Yes, Cyprus is a secular country. The Constitution of Cyprus guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion.
A more thorough response to your request
Yes, Cyprus is a secular country which means that there is no state religion and all are free to practice their own religion or no religion at all. The Constitution of Cyprus guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion. Here are some interesting facts about religion in Cyprus:
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Christianity is the predominant religion in Cyprus, with Greek Orthodox Christians making up around 78% of the population.
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Other religious minorities include Muslims (18% of the population), Maronites, Armenians and Roman Catholics.
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Cyprus was one of the first countries to accept Christianity, with St. Paul visiting the island and converting the first Christian, Lazarus.
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Historically, Cyprus has been a place where different religions and cultures have coexisted peacefully. This is reflected in the many religious sites and monuments on the island, including churches, mosques and synagogues.
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A famous quote about religion that is relevant to Cyprus comes from the Greek philosopher, Epicurus: “Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.”
Here is a table summarizing the religious demographics in Cyprus:
| Religion | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| Greek Orthodox Christianity | 78% |
| Islam | 18% |
| Maronite Christianity | 0.5% |
| Armenian Christianity | 0.3% |
| Roman Catholic Christianity | 0.2% |
| Other | 0.9% |
| No religion | 1.1% |
Overall, although Cyprus may have a majority of Christians, the country strives to uphold and protect religious freedom for all its citizens.
Answer in video
The video discusses the division of Cyprus since 1974 when Turkish forces invaded the north of the island in response to a coup. The island is now divided between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, only recognized by Ankara, controlling the northern third. The possibility of a bi-zonal Federation is being considered as a solution to reunify the island, but property ownership, territorial adjustments, and security arrangements have prevented peace and reunification efforts.
Additional responses to your query
The Turkish Cypriot “constitution” states the area is a secular republic and provides for freedom of conscience and religious faith and unrestricted worship and religious ceremonies, provided they do not contravene public order or morals.
More interesting on the topic
Does Cyprus have freedom of religion?
Answer: The 1960 Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus provides for freedom of religion, and the Government generally respected this right in practice. The Government at all levels sought to protect this right in full and did not tolerate its abuse, either by governmental or private actors.
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Is Cyprus a religious country?
Answer to this: There is no official religion in Cyprus. As provided in the Constitution, every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and is free to profess his faith and manifest or change his religion or belief.
What type of country is Cyprus?
The response is: Cyprus is a presidential republic with independent executive, legislative and judicial branches. Head of State of the Republic of Cyprus is the President. He must be a Greek Cypriot and is elected for five years. The House of Representatives is the country’s parliament.
Does Cyprus have Muslims?
Islam was introduced to Cyprus in the 16th century after the island became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1571. Today, the majority of the Turkish Cypriots identify as Sunni Muslims. However, they are often described as some of the most secular (laik) Muslims in the world.
Is Turkish Cypriot a secular republic?
In reply to that: The Turkish Cypriot “constitution” states the territory is a “ssecular republic” and provides for freedom of conscience and religious faith and unrestricted worship and religious ceremonies, provided they do not contravene public order or morals.
Does Cyprus have a government?
In reply to that: The government of the Republic of Cyprus is the only internationally recognized government on the island, but since 1974 the northern third of Cyprus has been administered by Turkish Cypriots. This area proclaimed itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) in 1983.
Is Cyprus a free country?
The response is: The Cyprus Police (Greek: Αστυνομία Κύπρου, Turkish: Kıbrıs Polisi) is the only National Police Service of the Republic of Cyprus and is under the Ministry of Justice and Public Order since 1993. In "Freedom in the World 2011", Freedom House rated Cyprus as "free".
What is Cyprus known for?
As an answer to this: (Show more) Cyprus, Greek Kípros, Turkish Kıbrıs, island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea renowned since ancient times for its mineral wealth, superb wines and produce, and natural beauty.
Is Turkish Cypriot a secular republic?
As an answer to this: The Turkish Cypriot “constitution” states the territory is a “ssecular republic” and provides for freedom of conscience and religious faith and unrestricted worship and religious ceremonies, provided they do not contravene public order or morals.
Is Northern Cyprus a sovereign state?
No country other than the Republic of Turkey has officially recognised Northern Cyprus as a sovereign state. The United Nations recognises it as territory of the Republic of Cyprus under Turkish occupation.
Does Cyprus have a government?
Answer: The government of the Republic of Cyprus is the only internationally recognized government on the island, but since 1974 the northern third of Cyprus has been administered by Turkish Cypriots. This area proclaimed itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) in 1983.
What is Cyprus known for?
In reply to that: (Show more) Cyprus, Greek Kípros, Turkish Kıbrıs, island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea renowned since ancient times for its mineral wealth, superb wines and produce, and natural beauty.