News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Cyprus marking the first stop of his three-nation tour. Key Facts about Cyprus.
About Cyprus
- Location: Cyprus is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, located about 65 km south of Turkey and 100 km west of Syria.
- It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia, with a total area of 9,251 square kilometers.
- The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, which is also the only divided capital city in the world.
- The terrain includes the Kyrenia Mountains in the north, the Troodos Mountains in the south, and the Mesaoria Plain in between. Mount Olympus (Troodos), at 1,951 meters, is the highest point on the island.
- Climate: Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- History: Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960 and became the Republic of Cyprus.
- The island is now divided between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, recognized only by Turkey.
- A United Nations peacekeeping force patrols the “Green Line”, which separates the two parts of the island.
- Official language: Greek and Turkish, and English is widely spoken.
- Agriculture: Major crops include citrus fruits, potatoes, grapes, and olives.
- Economy: The Cyprus economy is dominated by services, particularly tourism, finance, and shipping. It has historically been known for its copper, with mining dating back to 2500 BCE.
- The country is a major producer of solar energy, but imports all its petroleum.
- Major historic and UNESCO sites include Petra tou Romiou, ancient Paphos, Choirokotia, and the painted churches of the Troodos.
