Census 2021: Key findings on aging population, urbanization, and education in Cyprus

Published throughout the government-controlled areas of the island, the final findings of the 2021 Population and Housing Census by the Statistical Service of Cyprus. The results expose important changes in the demographic picture of the whole country, highlighting an ageing population, consistent rural residency, and a clear increase in higher education attainment.

Population growth and gender distribution

Cyprus' population reached 923,381 as of October 1, 2021, a 9.9% growth from 840,407 persons in the 2011 Census. Of the total population, 449,708 were males and 473,673 were women, indicating a stable gender distribution during the decade.

Urbanization and population distribution

Cyprus's urbanization has changed very little. In 2021, 615,603 people lived in urban areas, accounting for 66.7% of the total population. This figure is somewhat lower than the 67.4% reported in 2011. In contrast, the rural population remained steady, with 33.3% (307,778 people) residing in these areas. Despite minor losses in certain distant and mountainous areas, overall rural residence remained stable.

In terms of regional population distribution, Nicosia remains the most populated district, with 350,035 people, accounting for 37.9% of the national population. Limassol comes in second with 262,157 people (28.4%), followed by Larnaca (16.9%), Pafos (10.9%), and Famagusta (5.9%). Famagusta had the highest population increase of 16.5% throughout the decade, followed by Pafos (14.5%) and Limassol (11.4%).

Aging population

The results highlight the continuing ageing of Cyprus's population, which is consistent with larger European trends. The proportion of people aged 65 and more has risen from 13.3% in 2011 to 17.2% in 2021, outpacing the number of children under 15, which declined from 16.1% to 15.4% over the same time. Those aged 15 to 64 make up 67.3% of the population.

Citizenship and birthplace demographics

In terms of citizenship, 77.9% of the population (719,252 individuals) are Cypriot, with European Union nationals (excluding Cypriots) accounting for 10.1%, predominantly from Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria. Non-EU citizens account for 11.6%, including considerable numbers from the United Kingdom, Syria, and Russia. Pafos has the biggest percentage of foreign nationals, accounting for 40% of the total population.

When broken down by birthplace, 74.6% of the population was born in Cyprus, 9.3% in other EU countries, and 15.4% outside the EU.

Educational attainment

The Census reveals a significant rise in the educational level of Cypriots aged 15 and above. Approximately 27.6% of this group have obtained tertiary education (university level), an increase from 20.2% in 2011. Women slightly outpace men in university education attainment, with 28.1% of women and 27.1% of men holding a tertiary degree.

Housing and household dynamics

The Census reported 492,931 housing units, with 60.5% found in cities and 39.5% in rural areas. 354,818 of these were regular houses, while 138,113 were unoccupied or utilized for temporary purposes. Famagusta district saw the highest rise in housing units (17.9%), followed by Limassol and Nicosia.

Households totalled 357,858 in 2021, up from 303,242 in 2011, with an average household size of 2.57 people. Famagusta had the largest average household size of 2.66 people, while Nicosia had the lowest at 2.51. Non-family households have also increased in number, accounting for 31.4% of all households, up from 25.3% in 2011.

The findings of the 2021 Census give important insights into the demographic and social trends influencing Cyprus, particularly the problems and possibilities associated with an ageing population, urbanization, and increasing educational attainment.