 Cyprus — (sī´prəs) |
About The People
Did You Know...... Cyprus is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite (Venus), the Greek goddess of love. The myth says t »» More
Fashion... Traditional costumes are worn at folk festivals and special events, including formal visits. General »» More
Family... One should not bring dishonor on the family. Parents strive to provide the young couple with a home, »» More
| World Region: Middle East
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Statistics
Capital Cities... Nicosia »» History of Nicosia
Population: 788,457
GDP: $21,410,000,000 (USD)
Total Area: 9,250 (sq km) 3,571 (sq mi)
Currency: Greek Cypriot area: Cypriot pound (CYP); Turkish Cypriot area: Turkish lira (TRL)
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Cyprus History
THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS was established in 1960, after the former colony gained independence from Britain. Since 1974, however, a de facto division of the island has existed, with the Greek Cypriot community controlling 63 percent of the territory, and the Turkish Cypriots, backed by Turkish army units, 37 percent. The scene of constant anticolonial and intercommunal strife since the mid-1950s, Cyprus assumed an importance out of proportion to its size and population because of its strategic location and its impact on the national interests of other nations. The island’s location in the eastern Mediterranean Sea has made it easily accessible from Europe, Asia, and Africa since the earliest »» More |