Cyprus

Cyprus
İsmet Güney, SVG by User:Vzb83~commonswiki · Public domain · source
Conventional long name	Republic of Cyprus
Capital	Nicosia
Largest city	Nicosia
Official languages	Greek, Turkish
Government type	Unitary presidential republic
Leader title1	President
Leader name1	Nikos Christodoulides
Legislature	House of Representatives
Area km2	9,251
Population estimate	1,295,102
Population estimate year	2023

Cyprus. An island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, it is the third largest and third most populous island in the region. The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union and the Commonwealth of Nations, though its sovereignty is complicated by the division of the island. The capital and largest city is Nicosia, which is also the world's last divided capital, separated by the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus.

Geography

The island is situated south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel, and north of Egypt. Its terrain is dominated by two mountain ranges, the Troodos Mountains in the southwest and the narrower Kyrenia Range along the northern coast, with the central plain of Mesaoria lying between them. The climate is predominantly Mediterranean, featuring hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Notable geographic features include Cape Greco, the Athalassa National Forest Park, and the Akamas peninsula, while its coastline features significant bays such as Famagusta Bay and the Morphou Bay.

History

Human activity dates to the 10th millennium BC, with significant settlements like Khirokitia. Throughout antiquity, it was successively ruled by Assyria, Ancient Egypt, Persia, and the Hellenistic kingdoms following Alexander the Great. It became a province of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire. In 1191, it was conquered by Richard I of England during the Third Crusade and later came under the Lusignan dynasty. The Republic of Venice controlled the island before it fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1571. Administered by the British Empire from 1878, it became a crown colony in 1925. Independence was achieved in 1960, but intercommunal violence led to a 1974 Cypriot coup d'état and subsequent Turkish invasion of Cyprus, resulting in the island's de facto partition.

Government and politics

The Republic of Cyprus is a presidential republic where the President of Cyprus serves as both head of state and head of government. The House of Representatives is the unicameral legislature. The legal system is based on English common law. The island remains divided, with the northern third governed by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus administers the Green Line buffer zone. Key political figures have included Archbishop Makarios III, Glafcos Clerides, and Derviş Eroğlu. The country is a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Economy

The economy is classified as a high-income economy by the World Bank and is a major tourist destination, with key resorts in Ayia Napa, Paphos, and Protaras. It has a robust services sector, notably in shipping, with Limassol being a major maritime hub. The country adopted the euro in 2008. Significant sectors include financial services, real estate, and information and communication technology. Historically, the extraction of copper was so prolific that the metal's name is derived from the Latin *aes Cyprium*. Major infrastructure projects include the Vassilikos Power Station and the Larnaca International Airport.

Demographics

The population is predominantly Greek Cypriot, with a significant Turkish Cypriot community, alongside smaller groups including Armenians, Maronites, and Latins. The main languages are Greek and Turkish, with English widely spoken. The predominant religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity, administered by the Church of Cyprus, while Turkish Cypriots are predominantly Sunni Muslim. Major urban centers include Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta, the latter located within the area controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Culture

Cypriot culture is a blend of Greek, Turkish, and Levantine influences. Traditional music includes forms like the *tsiatista* and the use of instruments like the laouto and violi. Notable literary figures include the poet Costas Montis and novelist Nikos Nikolaidis. The island is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Painted Churches in the Troodos Region and the archaeological site of Choirokoitia. Culinary specialties feature halloumi cheese, souvlaki, and commandaria wine. The annual Limassol Carnival and Kataklysmos festival are major cultural events. In sports, the Cyprus national football team and athletes like Marcos Baghdatis in tennis have gained international recognition.

Category:Island countries Category:Member states of the European Union Category:Eastern Mediterranean