Cyprus
Cyprus is an island country located in the Eastern Mediterranean, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel, and north of Egypt. Here are some key points about Cyprus:
Geography
- Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia.
- Its landscape is varied, featuring beaches, rugged mountains, and fertile plains.
- The Troodos Mountains dominate the central part of the island, while the Kyrenia Range runs along the northern coast.
History
- The earliest known human activity on Cyprus dates back to around 10,000 BC with the establishment of the first permanent settlements.
- The island has been inhabited by various civilizations including the Mycenaean, Phoenician, Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman, and British Empires.
- In 1960, Cyprus gained independence from United Kingdom after the Cyprus Emergency, which was a guerrilla war fought by EOKA against British rule.
- Intercommunal violence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots led to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, resulting in the island's current division.
Political Status
Culture
- Cypriot culture is a blend of Greek, Turkish, and British influences, with a rich tradition in music, dance, and cuisine.
- The island has a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Paphos Archaeological Park, famous for its mosaics and ancient ruins.
- Religious sites like the Kykkos Monastery and Hala Sultan Tekke reflect its diverse religious heritage.
Economy
- Cyprus has a high-income economy with a significant service sector, particularly in finance and tourism.
- The discovery of natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean has the potential to transform the economy.
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