About

Cyprus Flag
DESCRIPTION The flag of Cyprus was officially adopted on August 16, 1960. After gaining independence from a century of British rule, Cyprus now hoists this symbolic flag. The island is a copper shade representative of its name, Cyprus - the Greek word for copper. The crossed green olive branches symbolize the hoped for peace between the Turks and the Greeks.

A Brief Description about CYPRUS COUNTRY

Cyprus, a onetime Greek colony and the site of many military incursions over the centuries, is still today, an island in conflict between two opposing factions. The southern part of this Mediterranean island (the Greek Area) is called the Republic of Cyprus, and is controlled by the officially recognized Cyprus government.

About one-third of Cyprus is occupied by Turkey, and they call it the Republic of Northern Cyprus. That claim is not recognized by the United Nations, or any other country. Because of a Turkish invasion in 1974, the United Nation's established a buffer zone (colored gray), and that zone runs through the middle of the island, dissecting the capital city of Nicosia. Even though Cyprus gained its independence from the UK in 1960, there remains two British sovereign bases on the island. (Colored yellow)

Through it all, this ancient island remains a popular regional tourist destination, one famed for its sunny weather and fascinating history.

The Cyprus pages are currently being revised, but you can find additional information about the history of the island .

Facts and Figures

Official Name Republic of Cyprus

Capital City Nicosia (pop. 207,000)

Languages Greek (official), English, Turkish .{THE NATIVE LANGUAGES ARE GREEK AND TURKISH,BUT ENGLISH IS WIDLY UNDERSTOOD AND EXTENSIVELY SPOKEN.GERMAN AND FREENCH ARE SPOKEN AT MOST HOTELS AND SHOPS ]

TIME: LOCAL TIME IS TWO HOURS AHEAD OF GMT.

Latitude/Longitude 35 00'N, 33 00'E

Currency Greek Area: Cypriot Pound, Turkish Area: Turkish Lira

International Currency: USD,EURO,{USD 1=Rs.50, EURO 1=70 Rs.}

Religions Greek Orthodox, Muslim

Population 793,100, and that number does not include the estimated 115,000 Turks in the north.

Land Area 9,251sq km (3,372 sq miles)

Landforms A narrow band of mountains (the Kyrenia) slices across the north, while in the south, the Troodos Mountains dominate. Mt. Olympus is the highest point, at 6,403 ft., (1,951m). A somewhat fertile plain crosses the center of the island, with Nicosia at the southern end. The only rivers of size include the Pedias and Kariyoti.

Climate

Cyprus is the hottest, driest island in the Mediterranean.
•  It typically enjoys 340 days of sunshine a year.
•  The rainy season is from November to March,
•  With most of the rain falling between December and February.
•  The spring season is mild. Early May can be windy,
•  The middle of May the temperature begins to rise,
•  During July and August, it can reach well above 30 degrees Centigrade.
•  Autumn extends well into November.

AIRPORT

THE CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS LOCATED IN LARNACA WHILE ANOTHER AIRPORT OPERATES FROM PAPHOS.THE NATIONAL AIRLINE IS CYPRUS AIRWAYS.