Situated at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, Cyprus is the third largest island in the region, with an area of 9,251 square kilometres (3,572 square miles) and it was settled by Mycenaean Greeks in two waves in the 2nd millennium BC. The earliest known human activity on the island dates to around the 10th millennium BC.

Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system of government. Under the 1960 Constitution, executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic, elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term of office through a Council of Ministers appointed by him. Legislative power vested in the House of Representatives elected also for five-year term whilst the Judiciary is independent of both the executive and the legislature.

The population of Cyprus is around 900.000 inhabitants.

The capital and largest city of Cyprus is Nicosia which was founded at the Bronze Age while has been the capital of the inland since 10th century. There are six major cities, each one of them serving as the capital of the six districts of Cyprus including over 100 villages. Each of these districts has its unique character and this is one of the main characteristics of Cyprus: its diversity despite the small size.

On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, violating all rules of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. The illegal Turkish invasion was carried out in two phases. During the second phase, Turkey took the city of Famagusta, under its control and illegally occupies over 36% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus ever since.

As a result of the Turkish military invasion and occupation, 162,000 Greek Cypriots fled their homes becoming refugees in their own country. To this day the occupying forces impede the return of refugees to their homes and property. By the end of 1975, the vast majority of Turkish-Cypriots living in areas controlled by the legitimate government were forced to leave their homes and move, owing to Turkey’s coercive policy, to the Turkish-occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

Despite the adverse effects of the Turkish military invasion, Cyprus economy was gradually redeveloped and on 1st May 2004 the Republic of Cyprus joined EU as a full member completing a long journey that lasted more than three decades.

Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid–May to mid–October, and mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons.

Did You Know?

• Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean? Its population as of January 2023 is 920.701citizens.
• The world’s oldest wine label belongs to Cyprus? ‘Commandaria’ is recognised as the world’s oldest named wine dating back 5000 years.
• Out of the total 1950 species of flowering plants worldwide, 140 are located in Cyprus?
• The Cyprus Moufflon (a rare variety of sheep) can be seen nowhere else in the world?
• Cyprus has sunshine for more than 300 days during a year?
• Cyprus has one of the world’s most popular wreck diving sites known as the Zenobia, off the coast of Larnaca?
• Cyprus is the first nation to include the shape of its country on its flag?
• There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cyprus, including the town of Paphos, the Painted Churches in the Troodos Region and the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia?
• Approximately 10,000 flamingos temporarily stop over to feed at the Larnaca Salt Lake every autumn during their migration towards the south?
• The Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia in Cyprus is one of the most important Neolithic sites in Europe?
• More than 45 beaches on Cyprus have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness & safety?

More Information on Cyprus – Home Page – Visit Cyprus