Cyprus

Capital of Cyprus: Nicosia
Population of Cyprus: 1,120,489
Total area of Cyprus: 9,251 km2

Cyprus is an island nation located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. Its flag consists of two sprigs of leaves beneath a yellow orange map of the island on a background of white. Its emblem is a horseshoe shape of leaves in which a dove holds a sprig of leaves and beneath the dove is the year 1960. It is officially called the Republic of Cyprus.

Cyprus population

The country is a divided one and is divided into Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. They do not as a rule get along with one another. Greek Cypriots make up 80 percent and Turkish Cypriots make up 18 percent. The official languages are Greek and Turkish. The island has a total population of more than 570,000 individuals. Around 110,000 of these people are permanent foreign residents of the island and it is a big retirement place. The Greek Cypriots almost always belong to the Greek Orthodox Church but the Turkish Cypriots are almost all Sunni Islam. It has an established Greek Orthodox Church.  

History of Cyprus

Cyprus was occupied since 10,000 BCE at the latest. There are wells in Cyprus that date back to 10,500 years old. It was a part of the Hittite Empire in the Bronze Age until the Greeks showed up around 1400 BCE. There are Greek archeological sites all over the country. Assyria once ruled Cyprus in the 700s BCE and then came the Egyptians and the Persians, who ruled the area. It was annexed by the Romans in 58 BCE. In 395 CE, it came under the rule of the Byzantine Empire. In 1473, the country came under the rule of the Republic of Venice but it was often invaded by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans finally took control in 1570. Cyprus was eventually leased to the UK in 1878. Cyprus was important as an outpost for those making the Suez Canal. The country went under Greek rule again in 1915. The country gained its independence in 1960.

Cyprus Tourism

Known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus has attracted many visitors, drawn by legends of love and who later fall in love with the island itself. Relax on the pristine beaches and party hard in Ayia Napa. This clubbing resort also features a waterworld leisure center and Go-Karts track, which make it attractive to families. Bask in the sun on the golden powder beach of Akrotiri Peninsula's Lady's Mile Beach, where you can build the perfect sandcastle. Go back in time as you explore Cyprus’s ancient castles: Saint Hilarion castle and Kolossi castle. See the pool where the Greek goddess of love bathed according to legend—a grotto with a freshwater pool, wherein the surrounding area remains virtually untouched. Indulge your sweet tooth as you visit the Platres chocolate workshop on the slopes of Troodos Mountains. Join in the feast of Kataklysmos, which is celebrated throughout Cyprus and especially in Larnaca.

Cyprus’ religion is mostly Greek Orthodox, with Islam in the north. The family, which included extended members, forms the core of Cypriot society. Elders and religious beliefs are shown particular respect. Shaking hands on greeting is customary as well as other normal courtesies. Refusing an offer of Greek coffee or a cold drink is considered impolite. When you receive an invitation for a meal, it is typical to come bearing small gifts of wine or confectionary.

Size doesn’t matter when it comes to Cyprus as it more than makes up for its small size with its personality. With its historical treasures and beautiful beaches, you will be reluctant to leave “Aphrodite’s Island.”