What is Cyprus like?

- Location: Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia. It lies south of Turkey, east of Greece, and west of Syria and Lebanon.

- Size: The total area of Cyprus is 9,251 km2 (3,572 sq mi).

- Terrain: The island is divided into two mountain ranges, the Troodos Mountains in the southwest and the Kyrenia Mountains in the north. The central plain, the Mesaoria, separates the two mountain ranges.

- Climate: Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures range from an average of 10°C (50°F) in January to 35°C (95°F) in July.

Demographics:

- Population: The population of Cyprus is approximately 875,900.

- Ethnicities: Greek Cypriots (77%), Turkish Cypriots (18%), Armenians, Maronites, and Latins (5%).

- Languages: Greek (official), Turkish (official), English (widely spoken).

- Religion: Greek Orthodox (78%), Sunni Islam (18%), Maronite Christianity (1%), Armenian Apostolic Christianity (1%), and other (2%).

Politics:

- Political system: The Republic of Cyprus is a de facto divided country, with the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus controlling the southern two-thirds of the island and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus controlling the northern third.

- Head of state: The President of the Republic of Cyprus is Nicos Anastasiades.

- Prime Minister: The current Prime Minister of the Republic of Cyprus is Nikos Christodoulides.

- Political parties: The main political parties in the Republic of Cyprus are the Democratic Rally (DISY), the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), the Democratic Party (DIKO), and the Socialist Party (EDEK).

Economy:

- Currency: Euro

- GDP (nominal, 2022): $27.7 billion

- GDP per capita (nominal, 2022): $31,525

- Main industries: Tourism, financial services, shipping, and agriculture.

Culture:

- Music: Traditional Cypriot music is a blend of Greek and Turkish influences. Some popular instruments include the bouzouki, the guitarra, and the violin.

- Dance: Traditional Cypriot dances include the sousta, the tsamikos, and the zeybekiko.

- Food: Cypriot cuisine is a mix of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences. Some popular dishes include souvlaki, sheftalia, and kleftiko.

- Art: Cypriot art has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman empires. Some notable artists from Cyprus include Stas Paraskos, Christoforos Savva, and Stelios Votsis.

History:

- Cyprus has been inhabited since the Neolithic period.

- The island was conquered by the Ottomans in 1571 and remained under Ottoman rule until 1878, when it was ceded to the British Empire.

- Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960.

- In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and occupied the northern third of the island.

- The island remains divided today, with the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus controlling the southern two-thirds and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus controlling the northern third.