1.1. Contact organisation
Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Social statistics
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Statistical Service of Cyprus
CY - 1444
Nicosia
CYPRUS
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
29 June 2026
2.2. Metadata last posted
29 June 2026
2.3. Metadata last update
29 June 2026
3.1. Data description
Data on causes of death (CoD) provide information on mortality patterns and form a major element of public health information.
CoD data refer to the underlying cause which - according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) - is "the disease or injury which initiated the train of morbid events leading directly to death, or the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced the fatal injury".
CoD data are derived from death certificates. The information provided in the medical certificate of cause of death is mapped to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD).
3.2. Classification system
Eurostat's CoD statistics build on standards set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD).
The regional breakdown is based on the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS 2).
See table 3.2 “Classification system” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The data covers all the deaths occuring in the Government Controlled Area including the deaths of Residents and non-residents (i.e. visitors), as well as deaths of permanent residents occuring abroad.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Concepts and definitions are described in the Commission regulation (EU) No 328/2011 in articles 2 and 3.
3.4.1. National definition used for usual residency
Usual resident is a person having resided or having the intention to reside in Cyprus for a period of at least 12 months.
3.4.2. Stillbirth definition and characteristics collected
According to the national Legislation "Law 168(I) / 2017 LAW AMENDING THE LAW OF POPULATION OF 2002 TO (NUMBER 4) OF 2015", based on the COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 328/2011, the definition of stillbirth has been adjusted to the following:
"Stillbirth" means embryo death which is born with a weight of at least five hundred (500) grams or a gestational age of at least twenty-two (22) completed weeks or a body length from the top of the head to the heel of at least twenty-five (25) centimeters.
Up to 2013, the characteristics collected included the weight and the gestational age; from 2014 onwards, the crown-heel length is also available for a few cases.
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical units are the deceased persons and the stillborns, respectively.
3.6. Statistical population
Detailed information is given in the following points.
3.6.1. Neonates of non-resident mothers
Neonates of non-resident mothers are considered as non-residents.
3.6.2. Non-residents
Non-residents dying in Cyprus are included in the national death statitics, but they are excluded from the calculations of SMR (standardized mortality rate) and crude rates.
3.6.3. Residents dying abroad
Residents dying abroad are included in the national death statistics. Residents dying abroad are usually burried in Cyprus. In order to proceed with the funeral, it is obligatory to provide the church with the medical death certificate, issued from the country where the death occured. This medical death certificate includes information on the cause of death, external cause of death, sex, age, permanent residence, manner of death, place of death, activity when injured, pregnancy of women, autopsy, date of death, certifier details.
3.7. Reference area
The data covers all the deaths of residents and non-residents occuring in the Government Controlled Area of Cyprus, as well as the deaths of residents dying abroad.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Generally, comparable data for cause of death data is available from the implementation of the EU Regulation, i.e. 2011 onwards. For previous years there is available data only for the causes of death (underlying cause of death and multiple causes), but no other information was available (i.e. for external causes: activity or place of occurrence, stillbirths etc)
Moreover, the time series for data on stillbirths starts in 2011 since no information for previous years is available.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
The unit is an absolute number.
Data refer to the calendar year (i.e. all deaths occurring during the year).
The last reference year is 2024.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
CoD data was submitted to Eurostat on the basis of a gentleman's agreement established in the framework Eurostat's Working Group on "Public Health Statistics" until data with reference year 2010.
A Regulation on Community statistics on public health and health and safety at work (EC) No 1338/2008 was signed by the European Parliament and the Council on 16 December 2008. This Regulation is the framework of the data collection on the domain.
Within the context of this framework Regulation, a Regulation on Community statistics on public health and health and safety at work, as regards statistics on causes of death (EU) No 328/2011 was signed by the European Parliament and the Council on 5 April 2011.
CoD data according to this regulation is submitted to Eurostat since reference year 2011.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
The data is being compiled by the Health Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Health and is sent to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT) for the dissemination to Eurostat. CYSTAT disseminates aggregated data in its CYSTAT database, under the thematic category "Health".
The Health Monitoring Unit (HMU) of the Ministry of Health is responsible for data sharing. CoD data are sent uppon request to European and International Organizations, Universities (in Cyprus and abroad), as well to researchers. In order to provide micro data to an applicant, an aggrement for access to non-confidential data must be signed between HMU and the applicant.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
No confidentiality issues apply, since the characteristics of the deceased do not fall under the provisions of the national Law for the Protection of Natural Persons. Hence, the prevention for unauthorised disclosure of data that identify a person or economic entity either directly or indirectly does not apply.
Reference, article (27), This General Data Protection Regulation, does not apply to the personal data of deceased persons. Member States may provide for rules regarding the processing of personal data of deceased persons.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
General Data Protection Regulation does not apply to the personal data of deceased persons, thus age groups showing a total mortality of less than 4 cases is not considered as confidential.
8.1. Release calendar
HMU: May n for reference year n-2 (for reference year 2024, aggregated data has been published in May 2026)
CYSTAT: May n for reference year n-2 (for reference year 2024, aggregated data has been published in May 2026)
8.2. Release calendar access
CYSTAT: Each interested party could fill in a registration form online in order to become a registered user and use the online services offered by the Statistical Service’s website. The registration form could be viewed on the following link (the deaths are listed under the subtheme "health") - User Register
Through this process the interested party could enable the alert service in order to be informed about the release calendar; also the user can select the domains of interest for which he/she will be informed for any data release.
Upon the submission of the registration form, the interested party will receive an e-mail with a username and a password which should be used to Login.
8.3. Release policy - user access
Each registered user, could enable the alert service in order to be informed about the release calendar; also the user can select the domains of interest for which he/she will be informed for any data release.
Annual
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
CYSTAT: Aggregated data on causes of death are disseminated in CYSTAT's database. The dissemination is anounced in advance through the release calendar in CYSTAT's website and a press release presents the main figures that have been published. The press release for the latest publication can be viewed on the following link - Health and Hospital Statistics
Up to the date of the submission of this report, the latest published data refers to year 2024.
HMU: The data on causes of death are disseminated through an annual puplication (year n) of main figures for reference year (n-2). The latest publication can be viewed on the following link, Documents - Ministry of Health - Gov.cy
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
CYSTAT
Up to the date of the submission of this report, the latest published data refer to year 2024.
Data in the form of a database (Deaths by Cause of Death and Sex, Annual. PxWeb)
HMU
Annual publication on causes of death: Documents - Ministry of Health - Gov.cy
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
CYSTAT
Up to the date of the submission of this report, the latest published data refer to year 2024.
Disseminated are aggregated data in the form of a database (Deaths by Cause of Death and Sex, Annual. PxWeb).
HMU
Disseminated are only aggregated figures, no micro data in the form of a database.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
CYSTAT:
Not applicable
HMU
Not applicable since no data is disseminated in online tables.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
CYSTAT
Statistical micro-data from CYSTAT’s surveys are accessible for research purposes only and under strict provisions as described below:
Under the provisions of the Statistics Law, CYSTAT may release microdata for the sole use of scientific research. Applicants have to submit the request form "APPLICATION FOR DATA FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES" giving thorough information on the project for which micro-data are needed.
The application is evaluated by CYSTAT’s Confidentiality Committee and if the application is approved, a charge is fixed according to the volume and time consumed for preparation of the data. Micro-data may then be released after an anonymisation process which ensures no direct identification of the statistical units but, at the same time, ensures usability of the data. The link for the application is attached below.
Link to the application for access to microdata on CYSTAT's website.
HMU
Microdata access only by special request and after the aggreement for access to non-confidential data of the Helth Monitoring Unit.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
HMU
Causes of death data are disseminated in aggregated tables and only after special request in microdata.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
CYSTAT:
Not applicable since no metadata are disseminated in CYSTAT's website.
HMU:
Not applicable since no metadata are disseminated in HMU's website.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
CYSTAT:
Not applicable since no methodological documents are disseminated in CYSTAT's website.
HMU:
Methodological Information on the Statistics on Causes of Death - Methodological-Information-on-Causes-of-Death-July-2024.pdf
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Complete.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
HMU
The quality of CoD data is subject to the standards and rules specified in ICD10. Medical death certificate of causes of death follows WHO death certificate, thus the collection of CoD data is homogenous between European Countries.
The quality standards of the causes of death statistics are published in the website of HMU and can be viewed on the following link - Quality-Policy-on-Causes-of-Death-July-2024.pdf
11.1. Quality assurance
HMU
The causes of death data are compiled in accordance with Commission Regulation No. 328/2011. All requirements specified by the Regulation—concerning scope, definitions, included variables, and data quality—are fully met.
A qualified nursing officer is responsible for coding the causes of death. Both the nursing officer and the statistical officer attend annual IRIS training courses to ensure up-to-date expertise. The IRIS Institute provides technical support to the Health Monitoring Unit as needed during the coding process. Additionally, the Health Monitoring Unit maintains regular communication with Eurostat, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Cyprus Statistical Service to resolve any queries that arise during the coding procedure.
Quality-Policy-on-Causes-of-Death-July-2024.pdf
11.2. Quality management - assessment
HMU
Quality standards (documents that provide requirements, specifications, guidelines, or characteristics) are used consistently to ensure the quality of CoD data - Quality-Policy-on-Causes-of-Death-July-2024.pdf
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Not available.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Since 2008 (with the exception of 2010, 2013 and 2020) CYSTAT carries out an annual online “Users Satisfaction Survey”. The results of the surveys are available on CYSTAT’s website at the link attached below.
Overall, there is a high level of satisfaction of the users of statistical data published by CYSTAT.
- Results of CYSTAT’s User Satisfaction Surveys.
HMU: Not a particular survey on users satistaction is carried out by the HMU. Users are fully satisfied with the replies to their requests.
12.3. Completeness
The data is sent to Eurostat timely, i.e. provisional data are submitted to Eurostat 18 months after the end of the reference period (i.e.June year n for data referring to year n-2). Final data are submitted on December year n for data referring to year n-2. The coverage of the dataset is full as regards the Government Controlled Areas.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
For the case of Cyprus, the ratio of the number of data cells provided to the number of data cells required cannot be computed because the CoD data is provided in microdata format and the number of data cells required is unknown.
Below, information on completeness for mandatory variables, voluntary variables as well as for additional variables, is provided:
1. For mandatory variables: 100%
2. For voluntary variables: 100%
3. For additional variables:
- External CoD: 100%
- Place of occurrence for external CoD: 100%
- Activity for external CoD: 100%
13.1. Accuracy - overall
HMU
The accuracy of CoD data is almost 100%, since besides the medical death certificate which is the main data source, various other sources are also used. Additional administrative sources are autopsy reports, coroners reports, Population registry of Ministry of Interior, Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC), police records (Cyprus Police), accidents at work from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Foreign Affairs for deaths abroad. Even press reports are used to corroborate data.
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable. Data collection is from administrative sources.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Full coverage is achieved. National figures are revised on a continuous basis; any updated figures are sent to Eurostat be the end of the year of dissemination, i.e. any updates for the data sent in June year n are sent to Eurostat by the end of year n (reference year n-2).
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
For the calculation of standardized death rates and crude rates, the deaths of non-residents occurring in Cyprus are excluded.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable. Data collection is from administrative sources.
13.3.2. Measurement error
A small number of deaths (less than 15 deaths occurred in reference year (n)) are not registered at the Administrative Offices within the reference year n, but eventually, those deaths are also included in the national mortality file since the information are being captured from the other sources (multiple sources are used for the causes of death statisics but mainly information on the deaths not registered at the Administrative Offices are captured by the Medical Death Certificates sent by the Hospitals directly to HMU).
13.3.3. Non response error
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Not applicable.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
See table 14.1 “Timeliness” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable.
As regards the HMU, the first results are usually published in May year n for reference year n-2.
As regards CYSTAT, the first results are usually published in May year n for reference year n-2.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
CYSTAT: the causes of death data are disseminated in CYSTAT's database in May year n, for reference year n-2. Next year, in May when the results for year n-1 will be disseminated, any revisions are performed to the data for previous years.
As regards the HMU: the same as in 14.1.1.
14.2. Punctuality
From data collection with reference year 2011 onwards, Eurostat asks for the submission of final data at national and regional level and related metadata for the year N at N+24 months, according to the Implementing Regulation (EC) No. 328/2011, Article 4.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
See table 14.2.1 “Punctuality - delivery and publication” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
For the case of Cyprus the geographical comparability between regions does not apply.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
The data is considered to be comparable from 2011 onwards. The same methodology is applied for the implementation of the EU Regulation onwards.
HMU: Data on causes of death (underlying causes and multiple causes) are comparable for all available years [from 2004 - latest available year].
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
The time series is comparable from 2011 onwards.
HMU: Mortality data based on both the underlying and multiple causes of death are fully comparable over time (since 2004- present), as ICD‑10 classification and WHO coding rules have been consistently applied with no major changes.
Multiple causes data reflect all reported conditions and have not been affected by changes in coding practices.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
The death data provided to Eurostat according to Commission Regulation No. 328/2011 has several discrepancies compared to the data provided for the needs of Demographic Statistics. However, this is acceptable due to the fact that different data sources are used for each dataset and different reference population is applied for each data collection. Moreover, each dataset is submitted to Eurostat in different points in time; the CoD dataset is submitted at a later stage compared to the dataset submitted for demographic statistics, hence the information included are updated.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable, only annual data are available.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable.
15.4. Coherence - internal
No inconsistencies between the two datasets provided (General mortality dataset and stillbirths and neonates dataset).
HMU
Due to the lack of an electronic death certificate a lot of man-hours are spent in order to scan the paper based medical death certificates, transform then into an electronic form, data entry procedure to an access based database, coding procedure using IRIS software. Almost every year, HMU clercks attend IRIS training in order to be able to code causes of death with the latest version of IRIS software.
HMU is currently in the process of reducing cost and burden of the data collection by developing the electronic death certificate.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Cystat: Not applicable since no preliminary data are disseminated. In case of occassional revisions to the data, by the next data dissemination, the data are revised and a flag "r" is added in CYSTAT's website.
HMU: In case of additional informartion available after the data dissemination, all required revisions are systematically implemented, including updates to the annual causes of death report. The revised data are transmitted to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (for the revision of annual publications), as well as to Eurostat and WHO. Upon request, the most recent revised mortality data are always provided.
17.2. Data revision - practice
There is no systematic revision of previous years data. Data are occasionally revised in case that the Health Monitoring Unit receives additional infromation about a death. Then the data are revised by the time of the next data dissemination and a flag "r" is marked in CYSTAT's database.
HMU: Data are subject to continuous revision. Whenever additional information is received from other administrative sources, the coding procedure is repeated, and a new underlying cause of death as well as multiple causes of death are selected using the IRIS software. Any revisions made are subsequently communicated to CYSTAT, in order for the updated data to be forwarded to Eurostat during next year's submission.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not applicable.
18.1. Source data
The main data source is the Medical Death Certificate completed by the physician who certifies the death, including information on the demographic characteristics of the deceased, as well as the cause of death. Secondary data sources are used in order to capture more detailed information if needed, i.e. autopsy reports, coroners reports, population register of the Ministry of Interior, Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC), police records, accidents at work from the Ministry of labour, Ministry of Foreign Affairs as regards the deaths occuring abroad. Even press reports are used to extract information.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual.
The data collection is continuous throughout the year.
18.3. Data collection
The data collection is continuous and ongoing throughout the year. It should be stated that according to the National Law there is a time period of 12 months from the time of the death, in order to register the event.
18.3.1. Certification
See table 18.3.1 “Certification” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
18.3.2. Automated Coding
See table 18.3.2 “Automated Coding” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
18.3.3. Underlying cause of death
See table 18.3.3 “Underlying cause of death” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
18.3.4. Availability of multiple cause
See table 18.3.4 “Availability of multiple cause” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
18.3.5. Stillbirths and Neonatal certificates
Medical Death Certificate includes information on stillbirths and neonatal deaths (0-27 days).
The information on stillbirths is collected through the medical death certificate.
As regards the neonatal deaths, the medical death certificate is used.
- Early neonatal deaths (0-6 days) are coded manually.
- Late (7-27 days) and post-neonatal (28-365 days) deaths are included in the genetal file and the coding is performed automatically by the IRIS software.
Extra information for both stillbirths and neonatal deaths is received from the Medical Birth Registry (regarding parity, birthweight, gestational age, age of mother, sex).
18.4. Data validation
See point below:
18.4.1. Coding
Description of coding procedure (central level, distributed among other bodies, etc.):
The main data source is the medical death certificate which is sent to the Health Monitoring Unit in paper form. The data entry and coding are done centrally from HMU's personnel. Coding is done by using the IRIS software.
Description of the procedures to detect errors (i.e.errors such as potential inconsistency in the death certificate or error due to mistake when filling the deaths certificates):
Standard quality checks for causes of death data are performed on a continuous basis throughout the year. A number of quality checks are done automatically through the data entry procedure via the data entry tool, as well as during the coding procedure via the IRIS automated coding program. The validation checks include the undelying causes that are impossible or highly unlikely according to sex and age limits.
Moreover, the following consistency checks are applied to the data, in order to ensure the quality:
- Checks for duplicates (two death certificates for one person with two different identity card numbers)
- Checks for the permanent residence of the deceased (for residents and non-residents)
- Matching of external causes of death with:
- Police records (suicides, transport accidents, homicides, drowning)
- Department of Labour Inspections records (deaths due to accidents at work)
- Cyprus National Addictions Authority [NAAC] (drug related deaths)
- Calls to certifiers for clarifications in case of an illegible or dubious certificate
- Check time trend of the main causes of death to check for unlikely yearly variations
Quality control checks are also perfomed before the dissemination phase via EDamis regarding both the structure and the content of the datafile to be submitted.
Description of the measures taken in order to solve detected errors:
Measures will be taken after the adobtion of the electronic death certificate. Duplicates will be detected directly, illegible or dubious certificates will be eliminate
Coding performed by a certifier:
Coding perform by a coder and not by the certifier
Percentage of autopsy from which information is available for coding:
4.9% in 2024
Description of double coding exercises and rate of codification errors for underlying cause of death:
Double coding is done only for cases that the underlying cause of death is "maybe" (after the automatic coding through IRIS). In that cases a manual coding should be done in order to retrieve the underlying cause of death. The rate of codification errors for underlying cause of death is extremely low, almost 0%.
18.4.2. Unspecified CoD code
See table 18.4.2 “Unspecified CoD code” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
18.4.3. Unknown country or region
See table 18.4.3 “Unknown country or region” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
18.4.4. Validation of the coverage
From 2011 onwards the coverage is considered to be complete.
18.5. Data compilation
Not applicable.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not applicable.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
Data on causes of death (CoD) provide information on mortality patterns and form a major element of public health information.
CoD data refer to the underlying cause which - according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) - is "the disease or injury which initiated the train of morbid events leading directly to death, or the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced the fatal injury".
CoD data are derived from death certificates. The information provided in the medical certificate of cause of death is mapped to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD).
29 June 2026
Concepts and definitions are described in the Commission regulation (EU) No 328/2011 in articles 2 and 3.
The statistical units are the deceased persons and the stillborns, respectively.
Detailed information is given in the following points.
The data covers all the deaths of residents and non-residents occuring in the Government Controlled Area of Cyprus, as well as the deaths of residents dying abroad.
Data refer to the calendar year (i.e. all deaths occurring during the year).
The last reference year is 2024.
HMU
The accuracy of CoD data is almost 100%, since besides the medical death certificate which is the main data source, various other sources are also used. Additional administrative sources are autopsy reports, coroners reports, Population registry of Ministry of Interior, Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC), police records (Cyprus Police), accidents at work from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Foreign Affairs for deaths abroad. Even press reports are used to corroborate data.
The unit is an absolute number.
Not applicable.
The main data source is the Medical Death Certificate completed by the physician who certifies the death, including information on the demographic characteristics of the deceased, as well as the cause of death. Secondary data sources are used in order to capture more detailed information if needed, i.e. autopsy reports, coroners reports, population register of the Ministry of Interior, Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC), police records, accidents at work from the Ministry of labour, Ministry of Foreign Affairs as regards the deaths occuring abroad. Even press reports are used to extract information.
Annual
See table 14.1 “Timeliness” in annex “COD_CODNSI_A_2024_Annex”.
For the case of Cyprus the geographical comparability between regions does not apply.
The data is considered to be comparable from 2011 onwards. The same methodology is applied for the implementation of the EU Regulation onwards.
HMU: Data on causes of death (underlying causes and multiple causes) are comparable for all available years [from 2004 - latest available year].
