Cyprus is marking 66 years since the establishment of the Republic, but alongside the anniversary celebrations, concerns are growing over another long-term challenge: the demographic decline.
The warning comes as the country faces persistently low fertility, an ageing population and a changing demographic balance in the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.
Fewer births and fertility below replacement level
According to the 2024 demographic statistics published by the Government of Cyprus, 9,766 children were born in the government-controlled areas in 2024, down from 10,241 in 2023.
Of those births, 6,111 were to mothers of Cypriot nationality and 3,654 to mothers of other nationalities. This means that 37.4% of births were to mothers who were not Cypriot citizens.
At the same time, the total fertility rate stood at 1.4 children per woman, well below the replacement level of around 2.1. Cyprus has remained below replacement fertility since 1995.
Population is growing while the country ages
The total population in the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus was estimated at 983,000 at the end of 2024, compared with 966,400 a year earlier.
However, the increase was accompanied by significant migration. Net migration in 2024 was positive at 13,588 people.
Population growth therefore does not necessarily mean that the underlying fertility challenge has been resolved. A country can increase its total population through migration while continuing to experience low fertility and population ageing.
The age structure of Cyprus has changed significantly over the past generation.
In 2000, children under 15 accounted for 22.3% of the population, while people aged 65 and over represented 11.3%. By 2024, the share of children had fallen to 15.2%, while the proportion aged 65 and over had risen to 18.3%.
Demographic change is already visible in schools
The demographic shift is also reflected in Cyprus’ schools.
According to Ministry of Education data for the 2025–26 school year, pupils recorded as having a migrant background account for 23% of primary school pupils and 24.7% of children in kindergartens.
The figures include 11,778 pupils with a migrant background among 50,932 primary school pupils and 3,493 among 14,026 kindergarten children.
The figures vary considerably between areas and individual schools, while comparisons over time require caution because the definitions and categories used to record pupils with migrant backgrounds have changed.
The demographic discussion, however, extends beyond migration. The central issue is whether Cyprus is creating the social and economic conditions that allow families to have the number of children they want.
Migration cannot replace family policy
Migration can help address labour shortages and contribute to overall population growth. It does not, however, address the underlying causes of low fertility among people already living in Cyprus.
The argument is that demographic policy should therefore look beyond traditional welfare measures and examine the wider environment in which families make decisions about having children.
Housing costs, taxation, education, employment, childcare, electricity and water costs, pensions and work-life balance can all affect the financial pressures faced by families.
Large families and access to support
Another issue raised is the level of state support available to large families.
According to figures published in the context of parliamentary scrutiny, the number of Cypriot large-family beneficiaries receiving Child Benefit fell from 10,065 in 2012 to 3,166 in 2024.
That represents a reduction of around 69% in the number of beneficiaries of the specific support scheme. It does not mean that the number of large families fell by 69%, but that thousands of families were no longer beneficiaries of that particular form of state support.
The argument is that income, property and other eligibility criteria should take family size more fully into account, particularly where households are supporting several children.
From existing support to wider demographic policy
Addressing the demographic challenge involves more than introducing another benefit.
It argues that existing policies should first be examined to identify barriers affecting families with several children. A broader demographic strategy could then address housing, taxation, education, employment, childcare and the balance between professional and family life.
The objective would not be to encourage people to have children simply because financial incentives exist, but to reduce the economic barriers that may prevent families from having a second, third or fourth child.
Looking ahead after 66 years
The Republic of Cyprus has faced major challenges since its establishment, including the 1974 invasion, displacement and economic crises.
The demographic outlook presents a different type of long-term challenge.
The issue is not the children born in Cyprus to foreign parents or people who move to the country to work and build their lives. The responsibility for demographic policy lies with the state and the policies it chooses to implement.
With fertility remaining below replacement level and the population ageing, the question is increasingly focused not only on what Cyprus will pass on to future generations, but also on the size and structure of those generations.
Source: Deputy President, Pancyprian Organisation of Large Families
Also read: Cyprus child benefit to rise by up to 10% from 2027
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