17 Interesting Facts About Cyprus

• Location and Borders: Cyprus is an island nation located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. It is situated near the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The island is divided into the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, which is recognized only by Turkey.
• Square: The country covers an area of approximately 9,251 square kilometers.
• National Currency: The currency of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR).
• Official Languages: The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. English is also widely used in business and government.

Interesting Facts About Cyprus:

1. Geopolitical Status: Legally, 98% of Cyprus belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, while 2% is under British sovereignty, with British military bases located there.
2. Population: Cyprus is one of the least populated countries in Europe, with a population of about 830,000 people, which is fewer than in the city of Krasnodar, Russia. Approximately 10% of its population comes from Russia and other CIS countries.
3. Historic Mosque: In Larnaca, the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque stands on the site where a meteorite fell. This mosque is the fourth holiest site in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
4. Unique Flag: Cyprus is the first country in the world to feature its map on its national flag.
5. International Memberships: Cyprus is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Commission, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
6. Divided Capital: Nicosia is the only major city in the world that is divided between two political entities: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
7. Russian Language: The use of Russian on the island is as common as English, which is particularly useful for those seeking residency in Cyprus.
8. Low Police Presence: Compared to Belarus, Cyprus has relatively few police and traffic patrols, but this does not compromise the safety of its cities and roads.
9. Gift from Mark Antony: Historically, Cyprus was gifted to Cleopatra by Mark Antony as a symbol of his devotion.
10. Religious Influence: Most Cypriots are Greek Orthodox Christians, and the church plays a significant role in the country’s public and political life.
11. Local Festivals: One of the unique local festivals is Kataklysmos, which involves water festivities and is celebrated only in Cyprus.
12. Vine Varieties: Cyprus boasts around 40 varieties of grapes, which, after extensive processing, are used to make distinctive and high-quality wines.
13. Historical Name: The name “Cyprus” is derived from the Latin word “cuprum” for copper, due to the island’s rich copper deposits, or from the abundance of cypress trees.
14. Transportation: Public transportation is minimal, as most Cypriots own cars and use them for even short trips, such as to the local bakery.
15. Climate: In winter, Cypriots wear warm clothing, while foreigners often prefer lighter attire. January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures averaging between +17°C and +19°C.
16. Mythological Birthplace: According to legend, the Greek goddess Aphrodite was born on Cyprus, and the island is known as a place where gods would relax after their work on Mount Olympus.
17. Royal Wedding: Cyprus is notable for hosting the royal wedding of Richard the Lionheart on May 12, 1191, making it a significant location in British royal history.