Cyprus

Cyprus is an island country in the eastern Mediterranean, located south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. Its capital and largest city is Nicosia, a divided metropolis since 1964. The island has a population of about 1.2 million, with the majority of residents of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot descent. Official languages are Greek and Turkish, though English is widely used in commerce and public life. Cyprus is a member of the European Union (since 2004) and uses the euro as its currency (since 2008). The country has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, and features the Troodos Mountains inland and a long coastline with resorts along the southern and eastern shores.

Cyprus has a long and complex history shaped by many civilizations, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Lusignan, and Ottoman rule. It became part of the British Empire in 1878 and gained independence in 1960. Following intercommunal conflict, Turkish forces occupied the northern part of the island in 1974, leading to a de facto partition. The northern region declares the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey; the southern part remains the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus. Peace negotiations have sought reunification, but a lasting settlement has not yet been achieved.

The Cypriot economy is service-oriented, with significant contributions from tourism, finance, and shipping. Offshore natural gas discoveries in its exclusive economic zone have attracted regional interest and potential future energy exports. Cyprus also preserves a rich cultural heritage, with UNESCO sites such as the Paphos Archaeological Park and the Painted Churches of the Troodos Region.

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