25 Interesting Facts About Cyprus

  1. Cyprus is called the “playground of the gods.” Aphrodite is said to have risen from the water near Paphos.
  2. Archaeological evidence seems to show that families first lived on Cyprus over 10,000 years ago.
  3. Cyprus was one the wealthiest country in the world. During the Copper and Bronze Ages, the island’s rich natural copper resources were sent to other nations.
  4. King Richard the Lionheart married Queen Joanna at Limassol Castle in May 1191.
  5. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cyprus.
  6. There are two British military zones in Cyprus and are a legacy of the British occupation of Cyprus when lasted until 1960.
  7. Cypriots celebrate Independence Day on October 1.
  8. Cyprus is just one of Europe’s most southerly ski resorts.
  9. Almost 400 species of bird can be seen on Cyprus.
  10. Cyprus is the easternmost island in the Mediterranean Sea.
  11. Largest City: Nicosia. Nicosia is also the capital and is the only capital in the world divied betweeen two countiries: North Cyprus and South Cyprus
  12. Population 1.1 million
    Official Language(s): Greek and Turkish
  13. Borders: none. Cyprus is an island nation
    Religion: Christianity and Islam
  14. Exports: 1.8 billion, citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, clothing
    Imports: 6.7 billion, consumer goods, petroleum, machinery transport equipment
  15. Over 370 bird species can be seen on Cyprus
    Byprus is home to 20 rare orchid species
    There are over 1900 flowering plant species on Cyprus. 140 of these aren’t found anywhere else.
  16. Almost 50 beaches on Cyprus have been given the EU Blue Flag award for safety and cleanliness.
  17. The highest peak is Mount Olympus, reaching over 6400 feet above sea level.
  18. Kolokasi, a type of sweet potato, is a specialty root vegetable grown on Cyprus.
  19. Reportedly the oldest wine in the world, Commandaria is a sweet red wine produced in Cyprus.
  1. A 31lb 4 oz Mirror Carp, caught in the Dhypotamos reservoir, is the largest freshwater fish caught in Cyprus.
  2. The most popular nightclub district in Europe, Ayia Napa, is in Eastern Cyprus.
  3. The telephone code for Cyprus is 357.
  4. Men’s life expectancy in Cyprus is 76. Women’s: 80.
  5. Cyprus’ crime rate is very low making the island nation one of the world’s safest places.
  6. The remains of an i-month old cat were discovered buried with its human owner in a grave estimated to be 9,500 years old. The discovery, in 2004, predates Egyptian civilization and pushes back the earliest known feline-human connection.