- Population:
- 1,358,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Cyprus has a history of being ruled by various empires, including the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. It gained independence in 1960 but has been politically divided since 1974 following a conflict between Greek and Turkish communities. The country has developed a strong economy based on tourism, financial services, and trade.
Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-largest and third-most populous island in the Mediterranean, located south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel and Palestine, north of Egypt, and southeast of Greece. Covering an area of approximately 9,251 square kilometers, Cyprus has a population of about 1.2 million people as of 2024. The capital and largest city is Nicosia. The official languages are Greek and Turkish. Cyprus operates as a presidential republic. The economy is classified as high-income, with key sectors including tourism, financial services, shipping, and real estate. Cyprus is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth of Nations. The island has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its archaeological sites, beaches, and mountainous landscapes.