Cyprus is a southeastern European island. The shape of this small island resembles a rectangle. It lies between the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas and has an area of 9,251 square kilometers (3,572 sq mi).
Cyprus on the World Map
Cyprus sits on the map at 35 degrees north latitude and 33 degrees east longitude. It is in Asia Minor, the Anatolian peninsula. Syria is about 300 kilometers (186 mi) away and is its closest neighbor. Other neighbors are Greece to the west, Turkey to the north, and Egypt to the south.
It is known for its place in history, Greek mythology, and a delicious food called souvlakia or grilled meat kabobs. The Cypress Mountain Goat is the national symbol of the country.
Cyprus Regions Map
Cyprus has regions made up of the following administrative divisions:
- Nicosia
- Limassol
- Paphos
- Larnaka (in the government-controlled areas)
- Famagusta
- Keryneia
Greek Cypriots form 80 percent of the population that resides in government-controlled areas. The Turkish Cypriots live in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The entire island has been occupied by Turkish troops since Turkey’s 1974 invasion, except for an UN-patrolled buffer zone. The Cyprus Turkish side lies in the northern part.
The island is geographically split into two parts. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is recognized only by Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus (Greek-speaking and internationally recognized).
The United Nations also recognizes the “government” of the Republic of Cyprus as representing its territory. Still, this part of the island has remained occupied by Turkish troops since Turkey’s 1974 invasion.
Cyprus Main Cities Map
The main cities in Cyprus are:
- Nicosia
- Limassol
- Paphos
- Larnaka
- Famagusta
- Kyrenia
Nicosia is the capital city. The city is in the middle of the island and is also the largest city.
The English established Nicosia in the 19th century after building the new harbor on the island. A wall that runs through one of its neighborhoods splits the city into two parts. The green line represents the Cyprus map of the UN-patrolled buffer zone.
The second-largest city is Limassol. It is located on the southern coast of Cyprus and has a population of about 154,000 people.
Paphos is located in the southwest corner of the island and was once the capital of Cyprus. It is also known for its archaeological sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During ancient times, two cities shared this same name.
Larnaka is on the east coast of Cyprus, and Famagusta is on the northeast corner of the island. It was once a popular tourist destination. Now Famagusta sits abandoned and in ruins since the Turkish army captured it.
Cyprus Administrative Division Map
The Administrative Divisions Map consists of the following Cyprus districts.
United Nations Buffer Zone
This region is in the middle of the island and includes the capital city, Nicosia. It has a population of about 200,000 people.
The Republic of Cyprus
This region sits on the south side of the island and has a population of about 1,132,000 people. One of the smaller regions, the United Kingdom Sovereign Base area, goes through part of it.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
This region is on the northern side of the island. It has about 300,000 inhabitants. As mentioned before, other countries don’t recognize this part.
United Kingdom Sovereign Base area
This region is located on the western side of the island and has a population of about 18,195. The inhabitants here consist of UK-based contractors and their families, native Cypriots, and other military service people.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
* The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey. All other nations, consider Northern Cyprus as part of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey. All other nations consider Northern Cyprus as part of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a self-proclaimed state that occupies the north-eastern third of the island of Cyprus. The area is about 36% of the island and has about 328,000 people.
The TRNC was declared an independent republic on November 15, 1983, after Cypriot Greeks voted against the Annan Plan for Cyprus, which would have created a united island.
The TRNC is recognized only by Turkey and has no diplomatic relations anywhere else.
The “government” of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has headquarters in the city Girne (known as Kyrenia in Greek).
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus flag shows a white backdrop with a red star and crescent on top.
Cyprus is known as the “Island of Love” because of its beautiful beaches that are near clear blue waters. People also call it “Europe’s Hidden Paradise” because it is a country where East meets West.
Cyprus’ economy revolves around agriculture, tourism, transportation, and energy. Cyprus has a warm climate with long, hot summers and short, mild winters.
The island consists of the following geographical features:
- Capital: Nicosia
- Municipalities: 5 municipalities
- Towns and villages: More than 500 towns
Tourism
The tourism industry is Cyprus’ number one foreign currency earner. More than 3 million tourists come to Cyprus each year for the sun, white sand beaches, and turquoise blue waters. People love the Mediterranean location, scenic landscapes, and fine wine.
Top attractions include the ancient ruins and sites of mythology history, such as Aphrodite’s Rock/Petra Tou Romiou. Cyprus is the 40th most popular destination in the world.
While Greek and Turkish may be the dominant languages among the local population, English is also a universal language due to international terrorism.
Tourism is so important, and this country once had a semi-governmental organization known as the Cyprus Tourism Organization. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism now deals controls this part of the economy.
Cyprus is an excellent place to visit for those who are interested in Greek culture and history. The country has gorgeous beaches, lovely weather, and plenty of tourist attractions.
Agriculture in Cyprus
The main agricultural products produced in Cyprus are:
- Citrus fruits
- Potatoes
- Barley
- Grapes
- Olives
The country is a major producer of potatoes for the European Union. Cyprus exports citrus fruits worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
It is a large producer of products in this region, surpassing countries in its vicinity.
Transportation in Cyprus
Cyprus has a well-developed transportation system that includes a national highway network, an international airport, and a seaport.
Although Cyprus once had a railway system, the Cyprus Railway System is no longer used. There are plans to rebuild it, however.
Cyprus also has its own International Airport – Larnaca International Airport. Larnaca Airport is the largest airport in Cyprus.
Energy in Cyprus
Cyprus has been a player in the energy market for many years. The country has both on and offshore natural gas reserves that are estimated to be as much as 122 trillion cubic meters.
The largest gas fields are located near the three most significant natural gas fields:
- Mari
- Alaminos
- Aphrodite
Cyprus also extracts petroleum from its offshore fields.
Geography of Cyprus
Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia and is strategically located on significant world shipping routes. This beautiful island is a popular stop for cruises.
Cyprus has a warm, sunny climate and over 300 days of sunshine every year. It is often windy and raining in the winter months, but these short spells rarely last longer than two or three days. Troodos mountains are the only area will you will see snow here. These mountains, the largest ones in Cyprus, are in the country’s center.
Cyprus Weather
The country has Mediterranean weather that includes hot, dry summers and rainy winters. You will see evergreen vegetation such as citrus trees and olive branches. Deer and wild boar used to roam around during ancient times. Today you will see a large subspecies of wild sheep known as the agrino.
Cyprus is a great place to be in spring and autumn for bird watchers. The island nation strategically sits along a popular migration route for birds.
Cyprus Language
Regarding language, you are most likely to hear people in Cyprus speaking Greek, since the majority of the people there are Greek. The other language is Turkish, the language of the minority people there.
A few people may also speak Arabic, and an even smaller amount use Armenian. The small minority of Arabic or Armenian speakers are usually bilingual, with the ability to speak Greek or Turkish.
Cyprus History
The historical map of Cyprus is an interesting one. The country has a unique position between Europe and Asia. Some people think it’s part of the European continent, for some it appears to be closer to the Asian continent.
Throughout the country’s history, the island nation has dealt with many invaders. The Greeks, the Persians, Arabs, and Turks have all claimed Cyprus. Today, Turkey occupies a region of the country that only Turkey recognizes.
Before the 1974 Invasion from Turkey, Cypress head gained independence from Great Britain in 1960. It became a British colony in 1925. After its independence, it took the name the Republic of Cyprus.