Communities constitute the second and lowest administrative level in Cyprus's two-tier governance structure, with 615 such entities currently functioning across the island. These small-scale local government units serve predominantly rural areas and villages with populations typically under 5,000 residents. Communities perform essential administrative functions including local infrastructure maintenance, waste collection, street lighting, water supply management, and the upkeep of public spaces and community facilities. Each community is governed by an elected community council headed by a mukhtar (community leader), who serves as the primary liaison between residents and higher levels of government. Communities also maintain civil registries, issue various certificates and permits, and address local matters that do not require the resources of larger municipal authorities.