cyprus population — cyprus population — Cyprus recorded a population of 982,966 on January 1, 2025, reflecting a notable increase from 966,365 in 2024, according to Eurostat data released on Thursday. This growth positions Cyprus among the fastest-growing member states in the European Union over the past two decades.
- Children and young people under 15 account for 15.2% of Cyprus's population, slightly above the EU average of 14%.
The island has experienced an impressive population surge of approximately 34% from 2005 to 2025, one of the highest relative increases within the EU during this timeframe. In contrast, while 19 of the EU’s member states enjoyed population growth, eight saw a decline.
Cyprus population: Cyprus’s Place in the EU Demographics
Despite its growth, Cyprus represents only about 0.2% of the total EU population. It remains one of the EU’s least populous member states, dwarfed by the five largest countries: Germany (84 million), France (69 million), Italy (59 million), Spain (49 million), and Poland (36 million), which collectively account for 66% of the EU’s total populace.
Changing EU Population Trends
The total population of the EU reached 451 million in 2025, marking an increase of around one million from 2024. This growth reflects a broader trend, with the population rising from 435 million in 2005, amounting to a 4% increase over the last 20 years.
Age Demographics in Cyprus
As the EU grapples with an ageing population, the share of residents aged 65 and over has climbed from 17% in 2005 to 22% in 2025, with 6% aged 80 and over. In the same period, the median age across the EU rose to 44.9 years, up from 39.6 years. In contrast, Cyprus maintains a median age of 41, which is below the EU average.
Children and young people under 15 account for 15.2% of Cyprus’s population, slightly above the EU average of 14%.
Migration Patterns Affecting Population Growth
Migration continues to play a significant role in shaping the demographics of the EU. In 2024, approximately six million individuals migrated to the EU, with 74% originating from third countries and 26% from other EU member states. Cyprus recorded 40,471 arrivals in 2024, a slight decrease from 40,761 in 2023. Departures from Cyprus totalled 26,883 in 2024, down from 26,979 the previous year.
Natural Population Change in Cyprus
While deaths have outnumbered births across the EU since 2012, Cyprus stands out with a positive natural change rate of 3.1% in 2024. This rate positions Cyprus alongside a select few member states, including Ireland (3.4%) and Luxembourg (2.9%), that have also experienced positive growth through natural means.
Intra-EU Mobility and Its Impact
Intra-EU mobility continues to shape the demographics of the continent, with around 45 million EU residents, or 10% of the total, living in a country different from their citizenship. Among these, 14 million (3%) are citizens of another EU member state.
