025, individuals over 65 will comprise 13.9% of the total population, up from 9.4% in 2005 and 11.3% in 2015. This demographic change reflects broader trends observed across Europe, as reported by Eurostat.
Declining Youth Demographics
Conversely, the percentage of young people, specifically those aged 15 and under, has decreased significantly. In 2025, children up to the age of 15 will represent just 15.2% of Cyprus’s population, down from 19.9% in 2005 and 16.2% in 2015. Additionally, the youth demographic aged 15 to 19 will account for only 4.9%, compared to 7.8% two decades earlier.
Comparative European Context
The Eurostat data reveals a concerning trend across the European Union. On 1 January 2025, the EU reported 65 million children and young teenagers (under 15), making up 14% of the total population. This figure varies significantly among member states, with Ireland leading at nearly 19% and Italy at the bottom with 12%.
Ageing Population Across the EU
As the EU grapples with its ageing demographic, the population aged 80 and over has reached 6%. Italy has the highest share of this age group at nearly 8%, while Germany, Greece, and Portugal follow closely at 7% each. The growth of the elderly population is evident in every EU country, with Poland experiencing the most substantial increase, from 13% to 21% in the same period.
Future Implications
This demographic shift raises questions about the sustainability of social systems and economic structures in Cyprus and across Europe. As the number of working-age individuals decreases relative to the elderly population, the need for policy adaptations becomes increasingly urgent.
