Country Information
Sovereign State | Yes |
Country Codes | CY, CYP, 196 |
Official Name | Republic of Cyprus |
Continent | Europe |
Capital | Nicosia |
Government Type | Presidential republic |
Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Calling Code | +357 |
Member Of | United Nations, European Union, Commonwealth of Nations |
Population | Approx. 1.2 million (as of 2023) |
Total Area | 9,251 square kilometers |
Highest Point | Mount Olympus (1,952 meters or 6,404 feet) |
Lowest Point | Mediterranean Sea (0 meters or 0 feet) |
GDP Per Capita | Approx. $28,000 (as of 2023) |
Life Expectancy | Approx. 80 years (as of 2023) |
Internet TLD | .cy |
Cyprus National Anthem
Ýmnos eis tīn Eleutherían (Hymn to Liberty)
I shall always recognize you
By the dreadful sword you hold,
As the Earth with searching vision
You survey with spirit bold.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Cyprus Flag
The flag of Cyprus was officially adopted on August 16, 1960, following the island’s independence from British rule. The design of the flag is symbolic and was chosen to represent peace and harmony between the Greek and Turkish communities on the island.
The flag features a map of the entire island of Cyprus in copper-orange, a color representing its large copper deposits, set against a white background, symbolizing peace. Above and below the map are olive branches in green, a symbol of peace, which were added to indicate the hope for reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus.
The design of the flag was the result of a competition. The winning design was created by İsmet Güney, a Turkish Cypriot art teacher. The flag was deliberately designed to be neutral, avoiding the use of Greek or Turkish national symbols or colors to promote peace and unity on the island.
Since its adoption, the Cyprus flag has been a symbol of the island’s independent and unified identity. It represents the nation’s commitment to peace between its diverse communities. The flag is used in government buildings, national events, and in international settings, symbolizing the spirit of cooperation and shared heritage of the Cypriot people. The design of the flag has remained consistent since its inception, representing the stability and continuity of the Republic of Cyprus as a nation, despite the ongoing political divisions on the island.