Cyprus
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Southern Europe
- Capital
- Nicosia
- Population
- 1.4 million (2024)
- Area
- 9,251 km²
- Languages
- Greek, Turkish
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +357
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
The Republic of Croatia is an Island country located in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is called the ‘Jewel of the Mediterranean’ and is the origin of the ancient goddess of love and beauty called Aphrodite.
The country recorded a population of 1.17 million in 2018 and covers an area of 9,251 km2.
The capital city is Nicosia located along Pedieos River.
Other major cities are Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos and Kyrenia. Limassol city is home to Sculpture Park, Limassol Archeological Museum which showcases the artefacts from the Neolithic to the Roman age.
Beautiful Beaches Of Cyprus
History
It was invaded by the United Kingdom in 1914 during the First World War and became a Crown Colony after the Ottoman Empire dissolved.
It gained independence in 1960.
Food & culture
The country’s culture is influenced by Islam in Turkish Cyprus and Greek Orthodox in Greek Cyprus.
The crops grown in the country include wheat, barley, grapefruit, apples, lemons, melons, olives, peaches, legumes and almonds.
Cypriot main dishes include grilled meat kebabs, grilled sausages, fried halloumi cheese and kolokasi.
Wildlife
The most common wildlife animals include Cypriotic mouflon and mouse, monk seal, mouflon, European Tarantula and Cyprus widow.
The best time to visit the country is from May to June.
Festivals & events
The most popular festivals are wine festival, the festival of roses in Agros, International Chamber Music Festival, Medieval Festival of Ayia Napa and Strawberry festival in Derinya.
Things to see
Cyprus Museum has archaeological remains of the Neolithic and Byzantine era like the statue of Aphrodite of Soloi.
Cyprus Medieval Museum preserves a collection of pottery and tombstones.
Other major tourist attraction sites are Petra Tou Romiou, tombs of the kings, Cape Greco and Akamas National Park.
Interesting facts
The country’s official languages are Greek and Turkish.
Majority of the population adhere to Greek Orthodox.
The education system comprises pre-primary education for children between the age 3 and 6, primary education for children between age 6 and 12 and secondary education for children between age 12 and 18. Higher education is for people above 18 years.
Cities & towns I’ve visited
Neighbours
Cyprus has no land borders with other countries.
My Bucket List goals in Cyprus
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.