# Cyprus

> country in the Mediterranean Sea

**Wikidata**: [Q229](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q229)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cyprus

## Key Facts

*   **Official Name:** Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία / Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti).
*   **Location:** Island country in the Mediterranean Sea, located in West Asia/Middle East, politically aligned with Southern Europe.
*   **Capital:** Nicosia.
*   **Government:** Presidential republic; Head of State and Government is the President (currently Nicos Christodoulides, since Feb 2023).
*   **Area:** 9,242.45 square kilometres.
*   **Population:** Approximately 1,344,976 (2023 estimate).
*   **Currency:** Euro (since January 1, 2008); previously Cypriot pound (1878-2008).
*   **Official Languages:** Greek (Modern Greek) and Turkish.
*   **Independence/Inception:** August 16, 1960 (from British Cyprus).
*   **International Memberships:** European Union (joined May 1, 2004), United Nations (joined Sep 20, 1960), Commonwealth of Nations, Council of Europe, Eurocontrol, Interpol, WHO, WTO.
*   **ISO Codes:** Alpha-2: CY, Alpha-3: CYP, Numeric: 196.
*   **Top-Level Domain:** .cy.
*   **Calling Code:** +357.
*   **Motto:** "Cyprus in your heart" (tourism slogan).
*   **Anthem:** Hymn to Liberty.
*   **Driving Side:** Left.
*   **Voltage:** 240V, 50Hz (Plug types: BS 1363).
*   **Emergency Number:** 112 (General), 199 (Fire), 1400 (Medical).
*   **Highest Point:** Mount Olympus (1,952 m).
*   **Lowest Point:** Mediterranean Sea (0 m).
*   **HDI:** 0.896 (2021, Very High).
*   **VAT Rate:** 19%.
*   **Timezone:** UTC+02:00 (Standard), UTC+03:00 (Daylight Saving).
*   **Coordinates:** Latitude 35, Longitude 33.
*   **Territorial Divisions:** 6 Districts (Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta, Larnaca, Paphos, Kyrenia).

## FAQs

**What is the political status of Cyprus?**
Cyprus is a presidential republic and a sovereign state, though it is classified as a divided territory. It is a member of the United Nations and the European Union, with the government exercising effective control over the southern two-thirds of the island while the northern part is administered separately.

**What are the demographics and languages of Cyprus?**
The country has a population estimated at 1.34 million as of 2023. The official languages are Greek and Turkish, with Greek being the predominant language spoken in the government-controlled areas. The population is largely urbanized.

**What international organizations is Cyprus a member of?**
Cyprus is a member of numerous international bodies, most notably the European Union (since 2004) and the United Nations (since 1960). It is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

**What is the economic profile of Cyprus?**
Cyprus has a high-income economy classified as "Very High" on the Human Development Index (0.896 in 2021). Its nominal GDP was approximately $28.44 billion in 2022. The country adopted the Euro in 2008 and maintains a standard VAT rate of 19%.

**What is the historical timeline of modern Cyprus?**
The Republic of Cyprus was established on August 16, 1960, succeeding British colonial rule. It joined the United Nations shortly after in 1960 and became a member of the Commonwealth in 1961. The country became a full member of the European Union on May 1, 2004.

## Why It Matters

Cyprus matters geopolitically as the easternmost member of the European Union, situated at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its strategic location in the Mediterranean has historically made it a focal point for trade, diplomacy, and regional security. As a divided nation, it remains a unique case study in international relations and conflict resolution within the European context.

Economically, the country serves as a significant financial and shipping hub, leveraging its EU membership to attract international business. Its high Human Development Index (0.896) reflects a high quality of life, robust public services, and advanced infrastructure, positioning it as a developed economy within the region.

The country's cultural significance lies in its deep historical heritage spanning millennia, combined with a modern identity that bridges Greek, Turkish, and broader European influences. It acts as a living record of Mediterranean civilizations while actively participating in contemporary European political and economic structures.

## Notable For

*   **EU Membership:** Being the easternmost member of the European Union (joined 2004).
*   **Divided Capital:** Nicosia is the world's last divided capital city.
*   **High Development:** A "Very High" Human Development Index score (0.896 in 2021).
*   **Strategic Location:** A key maritime and aviation hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
*   **Euro Adoption:** Successfully adopted the Euro in 2008.
*   **Historical Continuity:** One of the oldest recorded civilizations in the Mediterranean.
*   **UN Membership:** An early post-colonial entrant to the UN (1960).

## Body

### Geography and Location
Cyprus is an island country located in the Mediterranean Sea, specifically situated in the north-eastern basin. While geographically part of West Asia and the Middle East, it is politically and culturally aligned with Southern Europe. The island covers a total area of 9,242.45 square kilometres. Its landscape is dominated by two mountain ranges: the Troodos Mountains in the south and the Kyrenia Range in the north, with a central plain (Mesaoria) between them. The highest point is Mount Olympus, rising to 1,952 metres, while the lowest point is the Mediterranean Sea at sea level. The country's coordinates are latitude 35 and longitude 33, with the easternmost point at 35.695°N, 34.588°E.

### Political Structure and Governance
The Republic of Cyprus operates as a presidential republic and a sovereign state. The political system features a separation of powers with an executive president serving as both Head of State and Head of Government. The current president is Nicos Christodoulides, who assumed office on February 12, 2023. The legislative body is the House of Representatives, while the highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of Cyprus. The country is administratively divided into six districts: Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta, Larnaca, Paphos, and Kyrenia.

The political landscape is complicated by the island's status as a divided territory. The Republic of Cyprus is internationally recognized as the sole legitimate state, but it does not exercise effective control over the northern part of the island, which declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (recognized only by Turkey). The country's territory also includes the British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

### International Relations and Membership
Cyprus maintains a robust network of international memberships. It has been a member of the United Nations since September 20, 1960, shortly after its independence. A significant milestone was its accession to the European Union on May 1, 2004, which cemented its political and economic orientation towards Europe. It is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (since 1961), the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (since 1973), the World Trade Organization, and the Eurocontrol aviation organization (since 1991). The country maintains diplomatic relations with major global powers including the United States, China, Russia, and neighbouring states like Greece, Israel, and Egypt.

### Demographics and Society
According to 2023 estimates, the population of Cyprus stands at approximately 1,344,976. The society is characterized by a high level of urbanization, with urban populations exceeding rural ones significantly (837,383 urban vs 414,105 rural in 2022). Life expectancy is high, reported at 82 years in 2022. The official languages are Greek and Turkish. The country has a high Human Development Index of 0.896 (2021), indicating a very high standard of living. Compulsory education runs from age 5 to 15, and the age of majority is 18. The country also has a low Gini coefficient (31.2 in 2019), suggesting relatively low income inequality.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Cyprus uses the Euro as its currency, having adopted it on January 1, 2008, replacing the Cypriot pound. Its economy is classified as high-income, with a nominal GDP of $28.44 billion in 2022. The standard VAT rate is 19%. Infrastructure includes a network of roads where driving is on the left. The electrical grid operates at 240 volts and 50Hz, using the BS 1363 plug type (British standard). The country has a strong telecommunications sector, with the mobile country code 280 and international calling code +357. The digital presence is supported by the top-level domain .cy.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag of Cyprus is unique for featuring the map of the country, set on a white background with two olive branches underneath, symbolizing peace. The coat of arms features a dove with an olive branch. The national anthem is the "Hymn to Liberty." The country is also promoted under the tourism slogan "Cyprus in your heart." Culturally, the country is home to entities like Sigmalive, a major media outlet headquartered in Nicosia, and has a growing tech sector represented by companies like Fiorry, a social network app based in the country.

### History and Origin
The modern state of Cyprus was founded on August 16, 1960, gaining independence from British colonial rule (British Cyprus). It replaced the previous colonial administration and immediately joined the international community as a sovereign state. The historical narrative includes the establishment of the Republic and subsequent challenges, including the constitutional breakdown and the 1974 events that led to the island's current division. The country's history is extensively cataloged, with entries in major encyclopedias and libraries worldwide.

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