Category: Cyprus

Cyprus is situated in Eastern Mediterranean and it is a Eurasian island nation. The neighboring countries of Cyprus are Greece, Turkey, Syria and Egypt. Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and Cyprus is ranked third among the largest islands in Mediterranean Sea. In this island, earliest known settlement of human beings is from 10th millennium with several village communities dated back from 8200 BC. The Neolithic village in Khirokitia is well-preserved and it is an archaeological evidence of this period. This historical site is declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The island is the home of oldest wells of the world. This island was occupied by various powers such as Assyrians, Hittites, Egyptians, Rashiduns, Umayyads, Persians, Venetians, Ottomans and Lusignans.

Ottomans ruled the island for about three centuries and after the Russo-Turkish War, the island was leased to British Empire. British Empire took the control of its administration in the year 1878, but the territory remained under Ottoman rule until 1914. British Empire seized the island in 1914 and the independence of Cyprus from United Kingdom was declared in the year 1959. The country is now a republic in which the head of the state and head of the government is the president. Executive power is vested on the government and legislative power is under the control of both House of Representative and government. Judicial system is independent to both executive and legislative powers.

Cyprus has a prosperous economy and the economy of the island mainly depends on the agriculture and service sector. Major part of the economy is also contributed by tourism. The total population of the Cyprus is 1.1 million and the population is divided mainly into two ethnic groups such as Greek Cypriots as well as Turkish Cypriots. About 77.1% of the population consists of Greek Cypriots. Greek Cypriots are mainly following the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus and Turkish Cypriots are mainly the followers of Sunni Islam. The official languages of the country are Turkish and Greek. Other minority languages are Cypriot Maronite Arabic, Romani, and Armenian. German, French and English languages are also used by the people of Cyprus.

House of Dionysos, a Roman villa is a popular tourist spot built in 2nd century AD. Cyprus Museum displays various things of Neolithic period. Kolossi castle is a famous tourist spot built by Knights of St. John in 13th century during the period Crusades. Water World amusement park of Ayia Napa is a great attraction that consists of Trojan adventure, Kamikaze rides and Poseidon’s Wave Pool. Ancient Salamis is an archaeological site where you can find a gymnasium amphitheatre and baths of 11th century BCE.

Famagusta is a popular ghost town of Croatia and the town remains deserted followed by the bombings of Turkish air force which fascinates the tourists. Paphos is an ancient city that is listed as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Mount Olympus is a great spot to experience countryside and forest views beneath it. Kykkos monastery, a 12th century monastery with a great museum is also popular among the tourists. Other popular attractions of Cyprus are Aphrodite’s Rock, Yeroskipos, Citrus and Avocado Plantation in Phassouri and Pillar of St. Paul.