The rate of natural increase (RNI) in Cyprus, which measures the difference between birth and death rates excluding migration, is relatively low compared to some of its neighboring countries. As of recent data, Cyprus's RNI hovers around 0.2% per year, reflecting a modest population growth driven by a low birth rate and an aging population. In contrast, Turkey, to the north, has a higher RNI of approximately 1.1%, fueled by a younger demographic and higher fertility rates. To the east, Lebanon and Syria have historically had higher RNIs, though conflict and instability have affected these rates in recent years. Meanwhile, Greece, to the west, shares a similarly low RNI with Cyprus, with some years even experiencing negative natural increase due to very low birth rates and an aging populace. Overall, Cyprus's RNI is more comparable to southern European countries than to its Middle Eastern neighbors, highlighting demographic trends of low fertility and aging populations in the region.
| Year | Rate of Natural Increase | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 1.119 | 679,224 |
| 1990 | 1.107 | 745,055 |
| 1995 | 0.909 | 847,345 |
| 2000 | 0.498 | 919,680 |
| 2005 | 0.398 | 1,010,742 |
| 2010 | 0.497 | 1,102,726 |
| 2015 | 0.484 | 1,189,441 |
| 2020 | 0.404 | 1,267,376 |
| 2024 | 0.313 | 1,320,525 |
| 2025 | 0.284 | 1,332,293 |
| 2026 | 0.256 | 1,343,402 |
| 2030 | 0.145 | 1,381,021 |
| 2035 | 0.033 | 1,413,331 |
| 2040 | -0.044 | 1,431,463 |
| 2045 | -0.122 | 1,436,653 |
| 2050 | -0.221 | 1,428,212 |
| 2055 | -0.34 | 1,408,383 |
| 2060 | -0.46 | 1,380,462 |
| 2065 | -0.568 | 1,345,339 |
| 2070 | -0.659 | 1,304,612 |
| 2075 | -0.736 | 1,259,779 |
| 2080 | -0.796 | 1,212,294 |
| 2085 | -0.824 | 1,163,967 |
| 2090 | -0.817 | 1,117,006 |
| 2095 | -0.785 | 1,072,983 |
| 2100 | -0.745 | 1,032,699 |
Data from US Census International Database