Three quarters of young Cypriots have not read a single book

A staggering 74.9% of Cypriots aged 16 to 24 declared that they had not read a single book in the previous 12 months. The result, cited by the Cyprus Mail, indicates a clear reading problem among young people – even when e-books and audiobooks are taken into account.

The data comes from a 2022 Eurostat survey, the results of which were published in 2024. Therefore, it is not a new survey from 2026. The Cypriot newspaper revisited these statistics, asking students and professionals why books so rarely become part of the daily lives of the island's young inhabitants.

Readership in Cyprus is poor

The question asked about books read or listened to in the year preceding the survey. Various genres were considered, including fiction, scientific, and historical works.

However, school textbooks, job instructions, and podcasts were not counted. Therefore, the result should not be interpreted as indicating that the respondents did not read any texts for a year.

In the Eurostat summary published in 2024, at least one book was read 33.1% of Cypriot residents aged 16 and overThis was the second lowest result among the EU countries for which data was presented. Romania ranked lower.

The EU average was 52.8 percent. This means that in Cyprus, approximately one in three people reported having access to a book, and in the EU as a whole, more than half.

The most disturbing result is that of young people

The Cyprus Mail pays attention primarily to the age group 16–24 years oldIn it, almost three-quarters of respondents declared they had never read a book.

Among young men the percentage was 82.9 percent, and among young women 66.3 percent

This is an important distinction: Cyprus's poor performance isn't solely due to the low literacy of older generations. The problem is also particularly evident among those finishing school, studying, and starting adulthood.

However, not reading books shouldn't be automatically equated with a lack of knowledge or interests. The study measured specific activities, not all methods of acquiring information.

Students point to school and daily habits

Interviewees with the Cypriot newspaper cite several possible causes. One of them is the way literature is taught, which is often presented primarily as material to be mastered and passed in exams.

Evaggelia Stavrinou, a history student, believes that schools don't often promote books as a source of pleasure and entertainment. Meanwhile, Jennifar Ivanova, an archaeology student and president of the university's literary club, points out that reading isn't a popular part of her peers' identity.

The topic of a busy daily schedule also comes up in conversations. After school, many students attend private lessons, and the hours of studying can make reading seem like a chore.

However, these are the opinions of the interviewees, and not the reasons confirmed by the Eurostat study itself.

Interest in books declines during adolescence

Dr. Anna Kouppanou of the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute points out that encouraging children to read is effective in primary school. Difficulties become more acute as students enter their teens.

The publishing landscape may also play a role. According to the specialist, there aren't enough books for young people written in Greek and set in realities familiar to young Cypriots.

The Institute supports activities that promote reading for pleasure, including teacher training. Committed educators create libraries and seek ways to encourage students to read books themselves.

The example also starts at home

The newspaper's interviewees also include young people who read regularly. One student claims to read at least 15 books a year and recalls seeing her parents reading since childhood.

Her experience demonstrates the importance of daily contact with books. Reading can be a regular part of family life, not just a school activity.

The statistics are disturbing, but they describe a specific moment and the respondents' statements. They don't mean that young Cypriots will remain non-readers. That's why the discussion is primarily about how to restore books to their everyday lives.

Sources: Cyprus Mail; Eurostat.