Republic of Cyprus

Republic of Cyprus
İsmet Güney, SVG by User:Vzb83~commonswiki · Public domain · source
Conventional long name	Republic of Cyprus
Native name	Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία
Common name	Cyprus

Republic of Cyprus. The European Union member state is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and is the third most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia. The country is situated to the south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel, north of Egypt and southeast of Greece. The capital and largest city is Nicosia, which is home to many international organizations, including the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and the European University Cyprus.

Geography

The Troodos Mountains cover much of the southern and western parts of the island, while the Mesaoria plain lies between the Troodos Mountains and the Kyrenia Mountains. The country's terrain is composed of limestone, dolomite, and gypsum, with copper and chromium deposits found in the Troodos Mountains. The Akkamas Peninsula and the Cape Greco are two notable geographical features, with the Kouris River being the longest river on the island. The climate is mediterranean, with Paphos and Larnaca being two of the main cities along the coast, while Limassol is a major port city. The country is also home to the Akamas Peninsula National Park and the Troodos National Forest Park.

History

The island has a long and complex history of Cyprus, with various empires and civilizations vying for control, including the Assyrian Empire, Ancient Greece, Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. The Kingdom of Cyprus was established in the 12th century, with Guy of Lusignan as its first ruler. The country was also influenced by the Crusades, with Richard the Lionheart playing a significant role in the island's history. The Venetian Cyprus period saw the rise of Nicosia as the capital, while the Ottoman Cyprus period brought significant changes to the island's demographics and culture. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, with Makarios III as its first president, and joined the Commonwealth of Nations.

Government

The country is a presidential system, with the President of Cyprus serving as both the head of state and head of government. The House of Representatives (Cyprus) is the country's legislative body, composed of 56 members elected by proportional representation. The country is divided into six districts, each with its own district administration, and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, European Union, and the Council of Europe. The Supreme Court of Cyprus is the highest court in the land, while the Attorney General of Cyprus is the chief legal advisor to the government. The country has a long-standing dispute with Turkey over the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with the United Nations maintaining a peacekeeping force on the island.

Economy

The country has a high-income economy, with a strong services sector, including tourism and finance. The country is a member of the Eurozone and the European Central Bank, and has a highly developed transportation network, including Larnaca International Airport and the Port of Limassol. The country is also a significant producer of copper, chromium, and asbestos, with the Troodos Mountains being a major source of these minerals. The country has a highly developed agriculture sector, with potatoes, grapes, and citrus fruits being major crops. The country is also home to several major companies, including the Cyprus Airways and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority.

Culture

The country has a rich and diverse culture of Cyprus, with significant influences from Ancient Greece, Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. The country is home to many significant cultural institutions, including the Cyprus Museum, the Leventis Municipal Museum, and the Pierides Museum. The country is also known for its vibrant music of Cyprus, with the lyra being a traditional instrument. The country has a highly developed cuisine, with halloumi and souvlaki being popular dishes. The country celebrates several significant festivals, including the Epiphany and the Cyprus Independence Day. The country is also home to several major universities, including the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology.

International_status

The country is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, European Union, and the Council of Europe. The country has a long-standing dispute with Turkey over the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with the United Nations maintaining a peacekeeping force on the island. The country is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The country has diplomatic relations with many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The country is also a signatory to several significant international treaties, including the Treaty of Lisbon and the Schengen Agreement. The country is also a member of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Category:Countries