Page "Eurovision Song Contest 1981" Paragraph 3

This was the debut year of Cyprus in the contest, who finished sixth.

Returning to the contest was Israel, who did not compete the previous year, despite winning the two years previous to that.

They finished seventh.

Yugoslavia also returned to the competition after a five year absence.

Italy withdrew for the first time from the contest, due to lack of interest, while Morocco declined to take part after their sole entry the year before.