Maps of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is a Eurasian island nation in the East Mediterranean Sea. The country covers a total area of 3,571 square miles. It is home to an estimated population of 1,088,503 (2010). The per capita nominal GDP is $28,237. Greek and Turkish are the two official languages of the country. Greek Orthodoxy is the main religion.

The island of Cyprus was first colonized by Mycenean Greeks in the 2nd millennium BC. The country also witnessed extensive phases of Greek dominion under the Byzantines and the Ptolemies. Alexander of Macedon captured the island from the Persians in 333 BC. The Ottoman Empire took control of the island in 1571. Subsequently, Cyprus was ruled by the Ottoman monarchy for more than 300 years. The country was put under British control in 1878 until it achieved independence on August 16, 1960. It became a member of the Commonwealth in 1961.

Cyprus is home to a progressive and high-income economy. It has a very high Human Development Index. The economy is thriving and has branched out over the last few decades. As laid down by the most recent IMF figures, the per capita GDP (modified for purchasing power) of the country is $28,381, just more than the mean of the European Union’s. Major industries include tourism, food and beverage processing, ship repair and renovation, cement and gypsum production, textiles, light chemicals, and metal products. Cyprus exports citrus fruits, pharmaceuticals, potatoes, garments, cement, dairy, and textiles. It imports petroleum and lubricants, intermediate goods, consumer goods, transport machineries, automobiles, fuel, and cigarettes.