Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia. Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it lies south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel, and north of Egypt.
Map of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean
Political Status
The island has been divided since 1974:
Republic of Cyprus (Southern Cyprus): Internationally recognized government controlling ~59% of the island. Member of the EU since 2004. Capital: Nicosia (Lefkoşa).
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC): Self-declared state recognized only by Turkey, controlling ~36% of the island. Capital: North Nicosia (Lefkoşa).
UN Buffer Zone (Green Line): A demilitarized zone patrolled by UNFICYP separating the two sides, covering ~4% of the island.
Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs): Akrotiri and Dhekelia remain under British sovereignty per the 1960 independence treaties (~3%).
Key Geographic Features
The island is dominated by two mountain ranges: the Troodos Mountains (highest point Mount Olympus, 1,952 m) in the center and southwest, and the narrower Kyrenia Range (Pentadaktylos) along the northern coast. The Mesaoria Plain lies between them. Major cities include Nicosia (capital), Limassol (major port), Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta (in the north).
Wanderlust World 