2012 Edition

Background

A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek Government-sponsored attempt to seize control of Cyprus was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot-occupied area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"), but it is recognized only by Turkey. The election of a new Cypriot president in 2008 served as the impetus for the UN to encourage both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to reopen unification negotiations. In September 2008, the leaders of the two communities began negotiations under UN auspices aimed at reuniting the divided island. The talks are ongoing. The entire island entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis - the body of common rights and obligations - applies only to the areas under the internationally recognized government, and is suspended in the areas administered by Turkish Cypriots. However, individual Turkish Cypriots able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus citizenship legally enjoy the same rights accorded to other citizens of European Union states.

Area

9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus) 9,241 sq km 10 sq km

total

9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus)

water

10 sq km

Area - comparative

about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut

Climate

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Coastline

648 km

Elevation extremes

Mediterranean Sea 0 m Mount Olympus 1,951 m

highest point

Mount Olympus 1,951 m

lowest point

Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Environment - current issues

water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

0.21 cu km/yr (27%/1%/71%) 250 cu m/yr (2000)

per capita

250 cu m/yr (2000)

total

0.21 cu km/yr (27%/1%/71%)

Geographic coordinates

35 00 N, 33 00 E

Geography - note

the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia)

Irrigated land

460 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

150.4 km (approximately) Akrotiri 47.4 km, Dhekelia 103 km (approximately)

border sovereign base areas

Akrotiri 47.4 km, Dhekelia 103 km (approximately)

total

150.4 km (approximately)

Land use

10.81% 4.32% 84.87% (2005)

arable land

10.81%

other

84.87% (2005)

permanent crops

4.32%

Location

Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

contiguous zone

24 nm

continental shelf

200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

moderate earthquake activity; droughts

Natural resources

copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment

Terrain

central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast

Total renewable water resources

0.4 cu km (2005)

Age structure

15.9% (male 93,179/ female 87,941) 73.4% (male 434,833/ female 400,434) 10.7% (male 52,900/ female 68,784) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

15.9% (male 93,179/ female 87,941)

15-64 years

73.4% (male 434,833/ female 400,434)

65 years and over

10.7% (male 52,900/ female 68,784) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

11.44 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Death rate

6.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Education expenditures

4.1% of GDP (2007)

Ethnic groups

Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, other 5% (2001)

Health expenditures

6% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.1% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.)

Hospital bed density

3.72 beds/1,000 population (2006)

Infant mortality rate

9.05 deaths/1,000 live births 10.72 deaths/1,000 live births 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

9.05 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Greek (official), Turkish (official), English

Life expectancy at birth

78 years 75.21 years 80.92 years (2012 est.)

female

80.92 years (2012 est.)

total population

78 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 97.6% 98.9% 96.3% (2001 census)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

96.3% (2001 census)

male

98.9%

total population

97.6%

Major cities - population

NICOSIA (capital) 240,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

10 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

35.1 years 33.8 years 36.9 years (2012 est.)

female

36.9 years (2012 est.)

male

33.8 years

total

35.1 years

Nationality

Cypriot(s) Cypriot

adjective

Cypriot

noun

Cypriot(s)

Net migration rate

10.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

12.3% (2003)

Physicians density

2.3 physicians/1,000 population (2006)

Population

1,138,071 (July 2012 est.)

Population growth rate

1.571% (2012 est.)

Religions

Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other (includes Maronite and Armenian Apostolic) 4%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population

urban

100% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

14 years 14 years 14 years (2008)

female

14 years (2008)

male

14 years

total

14 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.09 male(s)/female 0.77 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.77 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.04 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.06 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.45 children born/woman (2012 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

9% 8.6% 9.4% (2008)

female

9.4% (2008)

total

9%

Urbanization

70% of total population (2010) 1.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

70% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

6 districts; Famagusta (all but a small part controlled by Turkish Cyprus), Kyrenia (the only district completely controlled by Turkish Cyprus), Larnaca (a small part controlled by Turkish Cyprus), Limassol, Nicosia (a small part controlled by Turkish Cyprus), Paphos; note - the five districts of Turkish Cyprus are Gazimagusa (Famagusta), Girne (Kyrenia), Guzelyurt (Morphou), Lefkosia (Nicosia) and Iskele (Trikomo)

Capital

Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkosa) 35 10 N, 33 22 E UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

35 10 N, 33 22 E

name

Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkosa)

time difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

16 August 1960 from December 1963, the Turkish Cypriots no longer participated in the government; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and for better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently since the mid-1960s; in 1975, following the 1974 Turkish intervention, Turkish Cypriots created their own constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which they then called the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)" when the Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983; a new constitution for the "TRNC" passed by referendum on 5 May 1985, although the "TRNC" remains unrecognized by any country other than Turkey

Country name

Republic of Cyprus Cyprus Kypriaki Dimokratia/Kibris Cumhuriyeti Kypros/Kibris the Turkish Cypriot community, which administers the northern part of the island, refers to itself as the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" or "TRNC" (Kuzey Kibris Turk Cumhuriyeti or KKTC)

conventional long form

Republic of Cyprus

conventional short form

Cyprus

local long form

Kypriaki Dimokratia/Kibris Cumhuriyeti

local short form

Kypros/Kibris

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador John M. KOENIG corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, 2407 Engomi, Nicosia P. O. Box 24536, 1385 Nicosia [357] (22) 393939 [357] (22) 780944

chief of mission

Ambassador John M. KOENIG

embassy

corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, 2407 Engomi, Nicosia

FAX

[357] (22) 780944

mailing address

P. O. Box 24536, 1385 Nicosia

telephone

[357] (22) 393939

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Pavlos ANASTASIADES 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 462-5772, 462-0873 [1] (202) 483-6710 New York representative of the Turkish Cypriot community in the US is Ahmet ERDENGIZ; office at 1667 K Street NW, Washington, DC; telephone [1] (202) 887-6198

chancery

2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Pavlos ANASTASIADES

consulate(s) general

New York

FAX

[1] (202) 483-6710

telephone

[1] (202) 462-5772, 462-0873

Executive branch

President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28 February 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28 February 2008) Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and vice president president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 17 and 24 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013) Demetris CHRISTOFIAS elected president; percent of vote (first round) - Ioannis KASOULIDES 33.5%, Demetris CHRISTOFIAS 33.3%, Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 31.8%, other 1.4%; (second round) Demetris CHRISTOFIAS 53.4%, Ioannis KASOULIDES 46.6% Dervis EROGLU became "president" of the "TRNC" on 23 April 2010 after "presidential" elections on 18 April 2010; results - Dervis EROGLU 50.4%, Mehmet Ali TALAT 42.9%; Irsen KUCUK is "TRNC acting prime minister"

cabinet

Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and vice president

chief of state

President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28 February 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot

election results

Demetris CHRISTOFIAS elected president; percent of vote (first round) - Ioannis KASOULIDES 33.5%, Demetris CHRISTOFIAS 33.3%, Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 31.8%, other 1.4%; (second round) Demetris CHRISTOFIAS 53.4%, Ioannis KASOULIDES 46.6%

elections

president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 17 and 24 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013)

head of government

President Demetris CHRISTOFIAS (since 28 February 2008)

Flag description

white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag retains the white field of the Cyprus national flag but displays narrow horizontal red stripes positioned a small distance from the top and bottom edges between which are centered a red crescent and a red five-pointed star; the banner is modeled after the Turkish national flag but with the colors reversed

Government type

republic a separation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separation was further solidified after the Turkish intervention in July 1974, following a Greek military-junta-supported coup attempt that gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf DENKTAS declared independence and the formation of a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"), which is recognized only by Turkey

Independence

16 August 1960 (from the UK); note - Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but these proclamations are only recognized by Turkey

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

Australia Group, C, CD, CE, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (observer), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (judges are appointed jointly by the president and vice president); subordinate courts there is also a "Supreme Court" in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots

Legal system

mixed legal system of English common law and civil law with Greek Orthodox religious law influence

Legislative branch

unicameral - area under government control: House of Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56 assigned to the Greek Cypriots, 24 to Turkish Cypriots; note - only those assigned to Greek Cypriots are filled; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic or Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) area under government control: last held on 22 May 2011 (next to be held in May 2016); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: last held on 19 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014) area under government control: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - DISY 34.3%, AKEL 32.7%, DIKO 15.8%, EDEK 8.9%, EURO.KO 3.9%, other 4.5%; seats by party - DISY 20, AKEL 19, DIKO 9, EDEK 5, EURO.KO 2, other 1; area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic - percent of vote by party - UBP 44.1%, CTP 29.3%, DP 10.6%, other 16%; seats by party - UBP 26, CTP 15, DP 5, other 4

election results

area under government control: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - DISY 34.3%, AKEL 32.7%, DIKO 15.8%, EDEK 8.9%, EURO.KO 3.9%, other 4.5%; seats by party - DISY 20, AKEL 19, DIKO 9, EDEK 5, EURO.KO 2, other 1; area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic - percent of vote by party - UBP 44.1%, CTP 29.3%, DP 10.6%, other 16%; seats by party - UBP 26, CTP 15, DP 5, other 4

elections

area under government control: last held on 22 May 2011 (next to be held in May 2016); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: last held on 19 April 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

unicameral - area under government control

House of Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56 assigned to the Greek Cypriots, 24 to Turkish Cypriots; note - only those assigned to Greek Cypriots are filled; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic or Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

National anthem

"Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Liberty) Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS adopted 1960; Cyprus adopted the Greek national anthem as its own; the Turkish community in Cyprus uses the anthem of Turkey

lyrics/music

Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS

name

"Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Liberty)

National holiday

Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as "Independence Day"

National symbol(s)

Cypriot mouflon (wild sheep); white dove

Political parties and leaders

Democratic Party or DIKO [Marios KAROYIAN]; Democratic Rally or DISY [Nikos ANASTASIADES]; European Party or EURO.KO [Demetris SYLLOURIS]; Fighting Democratic Movement or ADIK [Dinos MIKHAILIDES]; Green Party of Cyprus [George PERDIKIS]; Movement for Social Democrats or EDEK [Yiannakis OMIROU]; Progressive Party of the Working People or AKEL (Communist Party) [Andros KYPRIANOU]; United Democrats or EDI [Praxoula ANTONIADOU] Communal Democracy Party or TDP [Mehmet CAKICI]; Cyprus Socialist Party or KSP [Yusuf ALKIM]; Democratic Party or DP [Serdar DENKTAS]; Freedom and Reform Party or ORP [Turgay AVCI]; National Unity Party or UBP [Irsen KUCUK]; Nationalist Justice Party or MAP [Ata TEPE]; New Cyprus Party or YKP [Murat KANATLI]; Politics for the People Party or HIS [Ahmet YONLUER]; Republican Turkish Party or CTP [Ferdi Sabit SOYER]; United Cyprus Party or BKP [Izzet IZCAN]

area administered by Turkish Cypriots

Communal Democracy Party or TDP [Mehmet CAKICI]; Cyprus Socialist Party or KSP [Yusuf ALKIM]; Democratic Party or DP [Serdar DENKTAS]; Freedom and Reform Party or ORP [Turgay AVCI]; National Unity Party or UBP [Irsen KUCUK]; Nationalist Justice Party or MAP [Ata TEPE]; New Cyprus Party or YKP [Murat KANATLI]; Politics for the People Party or HIS [Ahmet YONLUER]; Republican Turkish Party or CTP [Ferdi Sabit SOYER]; United Cyprus Party or BKP [Izzet IZCAN]

area under government control

Democratic Party or DIKO [Marios KAROYIAN]; Democratic Rally or DISY [Nikos ANASTASIADES]; European Party or EURO.KO [Demetris SYLLOURIS]; Fighting Democratic Movement or ADIK [Dinos MIKHAILIDES]; Green Party of Cyprus [George PERDIKIS]; Movement for Social Democrats or EDEK [Yiannakis OMIROU]; Progressive Party of the Working People or AKEL (Communist Party) [Andros KYPRIANOU]; United Democrats or EDI [Praxoula ANTONIADOU]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Confederation of Cypriot Workers or SEK (pro-West); Confederation of Revolutionary Labor Unions or Dev-Is; Federation of Turkish Cypriot Labor Unions or Turk-Sen; Pan-Cyprian Labor Federation or PEO (Communist controlled)

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

citrus, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, vegetables; poultry, pork, lamb; dairy, cheese

Budget

$9.645 billion $10.59 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

: $10.59 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

: $9.645 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.2% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

1.5% (31 December 2012) 1.75% (31 December 2010) this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate

7.2% (31 December 2012 est.) 6.8% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

-$1.963 billion (2012 est.) -$2.546 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$106.5 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $113.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

29 (2005)

Economy - overview

The area of the Republic of Cyprus under government control has a market economy dominated by the service sector, which accounts for four-fifths of GDP. Tourism, financial services, and real estate are the most important sectors. Erratic growth rates over the past decade reflect the economy's reliance on tourism, the profitability of which can fluctuate with political instability in the region and economic conditions in Western Europe. Nevertheless, the economy in the area under government control has grown at a rate well above the EU average since 2000. Cyprus joined the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM2) in May 2005 and adopted the euro as its national currency on 1 January 2008. An aggressive austerity program in the preceding years, aimed at paving the way for the euro, helped turn a soaring fiscal deficit (6.3% in 2003) into a surplus of 1.2% in 2008, and reduced inflation to 4.7%. This prosperity came under pressure in 2009, as construction and tourism slowed in the face of reduced foreign demand triggered by the ongoing global financial crisis. Although Cyprus lagged behind its EU peers in showing signs of stress from the global crisis, the economy tipped into recession in 2009, contracting by 1.7%, and has been slow to bounce back since, posting anemic growth in 2010-11 before contracting again by 2.3% in 2012. Serious problems surfaced in the Cypriot financial sector in early 2011 as the Greek fiscal crisis and euro zone debt crisis deepened. Cyprus's borrowing costs have risen steadily because of its exposure to Greek debt. Two of Cyprus's biggest banks are among the largest holders of Greek bonds in Europe and have a substantial presence in Greece through bank branches and subsidiaries. Cyprus experienced numerous downgrades of its credit rating in 2012 and has been cut off from international money markets. The Cypriot economy contracted in 2012 following the writedown of Greek bonds. A liquidity squeeze is choking the financial sector and the real economy as many global investors are uncertain the Cypriot economy can weather the EU crisis. The budget deficit rose to 7.4% of GDP in 2011, a violation of the EU's budget deficit criteria - no more than 3% of GDP. In response to the country's deteriorating finances and serious risk of contagion from the Greek debt crisis, Nicosia implemented measures to cut the cost of the state payroll, curb tax evasion, and revamp social benefits, and trimmed the deficit to 4.2% of GDP in 2012. In July, Nicosia became the fifth euro zone government to request an economic bailout program from the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund - known collectively as the "Troika". Negotiations over the final details of the plan are ongoing.

Economy of the area administered by Turkish Cypriots

The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly half the per capita GDP of the south, and economic growth tends to be volatile, given the north's relative isolation, bloated public sector, reliance on the Turkish lira, and small market size. The Turkish Cypriots are heavily dependent on transfers from the Turkish Government. Ankara directly finances about one-third of the Turkish Cypriot "administration's" budget. Aid from Turkey has exceeded $400 million annually in recent years. The Turkish Cypriot economy experienced a sharp slowdown in 2008-09 due to the global financial crisis and to its reliance on British and Turkish tourism, both of which declined due to the recession. The Turkish Cypriot budget deficit also deteriorated in 2009 due to decreased state revenues and increased government expenditures on public sector salaries and social services. The Turkish Cypriot economy declined about 0.6% in 2010. $1.829 billion (2007 est.) -0.6% (2010 est.) $11,700 (2007 est.) agriculture: 8.6%, industry: 22.5%, services: 69.1% (2006 est.) 95,030 (2007 est.) agriculture: 14.5%, industry: 29%, services: 56.5% (2004) 9.4% (2005 est.) %NA 11.4% (2006) revenues: $2.5 billion, expenditures: $2.5 billion (2006) citrus fruit, dairy, potatoes, grapes, olives, poultry, lamb foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, ship repair, clay, gypsum, copper, furniture -0.3% (2007 est.) 998.9 million kWh (2005) 797.9 million kWh (2005) $68.1 million, f.o.b. (2007 est.) citrus, dairy, potatoes, textiles Turkey 40%; direct trade between the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government control remains limited $1.2 billion, f.o.b. (2007 est.) vehicles, fuel, cigarettes, food, minerals, chemicals, machinery Turkey 60%; direct trade between the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government control remains limited $NA $NA Turkish new lira (YTL) Turkish new lira per US dollar: 1.668 (2011) 1.5026 (2010) 1.55 (2009) 1.3179 (2008) 1.319 (2007)

Agriculture - products

citrus fruit, dairy, potatoes, grapes, olives, poultry, lamb

Budget

revenues: $2.5 billion, expenditures: $2.5 billion (2006)

Currency (code)

Turkish new lira (YTL)

Debt - external

$NA

Economy - overview

The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly half the per capita GDP of the south, and economic growth tends to be volatile, given the north's relative isolation, bloated public sector, reliance on the Turkish lira, and small market size. The Turkish Cypriots are heavily dependent on transfers from the Turkish Government. Ankara directly finances about one-third of the Turkish Cypriot "administration's" budget. Aid from Turkey has exceeded $400 million annually in recent years. The Turkish Cypriot economy experienced a sharp slowdown in 2008-09 due to the global financial crisis and to its reliance on British and Turkish tourism, both of which declined due to the recession. The Turkish Cypriot budget deficit also deteriorated in 2009 due to decreased state revenues and increased government expenditures on public sector salaries and social services. The Turkish Cypriot economy declined about 0.6% in 2010.

Electricity consumption

797.9 million kWh (2005)

Electricity production

998.9 million kWh (2005)

Exchange rates

Turkish new lira per US dollar: 1.668 (2011) 1.5026 (2010) 1.55 (2009) 1.3179 (2008) 1.319 (2007)

Export - commodities

citrus, dairy, potatoes, textiles

Export - partners

Turkey 40%; direct trade between the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government control remains limited

Exports

$68.1 million, f.o.b. (2007 est.)

GDP - composition by sector

agriculture: 8.6%, industry: 22.5%, services: 69.1% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita

$11,700 (2007 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

-0.6% (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$1.829 billion (2007 est.)

Import - commodities

vehicles, fuel, cigarettes, food, minerals, chemicals, machinery

Import - partners

Turkey 60%; direct trade between the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the area under government control remains limited

Imports

$1.2 billion, f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Industrial production growth rate

-0.3% (2007 est.)

Industries

foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, ship repair, clay, gypsum, copper, furniture

Inflation rate

11.4% (2006)

Labor force

95,030 (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture: 14.5%, industry: 29%, services: 56.5% (2004)

Population below poverty line

%NA

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$NA

Unemployment rate

9.4% (2005 est.)

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7838 (2012 est.) 0.7185 (2011 est.) 755 (2010 est.) 0.7198 (2009 est.) 0.6827 (2008 est.)

Exports

$1.889 billion (2012 est.) $1.957 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, clothing

Exports - partners

Greece 27.4%, UK 10.2%, Germany 5.5% (2011)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition by sector

2.4% 16.7% 80.9% (2012 est.)

agriculture

2.4%

industry

16.7%

services

80.9% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$26,900 (2012 est.) $28,000 (2011 est.) $28,600 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

-2.3% (2012 est.) 0.5% (2011 est.) 1.1% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$22.45 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$23.57 billion (2012 est.) $24.11 billion (2011 est.) $23.99 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$7.716 billion (2012 est.) $8 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, machinery, transport equipment

Imports - partners

Greece 21.7%, Israel 10.4%, UK 9%, Italy 8.3%, Germany 8.3%, France 5.7%, China 4.8%, Netherlands 4.6% (2011)

Industrial production growth rate

0.7% (2011 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.4% (2012 est.) 3.3% (2011 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

16.8% of GDP (2012 est.)

Labor force

416,900 (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

8.5% 20.5% 71% (2006 est.)

agriculture

8.5%

industry

20.5%

services

71% (2006 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$2.853 billion (31 December 2011) $6.834 billion (31 December 2010) $4.993 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

80.9% of GDP (2012 est.) 71.6% of GDP (2011 est.) data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$1.207 billion (2011 est.) $1.207 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$56.25 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $52.97 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$13.62 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $12.62 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$29.38 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $27.18 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$51.19 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $53.1 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$14.73 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $14.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 17 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Taxes and other revenues

43% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

8% (2012 est.) 7.9% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

9.257 million Mt (2010 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2012 est.)

Electricity - consumption

4.698 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

99.7% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0.3% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

1.392 million kW (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

4.887 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

58,430 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

60,310 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Broadcast media

mixture of state and privately-run TV and radio services; the public broadcaster operates 2 TV channels and 4 radio stations; 6 private TV broadcasters, satellite and cable TV services including telecasts from Greece and Turkey, and a number of private radio stations are available; in areas administered by Turkish Cypriots, there are 2 public TV stations, 4 public radio stations, and privately-owned TV and radio broadcast stations (2007)

Internet country code

.cy

Internet hosts

252,013 (2012)

Internet users

433,900 (2009)

Telephone system

excellent in both area under government control and area administered by Turkish Cypriots open-wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay country code - 357 (area administered by Turkish Cypriots uses the country code of Turkey - 90); a number of submarine cables, including the SEA-ME-WE-3, combine to provide connectivity to Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 8 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat)

domestic

open-wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay

general assessment

excellent in both area under government control and area administered by Turkish Cypriots

international

country code - 357 (area administered by Turkish Cypriots uses the country code of Turkey - 90); a number of submarine cables, including the SEA-ME-WE-3, combine to provide connectivity to Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 8 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat)

Telephones - main lines in use

405,000 (2011)

Telephones - mobile cellular

1.09 million (2011)

Airports

15 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

3

2,438 to 3,047 m

6

914 to 1,523 m

3

total

13

under 914 m

1 (2012)

Airports - with unpaved runways

2 (2012)

total

2

under 914 m

2 (2012)

Heliports

9 (2012)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 278, cargo 163, chemical tanker 77, container 201, liquefied gas 11, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 25, petroleum tanker 62, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 4 622 (Angola 1, Austria 1, Belgium 3, Bermuda 1, Canada 2, China 6, Denmark 6, Estonia 6, France 16, Germany 192, Greece 201, Hong Kong 2, India 4, Iran 10, Ireland 3, Italy 6, Japan 16, Netherlands 23, Norway 14, Philippines 1, Poland 24, Portugal 2, Russia 46, Singapore 1, Slovenia 5, Spain 6, Sweden 5, Turkey 1, UAE 3, UK 7, Ukraine 3, US 5) 152 (Bahamas 23, Cambodia 4, Comoros 2, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Greece 3, Hong Kong 3, Liberia 9, Malta 32, Marshall Islands 40, Norway 1, Panama 5, Russia 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Sierra Leone 2, Singapore 6, unknown 4) (2010)

foreign-owned

622 (Angola 1, Austria 1, Belgium 3, Bermuda 1, Canada 2, China 6, Denmark 6, Estonia 6, France 16, Germany 192, Greece 201, Hong Kong 2, India 4, Iran 10, Ireland 3, Italy 6, Japan 16, Netherlands 23, Norway 14, Philippines 1, Poland 24, Portugal 2, Russia 46, Singapore 1, Slovenia 5, Spain 6, Sweden 5, Turkey 1, UAE 3, UK 7, Ukraine 3, US 5)

registered in other countries

152 (Bahamas 23, Cambodia 4, Comoros 2, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Greece 3, Hong Kong 3, Liberia 9, Malta 32, Marshall Islands 40, Norway 1, Panama 5, Russia 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Sierra Leone 2, Singapore 6, unknown 4) (2010)

total

838

Pipelines

oil 0 km

Ports and terminals

area under government control: Larnaca, Limassol, Vasilikos; area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Famagusta, Kyrenia

area under government control

Larnaca, Limassol, Vasilikos; area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Famagusta, Kyrenia

Roadways

14,671 km 12,321 km under government control (includes 257 km of expressways), 2,350 km administered by Turkish Cypriots (2008)

total

14,671 km

Manpower available for military service

327,875 287,891 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

287,891 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

327,875

Manpower fit for military service

275,842 239,862 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

239,862 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

275,842

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

8,167 7,398 (2010 est.)

female

7,398 (2010 est.)

male

8,167

Military branches

Republic of Cyprus: Greek Cypriot National Guard (Ethniki Forea, EF; includes naval and air elements); Northern Cyprus: Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK) (2009)

Republic of Cyprus

Greek Cypriot National Guard (Ethniki Forea, EF; includes naval and air elements); Northern Cyprus: Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK) (2009)

Military expenditures

3.8% of GDP (2005 est.) (U)

Military service age and obligation

Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG): 18-50 years of age for compulsory military service for all Greek Cypriot males; 17 years of age for voluntary service; women may volunteer for a 3-year term; length of service is 25 months (2009)

Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG)

18-50 years of age for compulsory military service for all Greek Cypriot males; 17 years of age for voluntary service; women may volunteer for a 3-year term; length of service is 25 months (2009)

Disputes - international

hostilities in 1974 divided the island into two de facto autonomous entities, the internationally recognized Cypriot Government and a Turkish-Cypriot community (north Cyprus); the 1,000-strong UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has served in Cyprus since 1964 and maintains the buffer zone between north and south; on 1 May 2004, Cyprus entered the European Union still divided, with the EU's body of legislation and standards (acquis communitaire) suspended in the north; Turkey protests Cypriot Government creating hydrocarbon blocks and maritime boundary with Lebanon in March 2007

Illicit drugs

minor transit point for heroin and hashish via air routes and container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon and Turkey; some cocaine transits as well; despite a strengthening of anti-money-laundering legislation, remains vulnerable to money laundering; reporting of suspicious transactions in offshore sector remains weak (2008)

Refugees and internally displaced persons

210,000 (both Turkish and Greek Cypriots; many displaced since 1974) (2010)

IDPs

210,000 (both Turkish and Greek Cypriots; many displaced since 1974) (2010)