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https://www.q-files.com/geography/europe/cyprus.
Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
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Geography, Europe, s.v. "Cyprus," accessed March 19, 2024.
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Cyprus
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been divided into two since 1974. The southern part, known as the Republic of Cyprus, is largely Greek-speaking, while northern part is known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The narrow, rugged Kyrenia Mountains hugs the northern coast, extending down the long, thin Karpas Peninsula, nicknamed the “pan handle”. Rising in the south are the peaks of the Troodos Mountains. Between these two ranges stretches a dry, scrubland plain called the Mesaoria. Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are very hot and dry, while winters are milder and sometimes wet.
People
People from Cyprus are called Cypriots. Since the division of the island in 1974, Cyprus’ population has been split between Greek Cypriots who live in the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north. Tensions have existed between Greek and Turkish Cypriots for decades. As well as Greek and Turkish, most people speak English as a second language. The Cypriot form of Greek is closer to the language spoken by ancient Greeks.
There are two Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, owned by the British Government. Around 3000 British troops are stationed at the two bases, which are both military communications posts.
Economy
For much of the 20th century, Cyprus’s economy was based on farming. Today, it still exports fruits, such as lemons, oranges and grapes, as well as potatoes and tobacco. Its service industries, chiefly finance and tourism, have become more important in recent years. Tourism is much more developed in the south, where there are large resorts. The southern part of Cyprus, a member of the European Union, is nowadays an important financial centre, attracting investors from Russia and Eastern Europe especially.
Green Line
The two parts of Cyprus are divided by a zone called the “Green Line”. This 180-kilometre (112-mile) strip of land is patrolled by troops from the United Nations (UN). For 30 years, crossing from one side to the other was banned, but since 2003, six border crossings have been established. On the Turkish side the border is marked by concrete walls, ditches and barbed-wire fencing. Pyla, a village near the eastern coast, is the only place in Cyprus where its original Greek and Turkish Cypriot inhabitants live alongside each other. Left relatively undisturbed by people, the Green Line has also become a haven for wildlife.
Consultant: Nicholas Harris
Facts about Cyprus
Population 1,172,458
Area 9241 sq km
Highest point Mount Olympus 1951 m (6401 ft)
Capital Nicosia, population 253,000
Other major cities Limassol (pop. 101,000), Larnaca (72,000)
Languages Greek, Turkish, English
Religions Christian (Greek Orthodox) 81%, Muslim 18%, others 4%
Ethnicity Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, others 5%
Currency Euro (EUR) (Republic of Cyprus); Turkish lira (TRY) (Northern Cyprus)
Chief exports citrus fruits, potatoes, medicines, cement, clothing and textiles
History of Cyprus
8200 BC
Neolithic peoples live in Cyprus
1200 BC
Achaeans from southern Greece settle on the island, building city-kingdoms such as Paphos and Salamis
333 BC
Alexander the Great conquers the island and it becomes part of the Greek Empire
4th century
Cyprus’ major cities are destroyed by a series of earthquakes
395
Cyprus becomes part of the Byzantine Empire
649–1050
Over the centuries, Arabs launch raids on Byzantine Cyprus
1192–1473
Cyprus is ruled by the Crusader King Guy of Lusignan and a succession of other Lusignan kings
1571–1878
Turkish Ottomans invade Cyprus; Turkish Muslims migrate to the island; thousands of Greek Christians are massacred or forced to leave
1878
Ottomans sign an agreement with Britain and loan them the island in exchange for British protection against Russia
1914
World War I breaks out; Ottomans join the side of Germany and Britain takes official control of Cyprus; it becomes a key British military base
1925
Cyprus declared an official British crown colony
1950
96% of Greek Cypriots vote in favour of “enosis” (union) with Greece; Turkish Cypriots call for the island to be divided
1960
Cyprus becomes independent from Britain, although Britain retains the two Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which become British Overseas Territories
1963
Violence breaks out between Turkish and Greek Cypriots
1974
Greece backs a military coup in Cyprus, removing the president and replacing him with Nikos Sampson, who backs union with Greece. Turkish army invades and occupies the northern third of the island.
1983
Turkish Cyprus declares independence as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but it is internationally recognized only by Turkey
2002
Cyprus is invited to join the EU on the condition that the two parts of the island unite
2006
Peace talks are held between Greek and Turkish leaders but relations break down
2004
Island fails to unite but the Greek Cypriot Republic of Cyprus still joins the EU
2014–15
Talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders produce a Joint Declaration for a negotiated settlement
2017
Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders meet at UN in Geneva for direct talks on reunification under a federal arrangement