World Happiness Report for Cyprus 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Cyprus: 50
- Happiness Score Cyprus:6.068
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Cyprus. CY.
Cyprus is a country located in the Eastern Mediterranean with a unitary presidential republic political structure. It has a rich cultural heritage with influences from Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern traditions. The country is known for its significant economic ties to the European Union and its thriving tourism industry.
- Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean.
- The country is divided into the Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
- Cyprus has a long history dating back to antiquity, with archaeological sites and ancient ruins dotting the landscape.
Cyprus – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History and Ancient Civilizations
The island of Cyprus has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Neolithic period around 8,000 BC. The island saw the rise of ancient civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, each leaving their indelible mark on the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
Kingdoms and Empires
Throughout its history, Cyprus has been dominated by various kingdoms and empires, including the Byzantine Empire, the Lusignan Kingdom, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. Each of these powers left a lasting impact on the island’s architecture, customs, and traditions.
Colonial Period
Cyprus fell under British rule in 1878, becoming a Crown Colony in 1925. The British influence shaped the island’s infrastructure, legal system, and educational institutions, while also sparking nationalist movements that eventually led to independence.
Independence and Modern Era
Cyprus gained its independence from British rule in 1960, becoming a republic. However, tensions between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities led to an inter-communal conflict in 1963, followed by the Turkish invasion in 1974, which resulted in the island’s de facto partition. The island remains divided to this day, with the Republic of Cyprus controlling the southern part, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north.
Current Political Situation
The Republic of Cyprus is a presidential representative democratic republic, with a president as the head of state and a multi-party system. The current president is Nicos Anastasiades, elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2018. Efforts to reunify the island have been ongoing, but significant challenges remain.
International Relations
Cyprus is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth of Nations. The island has strong ties with Greece and maintains a close relationship with the United States and other Western nations. However, the ongoing division and the status of Northern Cyprus continue to be sources of tension in regional and international relations.
Human Development and Economy
Cyprus has a high-income economy driven by services, tourism, and shipping industries. The country boasts a high Human Development Index, with excellent healthcare and education systems. However, the 2008 financial crisis had a significant impact on the Cypriot economy, leading to austerity measures and economic reforms.
Cultural Highlights
Cyprus is a melting pot of cultures, with Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences shaping its traditions. The island is known for its rich cuisine, combining Mediterranean flavors with local ingredients. Ancient archaeological sites, such as the Neolithic village of Choirokoitia and the Greco-Roman ruins of Kourion, are testament to Cyprus’s long and diverse history.
Challenges and Opportunities
Cyprus faces ongoing challenges related to the island’s division, reconciliation efforts, and economic recovery. However, the country’s strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and potential for further economic diversification present opportunities for growth and development in the years to come.
Main facts
Location
Cyprus is an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and west of Syria. It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The island is known for its strategic location, which has played a significant role in its history and cultural heritage.
Map References
Cyprus is located in the Middle East region, specifically in the Eastern Mediterranean subregion.
Area – Comparative
With an area of 9,251 square kilometers (3,572 square miles), Cyprus is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Connecticut.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
As an island country, Cyprus does not share any land borders with other countries.
Coastline
Cyprus has a coastline of approximately 648 kilometers (403 miles), featuring numerous beaches, coves, and harbors along its Mediterranean shores.
Maritime Claims
Cyprus claims the following maritime zones:
– Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
– Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
– Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
– Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of continental margin
Climate
Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The island experiences an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, with temperatures ranging from around 16°C (61°F) in January to 33°C (91°F) in July and August.
Terrain
The terrain of Cyprus is dominated by two mountain ranges, the Kyrenia Mountains in the north and the Troodos Mountains in the southwest. The central plain, known as the Mesaoria, lies between these ranges. The island also features coastal plains, valleys, and plateaus.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Cyprus is Mount Olympus, part of the Troodos Mountains, reaching an elevation of 1,952 meters (6,404 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is the Mediterranean Sea (0 meters).
Natural Resources
Cyprus has limited natural resources, including copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, and mineral sources.
Major Bodies of Water
The main bodies of water in Cyprus are:
– Mediterranean Sea (surrounding the island)
– Salt Lake (a hypersaline lake in the interior)
– Pedialus River (the longest river on the island)
Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards in Cyprus include moderate earthquakes, droughts, and occasional heat waves.
Geography – Notes
Cyprus has a long history of human habitation, dating back to the Neolithic period. The island’s strategic location has made it a significant crossroads for trade and cultural exchange throughout history. The island’s geography has also played a role in the ongoing division between the Republic of Cyprus (an EU member state) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey).
- Forest Area (% of land area): 18.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 6,626. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 12.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 35.12641333.429859.
- Capital: The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia
- Major Cities:
- Nicosia – Population: 200,452
- Limassol – Population: 154,000
- Larnaca – Population: 51,468
- Paphos – Population: 35,961
- Population: 1,198,575
- Area(Km2): 9251
- Population Density( P/Km²):131. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:357
- Official Language(s):Cyprus is Greek (80%), Turkish (20%).
- Currency: EUR
Main Economic Indicators
Cyprus has a small but prosperous free-market economy, with a relatively high standard of living. The economy heavily relies on the service sector, particularly tourism and financial services. Major economic challenges include high public debt, low productivity growth, and the aftereffects of the 2012-13 financial crisis. The government has implemented various reforms to address these issues and promote economic diversification.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 2.3% (Source: European Commission)
2020: -1.1% (Source: European Commission)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BBB- (Outlook: Stable)
Moody’s: Ba1 (Outlook: Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB- (Outlook: Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 2%
Industry: 10.8%
Services: 87.2% (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Citrus fruits, vegetables, grapes, olives, dairy products, potatoes, bananas, lamb, poultry, and pigs.
Industrial Products: Tourism, food and beverage processing, cement and gypsum, ship repair and refurbishment, textiles, light chemicals, metal products, wood, paper, stone, and clay products.
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 475,000 (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 167th in the world
Current Account Balance
2021: -$2.78 billion (Source: European Commission)
2020: -$1.37 billion (Source: European Commission)
Comparative Ranking: 165th in the world (2021 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $4.48 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Greece, Libya, United Kingdom
Main Commodities: Citrus fruits, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, clothing
Imports: $9.04 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Greece, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom
Main Commodities: Consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, machinery, transport equipment
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $1.22 billion (31 December 2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 13.9 tonnes (February 2011 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$24,564,647,935. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 24.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 22.40%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.23. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 7.27%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
Noun: Cypriot(s)
Adjective: Cypriot
Ethnic Groups
Greek Cypriot: 98.8%
Other: 1.2% (includes Maronite, Armenian, Turkish-Cypriot)
Religions
Orthodox Christian: 89.1%
Roman Catholic: 2.9%
Protestant/Anglican: 2%
Muslim: 1.8%
Buddhist: 1%
Other (includes Jewish, Hindu): 0.4%
None: 3.1%
Age Structure
0-14 years: 16.48%
15-64 years: 69.86%
65 years and over: 13.66%
Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 43.7
Youth dependency ratio: 22.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 21.6
Median Age
Total: 37.1 years
Male: 35.9 years
Female: 38.4 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 22.5% of the population
Alcohol consumption: 8.9 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
Tobacco use: 38% of adults (ages 15+)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 80.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 98.7%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:10.46. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.33. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 76.5%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 800,708. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):43.90%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Cyprus National Guard constitutes the military forces of Cyprus, encompassing the following branches:
- Cypriot Army
- Cypriot Navy
- Cypriot Air Force
The Cypriot Police is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.
Military Expenditures
Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.8%
- 2021: 1.7%
- 2020: 1.7%
- 2019: 1.6%
- 2018: 1.7%
Cyprus ranked 92nd globally in military spending in 2022.
Personnel Strengths
Total active-duty military personnel: 15,000
- Cypriot Army: 12,000
- Cypriot Navy: 1,000
- Cypriot Air Force: 2,000
National Guard and other security services: 10,000
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Main military hardware includes:
- Tanks and armored vehicles (e.g., T-80U, BMP-3)
- Artillery and rocket systems (e.g., D-30, BM-21 Grad)
- Aircraft (e.g., T-38, Mi-35P)
- Naval vessels (patrol craft and coastal defense)
Cyprus is pursuing modernization programs, including the acquisition of new aircraft and naval assets.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service is mandatory for male Cypriot citizens between the ages of 18 and 50. The initial service obligation is 14 months.
Military Deployments
Cyprus has no significant overseas military deployments. However, it contributes personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Strategic Military Notes
Cyprus’ defense strategy focuses on deterring potential aggression and protecting its territorial integrity, with a particular emphasis on the ongoing division of the island. The military plays a key role in maintaining security along the UN-controlled buffer zone.
Cyprus is a member of the Partnership for Peace program and cooperates with NATO, the European Union, and other international organizations on security matters.
- Armed Forces Size: 16000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.95
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 63.10%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.