Cyprus

10th Century BCE – Greek Colonization: The first Greek settlers arrived on the island

58 BCE – Roman Control: Cyprus becomes part of the Roman Empire

330 CE – Byzantine Empire: Cyprus becomes part of the Byzantine Empire

1191 – English Rule: Richard the Lionheart of England conquers Cyprus during the Third Crusade

1571 – Ottoman Empire: Cyprus falls under Ottoman control

1878 – British Rule: Cyprus placed under British administration

1960 – Independence from Britain (Monday, August 16, 1960): Cyprus becomes a republic

1974 – Turkish Invasion (Thursday, July 20, 1974): Turkey invades Cyprus following a Greek-led coup, leading to the division of the island

2004 – EU Membership: Cyprus joins the European Union (Wednesday, May 1, 2004)

2008 – Apostolos Andreas Monastery opening: Key religious site reopened for Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot worshippers.

Continent: Asia (Geopolitically part of Europe)
Location: Eastern Mediterranean, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, north of Egypt
Capital: Nicosia
Language: Greek (official), Turkish (official), English (widely spoken)
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: ~1.3 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2) / Eastern European Summer Time (EEST, UTC+3)

Borders: Cyprus is an island with no land borders, but it is divided into two parts: the Greek-majority Republic of Cyprus (south) and the Turkish-occupied Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (north), which is only recognized by Turkey.
Landscape: Mountainous interior with plains and a Mediterranean coastline
Major Rivers: Pedieos River, Gialias River, Kouris River
Major Mountains: Troodos Mountains, Kyrenia Range
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Larnaca, Lake Akrotiri (salt lakes)
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Mount Olympus (1,952 m / 6,407 ft)
Lowest Point: Mediterranean Sea (0 m / 0 ft)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
Geological Features: Cyprus is composed of limestone, with numerous caves and rock formations. The island is seismically active and has a history of tectonic activity.

Ethnic Groups: Greek Cypriots (about 77%), Turkish Cypriots (about 18%), other minorities (e.g., Armenians, Maronites)
Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity (about 78%), Islam (about 18%), other (including Maronite Christians and Armenian Apostolic Christians)
Urban Population: ~70% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Cyprus has a diverse cultural heritage due to its historical occupation by various empires, including the British, Ottomans, and Greeks.

Famous For: History, ancient ruins, Mediterranean cuisine, and religious traditions
Cuisine: Souvlaki, Halloumi, Moussaka, Kleftiko, Sheftalia
Arts: Ancient Greek and Roman ruins, Byzantine art, modern art exhibitions, and music festivals
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, volleyball, tennis

Economy Type: High-income, service-based economy with emphasis on tourism
GDP: Approx. $30 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, shipping, financial services, agriculture (citrus, potatoes, olives), manufacturing
Key Exports: Pharmaceuticals, machinery, agricultural products (citrus fruits, vegetables, wine), and clothing
Unemployment Rate: ~7.4% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: The economy is centered in the southern part of the island, particularly around Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca. Tourism plays a significant role in the southern coastal regions.

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Nikos Christodoulides (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: President Nikos Christodoulides (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral Parliament (House of Representatives)
Constitution: In effect since 1960, but amended over time due to the island’s division

Paphos: UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient ruins and mosaics
Kyrenia: Historical harbor town with Venetian castle and beautiful beaches
Limassol: Mediterranean coastline, medieval castle, and lively nightlife
Nicosia: The last divided capital in Europe, featuring both Greek and Turkish Cypriot areas
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 3 (including Paphos, Choirokoitia, and Paphos Mosaics)