At a Glance

Official Name: Republic of Cyprus

Continent: Europe

Area: 3,571 square miles (9,250 sq km)

Population: 762,887

Capital City: Nicosia

Largest City: Nicosia (149,100)

Unit of Money: Cypriot pound

Major Languages: Greek (official), Turkish, English

Literacy: 94%

Land Use: 12% arable land, 5% crops, 13% forest, 70% other

Natural Resources: Copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber

Government: Republic

Defense: 411 million

The Place

Cyprus lies off the southern coast of Turkey, and is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is 140 miles (220 km) long and reaches about 60 miles (90 km) at its widest point.

The interior of Cyprus consists of flat plains and is called Mesaoria. It is bordered to the north by Kyrenia Range. These mountains follow the entire northern coastline and have a top elevation of 3,343 feet (1,019 m). In northeastern Cyprus, the island narrows to form the Karpas Peninsula. In the southern part of the country, the Troodos Mountains dominate the landscape. Mount Olympus is in this range and reaches the country's top elevation of 6,401 feet (1,951 m).

Cyprus experiences hot, dry summers, as well as a cool and rainy season from October to March. The island's average temperature is 70° F (21° C). The annual rainfall rarely exceeds 20 inches (50 cm).

The People

Although both Greeks and Turks live in Cyprus, they mostly remain separate. Greeks account for more than three-quarters of the population and inhabit the southern two-thirds of the island. They are Christians. Turkish Cypriots make up about 20% of the population and live in the northern third of Cyprus. They are Muslims. Life expectancy is 77 years.

About 53% of Cypriots live in urban areas. Cities have modern homes and apartment buildings made from concrete or stone. Services and industry employ about 85% of the workforce. In rural areas, Cypriots work mainly as farmers. They usually live in mud-brick houses.

The Greek and Turkish communities have different school systems. The Greek system is run by the Ministry of Education and children ages 5 to 15 are required to attend classes. Turkish education is run by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.