54 Facts About Cyprus

Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. 

Cyprus has an area of 9,251 square km. 

Nicosia is capital and largest city of Cyprus. 

Greek and Turkish are official languages in Cyprus. 

Cyprus's official currency is Euro (EUR). 

Cyprus has no land bordering countries. 

Cypriots are the natives or inhabitants of this region.

Cyprus is the Mediterranean's third largest and third most populous island.

Cyprus is home to some of the world's oldest water wells. The stone-age wells discovered in Kissonerga, Paphos, have been studied and are thought to have been there for about 10,500 years.

The Cypriot Orthodox Church owns Cyprus's largest bank. The church is also an important part of the island's social and political life.

In 333 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the island from the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians.

On August 16, 1960, Cyprus declared independence from the British. They do, however, celebrate their independence day every year on October 1st.

According to legend, the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born in Cyprus. The country is also known as the Gods' Playground.

During the Copper and Bronze Ages, the island nation was at its peak. The country was among the wealthiest in the world at the time.

The island nation is divided into two sections. The northern and southern hemispheres. The north is known as the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," while the south is known as the "Independent Republic of Cyprus" or "Greek Cyprus."

Taxi drivers in Cyprus, according to topcyprustaxi.eu, do not give change. The change is kept as a tip.

Despite being an island nation, Cypriots dislike fishing and do not fish.

There are some cafes in Cyprus that are only for men.

Cypriots are serious foodies. Once a week, the average Cypriot will dine at their favourite restaurant.

Cyprus has the appearance of a cigar pipe.

Cyprus is a popular Mediterranean tourist destination.

Cyprus is home to the world's oldest wine label. Yes, you read that correctly! "Commandaria" is the world's oldest named wine, dating back over 5000 years.

Cyprus is the only foreign country to have hosted an English Royal Wedding. The wedding of King Richard and Queen Joanna took place on May 12, 1191.

In Cyprus, there is a tree that is said to grant wishes. Handkerchiefs and ribbons adorn this tree at the entrance to Paphos' Christian catacombs.

"The Green Line" divides Cyprus's capital city, Nicosia. This line is also referred to as the UN buffer zone. It is the world's only capital divided between two nations: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Residents are referred to as "Greek Cypriots" or "Turkish Cypriots" depending on where they live in the country.

Cyprus is also one of the safest places in the world, with a very low crime rate.

Cyprus is also the first Christian-governed country.

The islanders speak a mix of Greek, Turkish, and English.

Cyprus is a multilingual, multicultural, and religiously diverse country.

Cyprus won its first Olympic medal at the London 2012 Games.

The island is home to twenty rare orchid species and 371 migratory bird species.

Cyprus is one of only two countries, and the first in the world, to have its map on its flag.

The Syrtos is Cyprus's most popular folk dance.

As the country was once governed by the British, several British military bases remain on the island.

140 of the total 1950 flowering plant species found worldwide are found only in Cyprus.

The Cyprus Mouflon, a rare breed of sheep, can only be found in Cyprus and nowhere else in the world. They are thought to have descended from a wild Asian sheep brought by prehistoric Cypriots between 9000 and 8000 BC.

Easter is the most important holiday in Cyprus, with nearly 80% of the population practising the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox faith.

Mount Olympus is Cyprus's highest point, rising 6402 feet above sea level.

Cyprus receives 40 days of rain per year on average.

The country has only one horserace track, which is located in Nicosia, the capital city.

Approximately 20-30% of the country's population smokes.

In the country, you can easily find a hairdresser, beautician, nail artist, or MegaBet gambling office.

Cyprus is famous for its sun! It receives more than 300 days of sunshine per year, which is nearly double the amount received in the United Kingdom.

Paphos is home to a number of endangered species, including the sea turtle Careta Careta.

The Zenobi (The Zenobia Shipwreck), a ro-ro ferry that sank in 1980, is one of the world's top dive sites today.

The remains of the oldest known pet cat were discovered in Cyprus and buried alongside its master. Archaeologists discovered the remains, which date back approximately 9,500 years.

The serene Church of Agios Kyprianos is thought to be a place where evil spirits are expelled. It is located in the heart of Meniko and features an impressive bell tower with ogive arches.

One of the fantastic specialties on offer in Protaras is halloumi, also known as the "wonder cheese," which is widely regarded as a traditional Cypriot dish. Halloumi is authentically Mediterranean and Middle Eastern in flavour. It is typically fried, grilled, or served cold. It hardly melts, and a vegetarian option is also available.

The village of Lefkara is well-known for its lace. Leonardo Da Vinci, an Italian painter, visited the site in 1481 to buy lace, and the site has since been added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Ayia Napa, which was once densely forested, means "wooded valley" in ancient Greek. Today, it is a popular tourist destination due to its white pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Fans of wildflowers flock to northern Cyprus during the spring season. Rare orchid species abound in the Akamas Peninsula National Park's wooded and hillside areas.

The Limassol Carnival is the liveliest event that takes place in Limassol from around mid-February to the first week of March. Visitors claim that the event makes them forget their problems and laugh with their hearts.

Fig Tree Bay, located in Paralimni, Ammochostos, is one of Europe's best Blue Flag beaches. Its sparkling waters and fine golden sands have been designated as the cleanest in Europe.