Cyprus — Gun Facts, Figures and the LawStockpilesGun NumbersCivilian GunsNumber of Privately Owned FirearmsThe estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Cyprus is 275,0001 Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 PopulationThe rate of private gun ownership in Cyprus is 36.41 firearms per 100 people Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World RankingIn a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Cyprus ranked at No. 1072 Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World RankingIn a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Cyprus ranked at No. 61 Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 PopulationThe rate of registered firearms per 100 people in Cyprus is 10.354 Number of Privately Owned ShotgunsIn Cyprus, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 104,6313 Number of Privately Owned HandgunsThere are reportedly 303 handguns in civilian possession in Cyprus ImpactsDeath and InjuryHomicides (any method)Gun HomicidesGun Homicides (Other)Unintentional Gun DeathsUnintentional Long Gun DeathsUnintentional Gun Deaths (Other)Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined CauseProductionGun IndustryRegulation of Firearm MakersIn Cyprus, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence3 TransfersGun Trade and TraffickingRegulation of Firearm ExportsSmuggling Guns and AmmunitionReports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Cyprus is negligible3 Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Cyprus is reported to be US$32024 Regulation of Arms BrokersIn Cyprus, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law25 Transparency of Small Arms TransfersIn the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, Cyprus was ranked number 38 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 8.50 points of a possible total of 2526 MeasuresGun RegulationFirearm Regulation - Guiding PolicyThe regulation of guns in Cyprus is categorised as restrictive27 Prohibited Firearms and AmmunitionGun Owner LicensingIn Cyprus, only licensed gun owners34 30 32 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition Genuine Reason Required for Firearm LicenceApplicants for a gun owner’s licence in Cyprus are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection35 Minimum Age for Firearm PossessionThe minimum age for gun ownership in Cyprus is 18 years35 Gun Owner Background ChecksAn applicant for a firearm licence in Cyprus must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental and domestic violence35 records Reference Required for Firearm LicenceIn Cyprus, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required3 Domestic Violence and FirearmsWhere a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Cyprus stipulates3 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked Firearm Safety TrainingIn Cyprus, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required3 for a firearm licence Limit on Quantity, Type of AmmunitionA licensed firearm owner in Cyprus is permitted to possess only ammunition suitable for the intended firearm36 Firearm RegistrationCivilian Gun RegistrationIn Cyprus, the law requires37 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register Gun Dealer Record KeepingIn Cyprus, licensed firearm dealers are required37 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority State-Owned Firearm RecordsIn Cyprus, State agencies are required38 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control Storage and Transport of Guns and AmmunitionFirearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - PrivateFirearm regulations in Cyprus include3 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners Firearm and Ammunition Transport RegulationsRegulations in Cyprus include3 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit Carrying GunsCarrying Guns Openly in PublicIn Cyprus, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit (in exceptional circumstances)3 MeasuresInternational ControlsRegional AgreementsEuropean UnionEuropean Union Export ReportingUnder the European Union Common Position on Arms Exports, Cyprus is bound to declare its transfers of military technology and equipment. Independent monitoring provides detailed comparisons of arms export reporting compliance across EU member states, and records that Cyprus has yet to submit a national report43 on its arms transfers United Nations Arms Trade TreatyIn 2009, Cyprus voted to begin44 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes United Nations Firearms ProtocolThe United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified45 by Cyprus United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoAUNPoA CommitmentOn 21 July 2001, Cyprus committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects46 UNPoA National ReportingUNPoA National Point of ContactIn Cyprus, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated48 UNPoA National Coordinating BodyIn Cyprus, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated48 UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and SupportIn National Reports of Cyprus submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is not apparent48 UNPoA International Assistance – DonorFunds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated48 by Cyprus to other UN Member States United Nations Small Arms RegisterAccording to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Cyprus has not declared2 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports. United Nations MembershipIn the UN List of Member States, Cyprus has been a Member State of the United Nations since 196049 Wassenaar ArrangementThe Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list50 Cyprus as a Participating State |
Short References
- 1.
-
2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation
- 2.
-
2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation
- 3.
-
1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation
- 4.
-
2011.‘Calculated Rates – Cyprus.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4221)Full Citation
- 5.
-
2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation
- 6.
-
2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation
- 7.
-
2011.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Cause of Death – Total Firearm Death.’ European Detailed Mortality Database (DMDB).Copenhagen:World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe,15 September. (Q5684)Full Citation
- 8.
-
2011.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Cyprus.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,6 October. (Q6297)Full Citation
- 9.
-
2008.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Tenth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2005-2006).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q10)Full Citation
- 10.
-
2006.‘Reported Overall Homicide Numbers and Rates per 100,000 Population for 64 Countries, 2003-04.’ Ninth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2003 – 2004).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q9)Full Citation
- 11.
-
2005.‘Recorded Homicide and Firearm Homicide in 53 Countries, Completed or Attempted.’ Eighth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2001-2002).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,15 April. (Q1077)Full Citation
- 12.
-
2001.‘Crimes Recorded by Police: Homicide.’ International Comparisons of Criminal Justice Statistics 1999.London:UK Home Office,1 May. (Q2143)Full Citation
- 13.
-
2001.‘Cyprus: Total Recorded Intentional Homicides (Completed) and Total Recorded Intentional Homicides Committed With a Firearm.’ Sixth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems, covering the period 1995-1997.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,27 June. (Q1329)Full Citation
- 14.
-
2012.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Cause of Death – Gun Homicide in Cyprus.’ European Detailed Mortality Database (DMDB).Copenhagen:World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe,14 February. (Q6081)Full Citation
- 15.
-
2012.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Cause of Death – Gun Suicide in Cyprus.’ European Detailed Mortality Database (DMDB).Copenhagen:World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe,27 February. (Q6138)Full Citation
- 16.
-
2012.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Cause of Death – Unintentional Gun Deaths in Cyprus.’ European Detailed Mortality Database (DMDB).Copenhagen:World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe,9 March. (Q6178)Full Citation
- 17.
-
2012.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Cause of Death – Gun Death from Undetermined Cause in Cyprus.’ European Detailed Mortality Database (DMDB).Copenhagen:World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe,20 June. (Q6438)Full Citation
- 18.
-
1991.‘Article 11.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2414)Full Citation
- 19.
-
1991.‘Article 12.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2415)Full Citation
- 20.
-
1991.‘Article 13.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2416)Full Citation
- 21.
-
1991.‘Article 14.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2417)Full Citation
- 22.
-
2013.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,14 February. (Q16)Full Citation
- 23.
-
2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation
- 24.
-
2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation
- 25.
-
1991.‘Article 4b.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2408)Full Citation
- 26.
-
2011.‘Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer 2011, covering major exporters.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5354)Full Citation
- 27.
-
1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation
- 28.
-
1991.‘European Weapons Directive.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2403)Full Citation
- 29.
-
1991.‘Article 18.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2418)Full Citation
- 30.
-
1991.‘Article 6.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2410)Full Citation
- 31.
-
1991.‘Annex 1.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2419)Full Citation
- 32.
-
1991.‘Article 7.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2411)Full Citation
- 33.
-
1991.‘Article 8.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2412)Full Citation
- 34.
-
1991.‘Article 4a.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2407)Full Citation
- 35.
-
1991.‘Article 5.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2409)Full Citation
- 36.
-
1991.‘Article 10.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2413)Full Citation
- 37.
-
1991.‘Article 4.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2406)Full Citation
- 38.
-
2005.‘Review of the Stocks of SALW Held by the Armed Forces, Police and Other Authorized Bodies.’ National Report of Cyprus on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Cyprus to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4628)Full Citation
- 39.
-
1991.‘Article 4.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2405)Full Citation
- 40.
-
1991.‘Article 4.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2404)Full Citation
- 41.
-
2007.‘Roll-call Vote: EU Firearms Directive.’ Legislative Resolution on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons.Brussels:VoteWatch.eu,29 November. (Q1346)Full Citation
- 42.
-
2007.‘Draft Legislative Resolution on the EU Parliament Firearms Directive 2007.’ Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons.Brussels:European Parliament,12 July. (Q1970)Full Citation
- 43.
-
2010.‘EU Arms Transfer Reporting Database.’ Saferworld European Union Arms Transfer Reporting Database.London:Saferworld,9 December. (Q3364)Full Citation
- 44.
-
2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation
- 45.
-
2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation
- 46.
-
2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation
- 47.
-
2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation
- 48.
-
2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation
- 49.
-
2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation
- 50.
-
1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation

Top of Page
