CYPRUS

Physical Geography

Cyprus is a little island in the Mediterranean between Turkey and Egypt, to the east of Greece. It is the third biggest island of the Mediterranean: 9 km². There are mountains: the Troodos Mountains and the Kyrenia Range. In the middle of the island are the large Mesaoria plains. The weather is always warm and sunny: about 33°C in summer and 15°C during the coldest winters.

An iconic place

The white sandy beaches, such as Nicci Beach or Cape Greco, are famous. The island of Cyprus is one of the most visited islands in Europe, because of the weather and beautiful landscapes. It is as sunny as Greece and Malta but more quiet. 

An iconic object

The Venetian walls of Nicosia were built in 1567 to stop the Italian soldiers who were about to invade the island.

What has Cyprus done for the rest of the world?

Many culinary dishes such as haloumi, mezze or moussaka, are originally from the Mediterranean islands, including Cyprus.

Historical figure

Evagoras was the King of Salamis (411–374 BC) in Cyprus. According to Isocrate's panegyric, Evagoras was a model ruler whose aim was to promote the welfare of his subjects through Greek civilization.

Important living person

Mélanie Georgiades, aka Diam's, is an ex-singer/rapper. She was born on the 25^th of July 1980 in Nicosia. She retired from the music business in 2012. She is famous for songs like Confessions Nocturnes (2006). She had most success in France.

History before 2000

At the very beginning, Cyprus was an island famous for its metal production, spices and plantations. The name of the island even comes from the greek « Kupros » ("Κύπρος"), which means copper. The island has been under guardianship of a number of empires: the British, Ottoman, Byzantine and Greek empires. The republic got its independence on the 16^th of August 1960. Between 1965 and 1983, the people from the west side of the island (pro-Greece) and theose from the east side of the island (pro-Turkey) started to fight each other. The “green line” (or United Nations Buffer Zone) split the island in two: the Republic of Cyprus (which is the only internationally recognized authority of the island) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The UN disapproved of this civil war and imposed a cease-fire around this zone.

History after 2000

In 2003, Cyprus thought about entering the EU, and there were the first peace talks between the west and east sides of the island. Openings in the green line were created, and the inhabitants were allowed through more freely. In 2004, Cyprus joined the EU. Today’s austerity policy was imposed by the EU in 2013 to deal with the consequences of the 2008 economic crisis.

Human geography

There are about one million inhabitants (75% in the western part and 25%  in the eastern part). The density is 89 inhabitants/km² (2009). Life expectancy is 78 years. The infant mortality is still 6,66 ‰. The most obvious disparities are regarding wealth: the west is four times richer than the east side because of tourism.

Language and culture

The official languages of the island are Cypriot Turkish and Cypriot Greek. But English is also widely spoken. Cypriots are mostly orthodox Christians (78%) and the occupied side of the island is Muslim (18% of the population). Cyprus has four days of public holidays; the other holidays are local or religious.

Politics, economy, place in EU

Cyprus is a presidential republic, with Nicos Anastasiades at its head. The legislative power is held by the House of Representatives (59 members). Since 1964, Turkish Cypriots have refused to take their seats at the Parliament, so they remain vacant. Cyprus is one of the richest countries of the ten who joined the EU in 2004. The unemployment rate has increased over the last 10 years (and is today at 16,3%). In 2013, the island asked for €17 billion from the EU to help them. Cyprus is a tax haven, apparently mostly for Russians.

Youth

20% of the population is under 15. As regards excellence of education, Cyprus is in third position, behind Denmark and Sweden. Cypriot students mostly study abroad.

Article by Aurore BOURGOIS