Cyprus:

Country Economy Overview

an overview of the cypriot economy

Contents

An Overview of the Economy

The Republic of Cyprus has a very stable economy with high growth rates, low inflation rates and low unemployment levels. The island has very few natural resources so trade is vital if the Cypriot economy is to continue its success. Cyprus joined the EU on May 1st 2004, which gave a big boost to the economy and resulted in rapid growth. The country adopted the Euro on 1st January 2008.

NB. All statistics and figures are for the Republic of Cyprus under government control. Statistics specifically relating to Turkish controlled Cyprus are available from the CIA World Factbook.

statistics  
GDP (PPP) (IMF) (US$Billions) 21.2
GDP (PPP) (CIA) (US$Billions) 21.3
GDP Growth (IMF) (%) 4.4%
GDP Growth (CIA) (%) 4.4%
GDP Per Capita (PPP) (IMF) (US$) 27,428
GDP Per Capita (PPP) (CIA) (US$) 46,900
GDP by Sector (%) Agriculture: 2.7%
Services: 78%
Industry: 19.2%
Inflation (%) 2.2%
Population Below the Poverty Line (%) -
Labour Force (Millions) 0.393
Labour Force by Occupation (%) Agriculture: 8.5%
Services: 71%
Industry: 20.5%
Unemployment (%) 3.9%
Main Industries Tourism, food and beverage processing,
cement and gypsum production, ship repair
and refurbishment, textiles, light chemicals,
metal products, wood, paper, stone, clay
products.

Sources: CIA World Factbook, IMF

GDP

economic indicators 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
GDP (USBillions) 13.1 15.8 17.0 18.4 21.3
GDP Growth (%) 1.7% 1.9% 3.2% 4.0% 4.4%
GDP Per Capita (US$) 18,433 21,388 22,427 23,778 27,326
GDP Per Capita (PPP) (US$) 38,252 40,038 41,919 44,129 46,900
Inflation (%) 24.5% 12.6% 2.4% 2.6% 2.2%
Unemployment (%) 5.6% 3.4% 5.6% 4% 3.9%
Foreign-Exchange
& Gold Reserves
(US$Billions)
3.5 3.4 4.4 4.6 6.2
Mobile Phone Users 68,000 417,900 417,900 143,178 777,500
Internet Users 150,000 210,000 210,000 298,000 356,600

Sources: CIA World Factbook, IMF

Major Exports & Imports

The UK and Greece receive the majority of Cyrus' exports which are mainly perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, cement and clothing. Neighbouring Greece provides the largest amount of Cyprus' imports, with Italy, Germany, the UK and Israel providing the bulk of the rest of incoming goods. According to figures from the CIA World Factbook Cyprus has a huge trade deficit, importing $7.786 million worth of goods but exporting only $1.489 million.

major exports 2007

Citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, clothing.

Major imports 2007

Consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, intermediate goods, machinery, transport equipment.

export partners % of total
UK 15.1%
Greece 14.2%
France 7.7%
Germany 4.9%
UAE 4.1%
import partners % of total
Greece 17.6%
Italy 11.4%
Germany 9.0%
UK 8.9%
Israel 6.2%
France 4.3%
Netherlands 4.3%
China 4.2%
Source: CIA World Factbook Top

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