Russian Cypriots: Difference between revisions

Russian Cypriots

Total population
18,000-50,000
Regions with significant populations
Limassol
Languages
Russian, Greek
Religion
Orthodox Christianity (Russian and Cypriot churches)

Russian minimarket in Limassol, Cyprus

Russians in Cyprus form a significant expatriate community in the Republic of Cyprus. According to official government statistics, there are approximately 18,000 Russian Cypriots living in the country, a large proportion of whom reside in Limassol. However, estimates vary; for instance, The Guardian suggested in 2018 that the number could be as high as 50,000, taking into account all residents of Russian background.

Russian Cypriots are a minority group on the island. However, almost all of them arrived to or were born in Cyprus following the Dissolution of the Soviet Union, which occurred after the writing of the Constitution of Cyprus, so they are not afforded the same constitutional privileges as other smaller minority groups like Armenian Cypriots, Maronite Cypriots and Roman Catholic Cypriots.

History

The majority of Russians in Cyprus have come to the island following the Dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Consequently, they are relatively recent additions to the island's population and therefore not included among the groups granted specific constitutional rights and privileges. The Constitution of Cyprus, which was written prior to the influx of Russians, affords special status to smaller historical minority groups like Armenian Cypriots, Maronite Cypriots, and Roman Catholic Cypriots affiliated with the Catholic Church in Cyprus.

Demographics

Geographic Distribution

The city of Limassol is the primary residence for the Russian community in Cyprus, though smaller pockets exist throughout the island. The community has made a substantial impact on the culture, business, and social aspects of the city.

Citizenship

Many Russians in Cyprus have acquired Cypriot citizenship, often through naturalization or investment programs. However, a significant number also reside on a semi-permanent or temporary basis, maintaining their Russian citizenship.

Economic Impact

The Russian community in Cyprus has had a notable economic influence, particularly in sectors like real estate, finance, and tourism. Their presence has spurred development and investment, although there are differing opinions on the long-term implications of this impact on the Cypriot economy.

Cultural Influence

Russian Cypriots have made their mark on the cultural landscape of Cyprus, including arts, cuisine, and entertainment. They have established Russian-speaking schools, media outlets, and cultural organizations, contributing to the diversification of Cypriot society.

Political and Social Issues

Due to their relatively recent arrival and the lack of constitutional recognition, the Russian community in Cyprus occasionally faces challenges in terms of social integration and political representation. These challenges can manifest in areas such as education and civil rights, and have been the subject of public discourse.

Notable people

Politicians:

• Alexey Voloboev

Foreign investors with dual Russian-Cypriot citizenship:

• Oleg Deripaska
• Konstantin Grigorishin
• Leonid Lebedev
• Nikita Mishin
• Alexander Ponomarenko

See also

• Cyprus–Russia relations
• Demographics of Cyprus

External links

• Northern Cyprus forms Russian business lobby