Cyprus is growing older and smarter

Cyprus' population is aging and becoming more educated, according to final results from the 2021 Census of Population and Housing released on Friday by the Statistical Service. Conducted in government-controlled areas, the census recorded a population of 923,381 as of October 1, 2021, reflecting a 9.9% increase from the 2011 census.

Out of the total population, 449,708 were males and 473,673 were females. The census data shows that 66.7% of the population resided in urban areas, while 33.3% lived in rural areas, indicating no significant decline in rural populations. The Nicosia district was the most populated, housing 37.9% of the total population, followed by Limassol (28.4%), Larnaka (16.9%), Pafos (10.9%), and Famagusta (5.9%). The most significant population growth occurred in Famagusta (16.5%), Pafos (14.5%), and Limassol (11.4%).

The data underscores an aging demographic, with 17.2% of the population aged 65 years and older, surpassing the 15.4% who are under 15 years old. This marks a shift from 2011 when 13.3% were 65 and over, and 16.1% were under 15. The trend aligns with broader European patterns of population aging.

Cypriot citizens made up 77.9% of the population, with 10.1% being citizens of other European Union countries, primarily from Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria. Non-EU citizens accounted for 11.6%, with the largest groups hailing from the United Kingdom, Syria, and Russia. The highest concentration of foreign nationals was in the Pafos district, where they comprised 40% of the population.

Educational levels have risen significantly, with 27.6% of those aged 15 and over holding tertiary (university-level) degrees, up from 20.2% in 2011. Females slightly outpaced males in tertiary education attainment, at 28.1% compared to 27.1% for males.

The census also enumerated 492,931 housing units, with 60.5% located in urban areas. The largest increase in housing units was observed in the Famagusta district, which saw a 17.9% rise. Of the total housing units, 491,545 were conventional dwellings, with 69.9% of these being owner-occupied. The number of households increased to 357,858, with an average household size of 2.57 persons, down from 2.76 in 2011. The Famagusta district had the largest average household size at 2.66, while Nicosia had the smallest at 2.51.

The census results reflect significant demographic shifts in Cyprus, highlighting trends in urbanization, aging, and educational attainment, with implications for future policy and planning.

[Eurostat]