Cyprus, Greek Kípros Turkish Kibris Area: 3,572 sq mi (9,251 sq km). Population (2007 est.): 1,005,000 app. (whole island).The internationally recognized government, occupies the southern two-thirds of the island. Its population (2002 est.: 692,000) is predominantly Greek. Currency: Cyprus pound.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus occupies the northern third of the country. Its population (2007 est.: 265,100) is overwhelmingly Turkish. Languages: Turkish (official), Currency: Turkish lira.Cyprus, gained independence in 1960.
The third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia and has an eventful history that reaches back to 10,000 years. It is situated in the northeastern part of the Mediterranean, about 65 km (40 mi) south of Turkey and 110 km (65 mi) west of Syria. Nicosia is the capital and largest city. Narrow mountains line the island’s northern coast, and an extensive mountain system rises in the south. Mount Olympus is its highest peak, 6,401 ft (1,951 m) above sea level. The climate is Mediterranean. The coastline is made up of stunning rock formations interspersed by long sections of sandy beaches.
Famous for its copper in antiquity, Cyprus (‘Kypros’ in Greek) may even have given the metal its Latin name, cuprum. While its timber attracted the first Greeks who came to the island over 3,000 years ago at the end of the Trojan wars. The Greek identity of language and culture has been retained. Cyprus was also the first country the apostle Paul visited to spread Christianity and the first to come under Christian administration. According to Legend the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, arose from sea foam near the shores of Paphos. Due to its strategic position at the crossroads between the three continents, Cyprus was later ruled successively by the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Macedonians, and Romans, and then became a part of the Ottoman Empire. At the start of World War I, the United Kingdom annexed Cyprus and made it a British colony. Cyprus, a land of many charms, can be described as an archaeologist’s heaven, a photographer’s dream and a bird watcher’s paradise. Cyprus is an island of beauty and a country of contrasts.
