Basic Information about the island

📍 Location
Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia. It is located:

• In the southeastern Mediterranean
• South of Turkey (approx. 70 km)
• East of Greece (approx. 800 km from Athens)
• North of Egypt and Israel

Thanks to this location, Cyprus is considered a crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

🗺️ Area and Geography

• Total area: ~9,251 km²
• Main mountain ranges:
  • Kyrenia (Beşparmak) in the north, with the highest peak Kyrenia Mountain (~1,024 m)
  • Troodos in the center and south, with the highest peak Olympus (1,952 m)
• Coastline: long sandy and rocky beaches, cliffs, bays, and harbors

🏙️ Major Cities

• Nicosia (Lefkoşa/Nicosia) – the capital and largest city, divided into northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) parts
• Limassol – the second-largest city, important port and financial center in the south
• Larnaca – known for its airport and tourist resorts
• Famagusta (Gazimağusa) – historic city with a port in the north
• Kyrenia (Girne) – tourist and residential center of Northern Cyprus

👥 Population

• Total population: approx. 1.2 million
• Distribution:
  • Southern part (Republic of Cyprus) – Greek Cypriot area (~850,000 inhabitants)
  • Northern part (TRNC – Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) – Turkish Cypriot area (~400,000 inhabitants, including students and foreigners)

🗣️ Languages

• South: Greek and English
• North: Turkish and English

English is widely used across the island in services, real estate, and tourism.

☀️ Climate
Typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters:

• Summer: May – October, temperatures 30–40 °C
• Winter: December – February, temperatures 10–20 °C

🏛️ History in Brief
Cyprus’ strategic location has given it a rich history under the rule of:

• Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks
• Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders
• Venetians, Ottomans, and the British
• Gained independence from Britain in 1960
• Since 1974, the island has been divided into:
  • Republic of Cyprus (Greek part) – internationally recognized
  • Northern part (TRNC) – recognized only by Turkey

💡 Interesting Facts

• Currency:
  • South – Euro (EUR)
  • North – Turkish Lira (TRY), though Euro and Pounds are commonly used
• Driving: left-hand traffic, like in the UK
• Time zone: +2 hours (summer +3)
• Religion: predominantly Orthodox Christian in the south and Muslim in the north