Cyprus | History, Flag, Map, & Facts

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class="col-auto"> <div class="topic-left-rail md-article-drawer position-relative d-flex border-right-sm border-left-sm open"> <div class="drawer d-flex flex-column open"> <div class="left-rail-section-content"> <div class="topic-left-rail-header text-truncate bg-gray-50 position-relative text-right d-flex align-items-center"> <div class="tlr-title px-20 py-15 text-left"> <em class="material-icons text-gray-400 d-lg-none" data-icon="toc"></em> <a class="font-serif font-weight-bold text-black link-blue" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Cyprus">Cyprus</a> </div> <button aria-label="Close" class="js-sections-close-button btn-link btn-sm btn d-lg-none position-absolute top-0 p-10 right-0" > <em class="material-icons font-26" data-icon="close"></em> </button> </div> <div class="section-content pl-10 pr-20 pl-sm-50 pr-sm-60 pl-lg-5 pr-lg-10 pt-10 pt-lg-0 bg-gray-50 clear-catfish-ad"> <div class="toc mb-20"> <div class="font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mx-15 mb-15 mt-20"> Table of Contents </div> <ul class="list-unstyled my-0" data-level="h1"><li data-target="#ref1"><div class="pl-25"><a class="link-gray-900 w-100" href="/place/Cyprus">Introduction & Quick Facts</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"></div></li><li data-target="#ref33836"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus#ref33836">Land</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref214647"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus#ref214647">Relief</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242744"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus#ref242744">Drainage and soils</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33839"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus#ref33839">Climate</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33840"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus#ref33840">Plant and animal life</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref33842"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/People">People</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33843"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/People#ref33843">Ethnic groups and languages</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33845"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/People#ref33845">Religion</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33841"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/People#ref33841">Settlement patterns</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33846"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/People#ref33846">Demographic trends</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref33847"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Economy">Economy</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33848"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Economy#ref33848">The economy after independence</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33849"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Economy#ref33849">Effects of partition</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33851"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Economy#ref33851">Agriculture, forestry, and fishing</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33850"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Economy#ref33850">Resources and power</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33852"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Manufacturing">Manufacturing</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33853"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Manufacturing#ref33853">Finance and trade</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242742"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Manufacturing#ref242742">Services</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242743"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Manufacturing#ref242743">Labour and taxation</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33854"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Manufacturing#ref33854">Transportation and telecommunications</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref33855"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Government-and-society">Government and society</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33856"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Government-and-society#ref33856">Constitutional framework</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33858"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Government-and-society#ref33858">Justice</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33859"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Government-and-society#ref33859">Political process</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242740"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Government-and-society#ref242740">Security</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33861"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Government-and-society#ref33861">Health</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242741"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Government-and-society#ref242741">Housing</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33860"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Government-and-society#ref33860">Education</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref33862"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Cultural-life">Cultural life</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242735"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Cultural-life#ref242735">Daily life and social customs</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242736"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Cultural-life#ref242736">The arts</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242737"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Cultural-life#ref242737">Cultural institutions</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242738"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Cultural-life#ref242738">Sports and recreation</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref242739"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Cultural-life#ref242739">Media and publishing</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref214648"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/History">History</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref214649"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/History#ref214649">Earliest periods</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33819"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/History#ref33819">The Bronze Age</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33820"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/History#ref33820">Greek immigration</a></li></ul></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33821"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/External-political-influences">External political influences</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33822"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/External-political-influences#ref33822">Assyrian and Egyptian domination</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33823"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/External-political-influences#ref33823">The Persian empire</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33824" class="has-children"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/External-political-influences#ref33824">Hellenistic and Roman rule</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h4"><li data-target="#ref33825"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/External-political-influences#ref33825">Cyprus as a Roman province</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h4"><li data-target="#ref33826"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/External-political-influences#ref33826">Early Christianity</a></li></ul></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33827"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Byzantine-Empire">Byzantine Empire</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33828"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Byzantine-Empire#ref33828">The Lusignan kingdom and Genoese and Venetian rule</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33829"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Ottoman-rule">Ottoman rule</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33830"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Ottoman-rule#ref33830">British rule</a></li></ul></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref33831"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/The-Republic-of-Cyprus">The Republic of Cyprus</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33832"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/The-Republic-of-Cyprus#ref33832">Establishment of an independent Turkish state</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref33833"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Cyprus/Efforts-toward-reunification">Efforts toward reunification</a></li></ul></li></ul></div></li></ul> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Cyprus/additional-info">References & Edit History</a> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="/facts/Cyprus">Facts & Stats</a> </div> <div class="tlr-media-slider pb-10 mb-30"> <a class="section-header link-gray-900 font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mb-10 mx-10" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Cyprus/images-videos">Images & Videos</a> <div class="slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100 "> <div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex overflow-hidden text-nowrap ml-15"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/83/7883-050-0E5BCA30/Flag-Cyprus.jpg" data-href="/media/1/148573/62440" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/83/7883-004-D09910C5/Flag-Cyprus.jpg" alt="Cyprus" height="50" /> </a> <a href="" data-href="/media/1/148573/156588" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <em class="material-icons md-48" 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Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). </div> <div class="type-menu"> <label for="feedback-type" class="label mb-10">Feedback Type</label> <select id="feedback-type" class="form-select mb-30" name="feedbackTypeId" required> <option value="" selected="selected">Select a type (Required)</option> <option value="1">Factual Correction</option> <option value="2">Spelling/Grammar Correction</option> <option value="3">Link Correction</option> <option value="4">Additional Information</option> <option value="5">Other</option> </select> </div> <label for="feedback" class="label mb-10">Your Feedback</label> <textarea id="feedback" class="form-control mb-30" name="feedback" maxlength="3000" rows="7" required></textarea> <button class="btn btn-blue" type="submit">Submit Feedback</button> </form> <div class="success-messaging d-none mt-30"> <div class="title">Thank you for your feedback</div> <p>Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="md-websites-modal size-lg d-none"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif pb-15 border-bottom font-weight-bold"> External Websites </div> <div class="pb-20"> <ul class="list-unstyled mt-20 lh-lg"> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cyprus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Cyprus</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/cyprus-virtual-jewish-history-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Jewish Virtual Library - Cyprus Virtual Jewish History Tour</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="md-websites-ebk-title">Britannica Websites</div> <div class="md-websites-ebk-subtitle">Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.</div> <ul class="list-unstyled bps-topic-web-sites lh-lg"> <li><a class="external" href="https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Cyprus/345675" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cyprus - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Cyprus/273890" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cyprus - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="toc-header-marker"></div> <button class="ai-ask-button btn border-2 js-header-ai-ask-button d-none btn-sm btn-outline-red-400 border-red-400 mr-0 mr-lg-10 ml-5 ml-sm-10 ml-lg-0 p-10"> Ask the Chatbot a Question </button> <div class="caption alternate-titles">Also known as: Kípros, Kibris</div> <div class="md-byline module-spacing "> <div class="font-serif font-12"> <span class="written-by text-gray-700"> Written by </span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 qa-editor-popup gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor" href="/contributor/David-Wathen-Stather-Hunt/1409" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">David Wathen Stather Hunt</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 clamp-description text-black">High Commissioner for the U.K. in Cyprus, 1965–67; Ambassador to Brazil, 1969–73.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> David Wathen Stather Hunt</span>, <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 qa-editor-popup gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor" href="/contributor/John-S-Bowman/342" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">John S. Bowman</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 clamp-description text-black">Freelance writer and editor. Editor, "Monuments of Civilization" Series. Author of <em>Traveler's Guide to Crete.</em></div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> John S. Bowman</span><span class="text-gray-700 mx-5">•</span><a class="see-all border-gray-700 gtm-byline" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Cyprus/additional-info#contributors">All</a> </div> <div class="font-serif font-12 text-gray-700"> <span class="qa-fact-checked-by">Fact-checked by</span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 qa-editor-popup font-12" href="/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 text-black">Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link font-12 "> The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</span></div> <div class="last-updated font-12 font-serif"> <span class="text-gray-700"> Last Updated: <time datetime="2025-02-17T00:00:00CST" >Feb 17, 2025</time> •</span> <a class="byline-edit-history" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Cyprus/additional-info#history" rel="nofollow">Article History</a> </div></div> </div> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button d-none d-sm-block js-sections-inline-button module-spacing btn d-lg-none"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <div class="d-flex d-sm-none flex-row"> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button js-sections-inline-button module-spacing"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <button class="ai-ask-button btn border-2 ai-ask-button btn border-2 module-spacing btn-sm js-inline-ai-ask-button btn-outline-red-400 border-red-400 p-10 ml-5"> Ask the Chatbot a Question </button> </div> <div class="ai-top-questions-module module-spacing ai-tq collapsed font-sans-serif"> <div class="font-weight-bold font-14"> Top Questions </div> <ul class="mt-5"> <li class="ai-qa-item mb-5 bg-gray-50 rounded "> <div class="ai-top-question justify-content-between align-items-center font-14 px-10 py-5 rounded " data-qn="0"> <div>What is Cyprus?</div> </div> <div class="answer p-10 ui-hidden" data-loaded="false"></div> <div class="ai-loader ui-hidden" /> </li> <li class="ai-qa-item mb-5 bg-gray-50 rounded "> <div class="ai-top-question justify-content-between align-items-center font-14 px-10 py-5 rounded " data-qn="1"> <div>Where is Cyprus located geographically?</div> </div> <div class="answer p-10 ui-hidden" data-loaded="false"></div> <div class="ai-loader ui-hidden" /> </li> <li class="ai-qa-item mb-5 bg-gray-50 rounded "> <div class="ai-top-question justify-content-between align-items-center font-14 px-10 py-5 rounded " data-qn="2"> <div>What are the official languages spoken in Cyprus?</div> </div> <div class="answer p-10 ui-hidden" data-loaded="false"></div> <div class="ai-loader ui-hidden" /> </li> <li class="ai-qa-item mb-5 bg-gray-50 rounded af3"> <div class="ai-top-question justify-content-between align-items-center font-14 px-10 py-5 rounded " data-qn="3"> <div>What is the significance of Cyprus's capital city, Nicosia?</div> </div> <div class="answer p-10 ui-hidden" data-loaded="false"></div> <div class="ai-loader ui-hidden" /> </li> <li class="ai-qa-item mb-5 bg-gray-50 rounded af3"> <div class="ai-top-question justify-content-between align-items-center font-14 px-10 py-5 rounded " data-qn="4"> <div>How does Cyprus's history influence its culture today?</div> </div> <div class="answer p-10 ui-hidden" data-loaded="false"></div> <div class="ai-loader ui-hidden" /> </li> <li class="ai-qa-item mb-5 bg-gray-50 rounded af3"> <div class="ai-top-question justify-content-between align-items-center font-14 px-10 py-5 rounded " data-qn="5"> <div>How is Cyprus's economy structured, and what are its main industries?</div> </div> <div class="answer p-10 ui-hidden" data-loaded="false"></div> <div class="ai-loader ui-hidden" /> </li> <li class="ai-qa-item mb-5 bg-gray-50 rounded af3"> <div class="ai-top-question justify-content-between align-items-center font-14 px-10 py-5 rounded " data-qn="6"> <div>What is the political situation of Cyprus, including its division?</div> </div> <div class="answer p-10 ui-hidden" data-loaded="false"></div> <div class="ai-loader ui-hidden" /> </li> <li class="ai-qa-item mb-5 bg-gray-50 rounded af3"> <div class="ai-top-question justify-content-between align-items-center font-14 px-10 py-5 rounded " data-qn="7"> <div>How does Cyprus's cuisine reflect its cultural heritage?</div> </div> <div class="answer p-10 ui-hidden" data-loaded="false"></div> <div class="ai-loader ui-hidden" /> </li> <li class="ai-qa-item mb-5 bg-gray-50 rounded af3"> <div class="ai-top-question justify-content-between align-items-center font-14 px-10 py-5 rounded " data-qn="8"> <div>What impact does Cyprus have on regional and international relations?</div> </div> <div class="answer p-10 ui-hidden" data-loaded="false"></div> <div class="ai-loader ui-hidden" /> </li> </ul> <button class="show-more btn btn-unstyled font-14 p-5 pr-10 mb-10 rounded-sm d-none"><em class="material-icons " data-icon="expand_more"></em> Show more</button> <button class="show-less btn btn-unstyled font-14 p-5 pr-10 mb-10 rounded-sm"><em class="material-icons " data-icon="expand_less"></em> Show less</button> </div><div class="bg-gray-50 p-15 rounded module-spacing recent-news d-flex flex-column float-false"> <div> <h2 class="font-weight-bold font-14 m-0 d-inline"> News <span class="text-gray-600">•</span> </h2> <div class="recent-news-item first-recent-news-item d-inline"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/148573/706aed5a4d395375b06aa8bd28a6faab" rel="nofollow">Agreements on getting Cyprus natural gas to market via Egypt hailed as energy cooperation milestone</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Feb. 17, 2025, 11:45 AM ET (AP) <button class="btn btn-link d-inline p-0 font-12 js-toggle-recent-news"> <span class="text-gray-500">...</span><span>(Show more)</span> </button> </span> </div> </div> <div class="rest-of-recent-news-items"> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/148573/0e69d3a7669bdfb4809cb21bdedb965c" rel="nofollow">Ethnically split Cyprus' rival leaders say they're ready for UN-led meeting to restart peace talks</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Feb. 10, 2025, 9:50 AM ET (AP) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/148573/17be8598b481bc7775ec8eb76d2b3506" rel="nofollow">Longtime AP international journalist Earleen Fisher, whose career spanned five decades, dies at 78</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Jan. 29, 2025, 5:31 PM ET (AP) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/148573/57fa77debdd89dbc466b73657d753ed2" rel="nofollow">Egypt and Eni-Total consortium to sign deal on processing Cypriot natural gas for export</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Jan. 24, 2025, 12:33 PM ET (AP) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/148573/6587808a2e56ab0e25d4cc8addc91a3d" rel="nofollow">Leaders in ethnically divided Cyprus fail to reach deal on new crossing points</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Jan. 20, 2025, 9:01 AM ET (AP) </span> </div> <button class="js-toggle-recent-news d-flex btn btn-unstyled font-14 pr-10 rounded-sm mt-10" aria-label="Toggle additional news items"> Show less <em class="material-icons" data-icon="expand_less"></em> </button> </div> </div><span class="marker before-article"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref1"><span class="marker PREMOD1 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies multiple medialist slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100" data-type="other"><div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex"><div class="rw-track d-flex align-items-center"><div class="position-relative rw-slide col-100 px-20 "><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="102065" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/08/61008-050-C54D4CEA/Ruins-Sanctuary-Apollo-Hylate-Cyprus-Limassol.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/148573/102065"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/08/61008-050-C54D4CEA/Ruins-Sanctuary-Apollo-Hylate-Cyprus-Limassol.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/08/61008-050-C54D4CEA/Ruins-Sanctuary-Apollo-Hylate-Cyprus-Limassol.jpg?w=300" alt="Limassol, Cyprus: Sanctuary of Apollo Hylate" data-width="1227" data-height="1600" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/08/61008-050-C54D4CEA/Ruins-Sanctuary-Apollo-Hylate-Cyprus-Limassol.jpg" data-href="/media/1/148573/102065">Limassol, Cyprus: Sanctuary of Apollo Hylate</a><span>Ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylate near Limassol, Cyprus.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div><button disabled="true" class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span></button><button disabled="true" class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span></button></div><p class="topic-paragraph"><strong><span id="ref409808"></span>Cyprus</strong>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/island" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">island</a> in the eastern <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Mediterranean-Sea" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Mediterranean Sea</a> renowned since ancient times for its <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/mineral-chemical-compound" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">mineral</a> wealth, superb <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/wine" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">wines</a> and produce, and natural beauty.</p><span class="marker MOD1 mod-inline"></span><span class="marker PREMOD2 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="208610" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/25/183625-050-71AB9343/World-Data-Locator-Map-Cyprus.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/148573/208610"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/25/183625-050-71AB9343/World-Data-Locator-Map-Cyprus.jpg"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/25/183625-050-71AB9343/World-Data-Locator-Map-Cyprus.jpg?w=300" alt="Cyprus" data-width="1600" data-height="1533" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/25/183625-050-71AB9343/World-Data-Locator-Map-Cyprus.jpg" data-href="/media/1/148573/208610">Cyprus</a><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">A “golden-green leaf thrown into the Sea” and a land of “wild weather and volcanoes,” in the words of the Greek Cypriot poet Leonidas Malenis, Cyprus <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="comprises" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprises" data-type="MW">comprises</a> tall mountains, fertile valleys, and wide beaches. Settled for more than 10 millennia, Cyprus stands at a cultural, linguistic, and historic crossroads between <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Europe" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Europe</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Asia" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Asia</a>. Its chief cities—the capital of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Nicosia" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Nicosia</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Limassol" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Limassol</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Famagusta" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Famagusta</a>, and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Paphos" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Paphos</a>—have absorbed the influences of generations of conquerors, pilgrims, and travelers and have an air that is both <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="cosmopolitan" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmopolitan" data-type="MW">cosmopolitan</a> and provincial. Today Cyprus is a popular tourist destination for visitors from Europe, favoured by honeymooners (as befits the legendary home of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aphrodite-Greek-mythology" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Aphrodite</a>, the ancient Greek goddess of love), bird-watchers drawn by the island’s <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="diversity" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity" data-type="MW">diversity</a> of migratory species, and other vacationers.</p><div class="js-qf-module qf-module px-40 px-sm-20 py-15 mx-auto module-spacing font-14 bg-gray-50 rounded"> <div class="qf-title font-weight-bold font-14 mb-10 text-center"> Quick Facts</div> <div class="m-n10 "> <div class="slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100 media-slider card-snap-slider col-100"> <div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex col-100"> <div class="rw-track w-100"> <div class="pt-10 d-inline-flex col-100"> <div class="w-100"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/83/7883-050-0E5BCA30/Flag-Cyprus.jpg" data-href="/media/1/148573/62440" class="media-overlay-link card-media d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center px-20" > <div class="position-relative"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/83/7883-050-0E5BCA30/Flag-Cyprus.jpg" alt="Cyprus" class="cropped-false w-100 " /> <em class="material-icons qf-zoom" data-icon="zoom_in"></em> </div> </a> <div class="card-body text-center pt-5 pb-10 font-14"> <span>See article: <a href="/topic/flag-of-Cyprus">flag of Cyprus</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <button disabled class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue btn-blue-dark" aria-label="Previous"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span> </button> <button disabled class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue btn-blue-dark" aria-label="Next"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span> </button> </div> </div> <audio src="https://cdn.britannica.com/02/145702-005-A602DD98/anthem-version-Cyprus-Greece-Turkey-Turkish-Cypriots.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" controls=""></audio> <div class="text-center font-12 mt-5"> <span>Audio File:</span> national anthem of Cyprus</div> <div class="facts-list mt-10"> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Head Of State And Government: </dt> <dd>President: Nikos Christodoulides, Republic of Cyprus; Ersin Tatar, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Capital: </dt> <dd>Lefkosia (conventional <a href="/place/Nicosia">Nicosia </a>), Republic of Cyprus; Lefkoşa (conventional Nicosia), Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population: </dt> <dd>(2024 est.) 1,336,000<sup>3</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Currency Exchange Rate: </dt> <dd>1 USD equals 0.937 euro</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Form Of Government: </dt> <dd>unitary multiparty republic with a unicameral legislature (House of Representatives [80<sup>1</sup>]), Republic of Cyprus; de facto republic with one legislative house (Assembly of the Republic [50]), Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Official Languages: </dt> <dd>Greek, Turkish, Republic of Cyprus; Turkish, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Official Name: </dt> <dd>Kipriakí Dhimokratía (Greek); Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti (Turkish) (Republic of Cyprus); Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti (Turkish) (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Total Area (Sq Km): </dt> <dd>9,251</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Total Area (Sq Mi): </dt> <dd>3,572</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Monetary Unit: </dt> <dd>euro (€), Republic of Cyprus; Turkish lira<sup>2</sup> (TL), Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population Rank: </dt> <dd>(2023) 156</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population Projection 2030: </dt> <dd>1,328,000</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Density: Persons Per Sq Mi: </dt> <dd>(2024) 374</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Density: Persons Per Sq Km: </dt> <dd>(2024) 144.4</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Urban-Rural Population: </dt> <dd>Urban: not available</dd> <dd>Rural: not available</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Life Expectancy At Birth: </dt> <dd>Male: (2021) 79.1 years</dd> <dd>Female: (2021) 83.3 years</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Literacy: Percentage Of Population Age 15 And Over Literate: </dt> <dd>Male: not available</dd> <dd>Female: not available</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Gni (U.S.$ ’000,000): </dt> <dd>(2023) 28,780</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Gni Per Capita (U.S.$): </dt> <dd>(2023) 30,990</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Greek: </dt> <dd>Kípros</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Turkish: </dt> <dd>Kıbrıs</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> <div class="footnotes mb-15"> <ol> <li>Twenty-four seats reserved for Turkish Cypriots are not occupied.</li> <li>The new Turkish lira (YTL) was removed from circulation on January 1, 2010, and replaced by the Turkish lira (TL).</li> <li>Includes 160,000–170,000 immigrants (mostly from Turkey); excludes approximately 2,600 British military in the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) in the Republic of Cyprus and approximately 920 UN peacekeeping troops.</li> </ol> </div> <div class="text-center"> <a class="btn btn-sm btn-link p-0" href="/facts/Cyprus"> See all related content </a> </div> </div> </div> <button class="facts-list-show-more-btn mt-15 p-0 mx-auto btn font-14 d-block font-weight-normal"> <span class="material-icons" data-icon="expand_more"></span> <span class="show-more-label">Show More</span> </button> </div><span class="marker MOD2 mod-inline"></span><span class="marker PREMOD3 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="102062" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/19/58719-050-6557D68B/Petra-tou-Romiou-emergence-site-sea-Aphrodite.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/148573/102062"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/19/58719-050-6557D68B/Petra-tou-Romiou-emergence-site-sea-Aphrodite.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/19/58719-050-6557D68B/Petra-tou-Romiou-emergence-site-sea-Aphrodite.jpg?w=300" alt="Old Paphos, Cyprus: Petra tou Romiou" data-width="867" data-height="1171" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/19/58719-050-6557D68B/Petra-tou-Romiou-emergence-site-sea-Aphrodite.jpg" data-href="/media/1/148573/102062">Old Paphos, Cyprus: Petra tou Romiou</a><span>Petra tou Romiou, the legendary site of Aphrodite's emergence from the sea, near Old Paphos, Cyprus.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">In 1960 Cyprus became independent of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Britain</a> (it had been a crown colony since 1925) as the Republic of Cyprus. The long-standing conflict between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority and an invasion of the island by Turkish troops in 1974 produced an actual—although internationally unrecognized—partition of the island and led to the establishment in 1975 of a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/de-facto" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">de facto</a> Turkish Cypriot state in the northern third of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/nation-state" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">country</a>. The Turkish Cypriot state made a unilateral declaration of independence in 1983 and adopted the name <span id="ref845340"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Turkish-Republic-of-Northern-Cyprus" class="md-crosslink ">Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus</a>. Its independence was recognized only by Turkey.</p><span class="marker MOD3 mod-inline"></span></section> <span class="marker h2"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref33836"> <h2 class="h1"><span id="ref409809"></span>Land</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD4 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="62442" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/85/7885-050-AD183334/Republic-of-Cyprus-Turkish-Northern-locator-map.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/148573/62442"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/85/7885-050-AD183334/Republic-of-Cyprus-Turkish-Northern-locator-map.jpg"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/85/7885-050-AD183334/Republic-of-Cyprus-Turkish-Northern-locator-map.jpg?w=300" alt="Physical features of Cyprus" data-width="1600" data-height="1326" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/85/7885-050-AD183334/Republic-of-Cyprus-Turkish-Northern-locator-map.jpg" data-href="/media/1/148573/62442">Physical features of Cyprus</a><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">Cyprus lies about 40 miles (65 km) south of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Turkey" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Turkey</a>, 60 miles (100 km) west of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Syria" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Syria</a>, and 480 miles (770 km) southeast of mainland <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Greece" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Greece</a>. Its maximum length, from Cape Arnauti in the west to Cape Apostolos Andreas at the end of the northeastern peninsula, is 140 miles (225 km); the maximum north-south extent is 60 miles (100 km). It is the third largest Mediterranean island, after <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Sicily" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Sicily</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Sardinia-island-Italy" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Sardinia</a>.</p><span class="marker MOD4 mod-inline"></span> <section data-level="2" id="ref214647"> <h2 class="h2">Relief</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD5 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The rugged island of Cyprus <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="resembles" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/resembles" data-type="EB">resembles</a> a saucepan, with the handle extending northeastward from the main part. The general pattern of its roughly 400-mile (640-km) coastline is indented and rocky, with long, sandy beaches. The <span id="ref409810"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Kyrenia-Mountains" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Kyrenia Mountains</a>—the western portion of which is also known as the Pentadaktylos for its five-fingered peak—extend for 100 miles (160 km) parallel to and just inland from the northern coast. It is the southernmost range of the great Alpine-Himalayan chain in the eastern Mediterranean; like much of that extensive mountain belt, it is formed largely of deformed masses of Mesozoic limestone.</p><a class="link-module shadow-sm d-block qa-quiz-module" href="/quiz/which-country-is-larger-by-population-quiz" data-link-module-iframe-link=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/91/142291-131-1FF39F2D/Flags-world-blue-sky-Countries-Globalization-relations-2010.jpg" alt="Flags of the world against blue sky. Countries, International. Globalization, global relations, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Poland, Palestine, Japan. Homepage 2010, arts and entertainment, history and society" class="rounded-sm mr-15" width="70" /> <div class="line-clamp clamp-5"> <div class="module-title bg-green">Britannica Quiz</div> <div class="font-weight-semi-bold mt-5">Which Country Is Larger By Population? Quiz</div> </div> </a><span class="marker MOD5 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD6 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="174858" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/163421-050-7F3946DE/Kakopetria-foothills-Troodos-Mountains-Cyprus.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/148573/174858"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/163421-050-7F3946DE/Kakopetria-foothills-Troodos-Mountains-Cyprus.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/163421-050-7F3946DE/Kakopetria-foothills-Troodos-Mountains-Cyprus.jpg?w=300" alt="Kakopetria, Cyprus: Troodos Mountains" data-width="1600" data-height="839" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/163421-050-7F3946DE/Kakopetria-foothills-Troodos-Mountains-Cyprus.jpg" data-href="/media/1/148573/174858">Kakopetria, Cyprus: Troodos Mountains</a><span>A view of Kakopetria in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, southern Cyprus.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">The <span id="ref409811"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Troodos-Mountains" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Troodos Mountains</a> in the south and southwest are of great interest to geologists, who have concluded that the range, made up of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/igneous-rock" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">igneous rock</a>, was formed from molten rock beneath the deep ocean (<a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Tethys-Sea" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Tethys</a>) that once separated the continents of Eurasia and Afro-Arabia. The range stretches eastward about 50 miles (80 km) from near the island’s west coast to the 2,260-foot (689-metre) <span id="ref409812"></span>Stavrovouni peak, about 12 miles (19 km) from the southeastern coast. The range’s <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="summit" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/summit" data-type="EB">summit</a>, <span id="ref409813"></span>Mount Olympus (also called Mount Troodos), reaches an elevation of 6,401 feet (1,951 metres) and is the island’s highest point.</p><span class="marker MOD6 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD7 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Between the two ranges lies the <span id="ref409814"></span>Mesaoria Plain (its name means “Between the Mountains”), which is flat and low-lying and extends from <span id="ref409815"></span>Morphou Bay in the west to <span id="ref409816"></span>Famagusta Bay in the east. Roughly in the centre of the plain is <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Nicosia" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Nicosia</a>. The plain is the principal cereal-growing area in the island.</p><div class="module-spacing"> <DIV class="marketing-INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION marketing-content" data-marketing-id="INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION"><style> .student-promo-banner-wrapper { container-type: inline-size; margin-bottom: 15px; } @container (min-width: 475px) { .student-promo-banner { flex-direction: row; } .student-promo-banner-img-wrapper { margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 10px; justify-content: flex-start; } .student-promo-banner-text-wrapper { text-align: left; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; } .student-promo-banner-button-wrapper { margin-right: 0; } }</style> <div class="student-promo-banner-wrapper"> <div class="student-promo-banner d-flex flex-column align-items-center bg-blue rounded p-20"> <div class="student-promo-banner-img-wrapper mb-20 mr-0 d-flex justify-content-center"> <img class="rounded" style="max-width: 100px; min-width: 80px" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/BlueThistle.webp" /> </div> <div class="student-promo-banner-text-wrapper ml-0 mb-10 text-center text-white"> <div class="h2 mb-10">Get Unlimited Access</div> <div class="h4 font-weight-semi-bold">Try Britannica Premium for free and discover more.</div> </div> <div class="student-promo-banner-button-wrapper d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center ml-auto mr-auto"> <a class="btn btn-m btn-orange" href="https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=august-2024">Subscribe</a> </div> </div> </div> </DIV></div><span class="marker MOD7 mod-inline"></span> </section> <section data-level="2" id="ref242744"> <h2 class="h2">Drainage and soils</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD8 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The major rivers in Cyprus originate in the Troodos Mountains. The <span id="ref409818"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Pedieos-River" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Pedieos</a>, which is the largest, flows eastward toward Famagusta Bay; the <span id="ref700145"></span>Serakhis flows northwestward and the <span id="ref409819"></span>Karyotis northward to Morphou Bay; and the <span id="ref409820"></span>Kouris flows southward to Episkopi Bay. The rivers are fed entirely from the <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="runoff" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/runoff" data-type="EB">runoff</a> of winter precipitation; in summer they become dry courses. The island’s major soil types consist of imperfect, gravelly lithosols found in the Troodos and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Kyrenia" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Kyrenia</a> mountains and agriculturally productive vertisols located in the Mesaoria Plain and along the southeastern coast. Other, less-productive soils include solonchaks and solonetz soils. These latter are found only in isolated saline pockets throughout the island.</p><span class="marker MOD8 mod-inline"></span> </section> <section data-level="2" id="ref33839"> <h2 class="h2">Climate</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD9 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Cyprus has an intense <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/Mediterranean-climate" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Mediterranean climate</a>, with a typically strongly marked seasonal rhythm. Hot, dry summers (June to September) and rainy winters (November to March) are separated by short autumn and spring seasons (October and April to May, respectively) of rapid change. Autumn and winter precipitation, on which agriculture and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/water-supply" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">water supply</a> depend, is variable. Average annual precipitation is about 20 inches (500 mm). The lowest average precipitation of 14 inches (350 mm) occurs at Nicosia, and the highest, 41 inches (1,050 mm), is on <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Mount-Olympus-mountain-Greece" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Mount Olympus</a>. Summer temperatures in Nicosia range between an average daily maximum of 98 °F (37 °C) and an average daily minimum of 70 °F (21 °C); in winter the range is between 59 °F (15 °C) and 41 °F (5 °C). From December to March the Troodos range experiences several weeks of below-freezing night temperatures, and snowfall is considerable.</p><span class="marker MOD9 mod-inline"></span> </section> <section data-level="2" id="ref33840"> <h2 class="h2">Plant and animal life</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD10 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">There is a narrow fertile plain along the northern coast, where the vegetation is largely <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="evergreen" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/evergreen" data-type="EB">evergreen</a> and includes olive, carob, and citrus trees. The Troodos range has pine, dwarf oak, cypress, and cedar forest coverings. The southern and western slopes are extensively planted with vineyards. Between autumn and spring the Mesaoria Plain is green and colourful, with an abundance of wildflowers, flowering bushes, and shrubs; there are also patches of woodland in which eucalyptus and various types of acacia, cypress, and lowland pine are found. Orange plantations dot the island’s northwestern end in the area around Morphou.</p><span class="marker MOD10 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD11 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Fossil remains of elephants and hippopotamuses have been found in the Kyrenia area, and in ancient times there were large numbers of deer and boar. The only large wild animal now surviving is the <em><span id="ref409821"></span>agrino</em>, a subspecies of wild sheep related to the mouflon of the western Mediterranean; it is under strict protection in a small forested area of the Troodos range. Small game is abundant but keenly hunted. Snakes were widespread in ancient times, giving the island the name Ophiussa, “the <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="Abode" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Abode" data-type="MW">Abode</a> of Snakes”; they are now relatively rare. Green and loggerhead turtles, which are protected by law, breed on the beaches along the coast.</p><div class="one-good-fact-module"> </div><span class="marker MOD11 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD12 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Cyprus lies on major migration routes for birds. In spring and autumn millions pass over the island, while many species winter there. Among the numerous resident species are francolin and chukar partridges.</p><span class="marker MOD12 mod-inline"></span> </section> </section><span class="marker end-of-content"></span><span class="marker after-article"></span></div> <div id="chatbot-root"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ai-dialog-placeholder"></div> </div> </div> <aside class="col-md-da-320"></aside> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <div id="md-footer"></div> <noscript><iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5W6NC8" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <script type="text/javascript" id="_informizely_script_tag"> var IzWidget = IzWidget || {}; (function (d) { var scriptElement = d.createElement('script'); scriptElement.type = 'text/javascript'; scriptElement.async = true; scriptElement.src = "https://insitez.blob.core.windows.net/site/f780f33e-a610-4ac2-af81-3eb184037547.js"; var node = d.getElementById('_informizely_script_tag'); node.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, node); } )(document); </script>  <script> window.ap3c = window.ap3c || {}; var ap3c = window.ap3c; ap3c.cmd = ap3c.cmd || []; ap3c.cmd.push(function() { ap3c.init('ZO4siT4cLwnykPnzZWJtd3Byb2Q', 'https://engage.email.britannica.com/'); ap3c.track({v: 0}); }); ap3c.activity = function(act) { ap3c.act = (ap3c.act || []); ap3c.act.push(act); }; var s, t; s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.src = "https://engage.email.britannica.com/app.js"; t = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); </script> <script class="marketing-page-info" type="application/json"> {"pageType":"Topic","templateName":"DESKTOP","pageNumber":1,"pagesTotal":12,"pageId":148573,"pageLength":1086,"initialLoad":true,"lastPageOfScroll":false} </script> <script class="marketing-content-info" type="application/json"> [] </script> <script src="https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-133/js/libs/jquery-3.5.0.min.js?v=3.133.9"></script> <script type="text/javascript" data-type="Init Mendel Code Splitting"> (function() { $.ajax({ dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: 'https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-133/dist/topic-page.js?v=3.133.9' }); })(); </script> <script class="analytics-metadata" type="application/json"> {"leg":"C","adLeg":"C","userType":"ANONYMOUS","pageType":"Topic","pageSubtype":null,"articleTemplateType":"COUNTRY_PAGINATED","gisted":false,"pageNumber":1,"hasSummarizeButton":false,"hasAskButton":true} </script> <script type="text/javascript"> EBStat={accountId:-1,hostnameOverride:'webstats.eb.com',domain:'www.britannica.com', json:''}; </script> <script type="text/javascript"> ( function() { $.ajax( { dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: '//www.britannica.com/webstats/mendelstats.js?v=1' } ) .done( function() { try {writeStat(null,EBStat);} catch(err){} } ); })(); </script> <div id="bc-fixed-dialogue"></div> </body> </html>

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