Cyprus is an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. It has a population of approximately 1.2 million people, with the majority living on the southern Greek Cypriot side of the island. The official languages are Greek and Turkish, reflecting the divided nature of the island.

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, located in the center of the island. Other major cities include Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The country has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic era. The island has been ruled by various powers throughout history, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottoman Turks, and British.

Cyprus has a mixed economy with a strong service sector, including finance, tourism, and shipping. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and historic landmarks, making it a popular tourist destination. Agriculture, including citrus and wine production, is also an important sector.

In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and occupied the northern part of the island, resulting in the division of the island into the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. The two sides have been in conflict for decades, with reunification efforts ongoing.

Cyprus is a member of the European Union and uses the euro as its currency. The country has a highly developed education system, with literacy rates among the highest in the world. The healthcare system is also advanced, with both public and private options available.

Overall, Cyprus is a fascinating country with a rich history and a unique geopolitical situation. The island's stunning landscapes, warm climate, and rich culture make it a popular destination for tourists and a sought-after place to live.

National holiday
Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as "Republic Day"

Telephone Code
357

Local Emergency Phone
112

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Currency (Code)
Euro (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
Greek 80.9%, Turkish 0.2%, English 4.1%, Romanian 2.9%, Russian 2.5%, Bulgarian 2.2%, Arabic 1.2%, Filipino 1.1%, other 4.3%

Major Religions
Orthodox Christian 89.1%, Roman Catholic 2.9%, Protestant/Anglican 2%, Muslim 1.8%, Buddhist 1%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Salamis; Kolossi Castle; Cape Greco; Troodos Villages; Nicosia (includes Cyprus Museum); Nissi Beach; Paphos Archeological Park; Choirokoitia

Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, volleyball, motorsports

Cultural Practices
Many Turkish Cypriots lower their eyes during a greeting as a sign of respect.

Tipping Guidelines
At restaurants, tipping 2-3 euros is sufficient. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro - or 5% of the final fare for exceptional service- is appreciated.

Souvenirs
Handmade lace, woven fabric and silk items, basketware, pottery, silver items, leather goods, brandy and liqueurs

Traditional Cuisine
Souvla — large pieces of meat cooked on a long skewer over a charcoal barbecue; salt, spices, oil, and wine are sprinkled or brushed on the meat during the cooking process

Geography
Area
total: 9,251 sq km
land: 9,241 sq km
water: 10 sq km

Climate
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Natural resources
copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment

People and Society
Population
1,308,120 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Greek 98.8%, other 1% (includes Maronite, Armenian, Turkish-Cypriot), unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.)

Languages
Greek (official) 80.9%, Turkish (official) 0.2%, English 4.1%, Romanian 2.9%, Russian 2.5%, Bulgarian 2.2%, Arabic 1.2%, Filipino 1.1%, other 4.3%, unspecified 0.6%; note - data represent only the Republic of Cyprus (2011 est.)

Religions
Orthodox Christian 89.1%, Roman Catholic 2.9%, Protestant/Anglican 2%, Muslim 1.8%, Buddhist 1%, other (includes Maronite, Armenian Church, Hindu) 1.4%, unknown 1.1%, none/atheist 0.6% (2011 est.)

Population growth rate
1% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
Republic of Cyprus - presidential republic; self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC) - parliamentary republic with enhanced presidency

Capital
name: Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkosa)

Economy
Economic overview
services-based, high-income EU island economy; heavy tourism; sustained growth between recovery of national banking system and COVID-19 trade restrictions; high living standards; a known financial hub, its stock exchange functions as an investment bridge between EU-and EEU-member countries

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$37.546 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$41,700 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, potatoes, pork, sheep milk, goat milk, barley, wheat, poultry, olives, tangerines/mandarins

Industries
tourism, food and beverage processing, cement and gypsum, ship repair and refurbishment, textiles, light chemicals, metal products, wood, paper, stone and clay products

Exports
$24.551 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
India 9%, Greece 9%, Libya 8%, United Kingdom 7% (2019)

Exports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, cheese, crude petroleum (2019)

Imports
$23.748 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Greece 16%, Italy 10%, Turkey 8%, Russia 5%, Germany 5%, United Kingdom 5%, China 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, cars, coal tar oil, packaged medicines (2019)