Cyprus — Capital, Flag and Country Facts

Explore Cyprus: capital Nicosia, population, flag, geography, languages, history and culture.

Cyprus is in Europe. Its capital is Nicosia.

Population

1,260,000

Area

9,251 km²

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Languages

Greek, Turkish

Climate

Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters; mild overall

Terrain

Central plain with mountain ranges in the north and south; rugged coastline

Facts

Cyprus is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

Nicosia is the last divided capital in the world, split between Greek and Turkish sectors.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia.

History

1200 BC: Mycenaean Greek colonization of Cyprus begins

1191: Richard the Lionheart conquers Cyprus during the Third Crusade

1571: Ottoman Empire conquers Cyprus from Venice

1960: Cyprus gains independence from British colonial rule

1974: Turkish invasion divides the island into Greek and Turkish sectors

2004: Republic of Cyprus joins the European Union

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