Cypriots

Cypriots are the people of Cyprus, including Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as well as minority communities such as Armenians, Maronites, and Latins. The term also encompasses Cypriots living in diaspora communities around the world.

On the island, the southern two thirds are governed by the Republic of Cyprus, while the northern third is administered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey. The Republic joined the European Union in 2004; Northern Cyprus remains outside the EU. The island’s population is around 1.2 million, with Greek Cypriots forming the majority and Turkish Cypriots the minority, concentrated in the north.

Languages spoken reflect the communities: Greek is predominant among Greek Cypriots and Turkish among Turkish Cypriots; English is widely used as a lingua franca in education and business. Religions follow historical lines as well: Greek Orthodox Christianity is the traditional faith of most Greek Cypriots, while Turkish Cypriots are predominantly Muslim; there are also Armenian Apostolic, Maronite Christian, and Latin Catholic communities.

Cyprus has a long, diverse history shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and British rule. It achieved independence in 1960, experienced intercommunal conflict in the 1960s, and underwent a 1974 crisis followed by a Turkish invasion, leading to the island’s de facto partition. Reunification talks have continued intermittently, and the southern Republic of Cyprus joined the EU in 2004.

Cultural life on the island blends Greek, Turkish, and local traditions, reflected in music, dance, and cuisine. Halloumi cheese is a well-known Cypriot product. Cypriots maintain vibrant traditions in both Cyprus and the large diaspora communities, notably in the United Kingdom, Greece, Australia, Canada, and the United States.