Unemployment rate in Cyprus
Cyprus: Unemployment rate was 4.9% in 2025. ◆ Volatile
Unemployment rate in Cyprus, 1991–2025
Source: ILO Modelled Estimates, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in %.
Analysis
The most recent figure for unemployment rate in Cyprus is 4.9%, measured in 2025.
The figure is up 0.5% on the previous year and down 67.2% over ten years.
Over the whole period, unemployment rate in Cyprus peaked at 16.3% in 2014 and was at its lowest, 2.1%, in 1992.
Cyprus ranks 102nd of 186 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Unemployment rate in Cyprus, year by year
| Year | % | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 3.0% | — |
| 1992 | 2.1% | -30.3% |
| 1993 | 2.7% | +29.2% |
| 1994 | 2.7% | +0.0% |
| 1995 | 2.6% | -3.7% |
| 1996 | 3.1% | +19.2% |
| 1997 | 3.4% | +9.7% |
| 1998 | 3.3% | -2.9% |
| 1999 | 5.5% | +67.6% |
| 2000 | 4.8% | -13.8% |
| 2001 | 4.0% | -15.2% |
| 2002 | 3.3% | -17.5% |
| 2003 | 4.2% | +24.5% |
| 2004 | 4.8% | +14.9% |
| 2005 | 5.5% | +14.9% |
| 2006 | 4.6% | -16.2% |
| 2007 | 3.9% | -14.1% |
| 2008 | 3.8% | -4.8% |
| 2009 | 5.6% | +48.9% |
| 2010 | 6.4% | +13.7% |
| 2011 | 7.9% | +24.9% |
| 2012 | 12.1% | +52.3% |
| 2013 | 16.1% | +33.3% |
| 2014 | 16.3% | +0.9% |
| 2015 | 15.0% | -7.7% |
| 2016 | 13.0% | -13.4% |
| 2017 | 11.2% | -14.2% |
| 2018 | 8.5% | -23.8% |
| 2019 | 7.2% | -15.9% |
| 2020 | 7.8% | +8.4% |
| 2021 | 7.5% | -3.1% |
| 2022 | 6.8% | -9.4% |
| 2023 | 5.8% | -14.3% |
| 2024 | 4.9% | -16.0% |
| 2025 | 4.9% | +0.5% |
Cyprus compared with similar countries
- Cyprus's 4.9% is below the median for high income countries, which is 5.0%, 98% of the median. (62 countries reporting)
- Cyprus's 4.9% is below the median for Europe & Central Asia, which is 5.6%, 89% of the median. (48 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 3.2% | 2.1% | 5.5% | 9 |
| 2000s | 4.4% | 3.3% | 5.6% | 10 |
| 2010s | 11.4% | 6.4% | 16.3% | 10 |
| 2020s | 6.3% | 4.9% | 7.8% | 6 |
Countries ranked near Cyprus
More work & labour data for Cyprus
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes, annual -0.3415 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male, annual growth -0.3363 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female, annual growth -0.3471 % change on previous year (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population, annual growth rate -1.03 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population, annual growth rate 0.6588 % change on previous year (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Urban population 1,030 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Rural population 353.01 1000 No (2050)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Female 631.64 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Male 643.71 1000 No (2100)
- Population - Est. & Proj. — Total Population - Both sexes 1,275 1000 No (2100)
Frequently asked questions
- What is unemployment rate in Cyprus?
- Unemployment rate in Cyprus was 4.9% in 2025, according to ILO Modelled Estimates, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest unemployment rate recorded in Cyprus?
- The highest recorded value was 16.3% in 2014.
- What is the lowest unemployment rate recorded in Cyprus?
- The lowest recorded value was 2.1% in 1992.
- How does Cyprus rank for unemployment rate?
- Cyprus ranks 102nd out of 186 countries with data for 2025.
- Is unemployment rate rising or falling in Cyprus?
- Over the last ten years it is down 67.2%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Cyprus data come from?
- The figures come from ILO Modelled Estimates, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Unemployment rate. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Share of the labor force without work, but actively looking for a job and available to start soon.