Cyprus Facts

  1. Geographical Location: Cyprus is an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean and is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Cyprus is geographically closer to Asia, but it is considered part of Europe.

  2. Capital and Largest City: The capital city of Cyprus is Nicosia. It is also the largest city in terms of population and serves as the administrative, cultural, and economic center of the country. Nicosia is unique as it is the only divided capital in the world, with a buffer zone separating the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sectors.

  3. Split and Conflict: Cyprus has experienced a longstanding division between its Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The island has been divided since 1974 when Turkey intervened militarily in response to a coup aimed at unifying Cyprus with Greece. The northern part of the island is occupied by Turkish Cypriots and recognized only by Turkey as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

  4. Languages: The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. Greek is predominantly spoken by the Greek Cypriot population, while Turkish is spoken by the Turkish Cypriot population. English is widely spoken and used as a second language.

  5. Currency: The official currency of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR). It was adopted in 2008 after Cyprus became a member of the European Union.

  6. Mediterranean Climate: Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a popular tourist destination.

  7. Tourism: Tourism plays a significant role in the Cypriot economy. The island offers a diverse range of attractions, including stunning beaches, ancient archaeological sites, charming villages, and vibrant nightlife. Some popular tourist destinations include Paphos, Limassol, Ayia Napa, and the Troodos Mountains.

  8. Rich History and Archaeological Sites: Cyprus has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has seen the influence of various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. It is home to numerous archaeological sites and ancient ruins, such as the ancient city of Kourion and the archaeological site of Paphos, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  9. Halloumi Cheese: Cyprus is known for its traditional cheese called halloumi. Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened cheese made from a combination of goat’s and sheep’s milk, often with the addition of cow’s milk. It is popular both locally and internationally and is known for its unique taste and ability to be grilled or fried without melting.

  10. Aphrodite’s Birthplace: According to Greek mythology, Cyprus is considered the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Aphrodite), located near Paphos, is believed to be the spot where she emerged from the sea.