160 Amazing Facts About Cyprus

160 Amazing Facts About Cyprus

Cyprus’s official name is the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus is home to 20 rare species of orchid.
As of 1 January 2016, the population of Cyprus was estimated to be 1,172,071 people.
It is located south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel and Palestine, north of Egypt and east of Greece.
The official languages of the Republic of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish.
The island is divided into two, and the Cypriot Turks live to the north, the Greek Cypriots to the south.
The mosaics of Nea Paphos are among the most beautiful in the world.
Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean, has rich, turbulent history stretching back to antiquity.
Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean.
People of the island speak a mix of Greek, Turkish and English.
Cyprus is a multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious country.
On May 01, 2004 the Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the EU.
Cyprus is also a member of the United Nations and its specialised agencies, the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and many other international organisations.
Cyprus is a major tourist destination in the Mediterranean.
Would you believe that a whole town in Cyprus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The name of this town is Paphos. There are a total of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, including the town of Paphos.
The world’s oldest wine label belongs to Cyprus. Yes, you heard it right! “Commandaria” is recognized as the world’s oldest named wine dating back 5000 years.
Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite’s Rock, is a sea stack in Paphos. It is located off the shore along the main road from Paphos to Limassol. The combination of the beauty of the area and its status in mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite makes it a popular tourist location.
More than 55 beaches on Cyprus have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness & safety.
Cyprus is one of only a few places in the world where Green Turtles & Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) nest.
After Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
The island of Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkish troops invaded to stop Greek military plans for enosis (union) with Greece.
Cyprus is as multi-religious as it is multi-lingual and multi-cultural. The majority of the island’s residents, 78%, belong to the Autocephalous Orthodox faith; 18% are Muslim; while the remaining 4% of worshipers are Maronite or Armenian Apostolic.
The national anthem of the country is known as the Hymn to Liberty, which is also the national anthem of Greece.
A rare variety of sheep–The Cyprus Mouflon–can only be seen in the country and nowhere else in the world. They are said to have originated from a wild Asian sheep brought by prehistoric Cypriots around 9000-8000BC.
With almost 80% of the population following the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox faith, Easter is the main holiday in Cyprus.
Mount Olympus is the highest peak in Cyprus at 6402 ft above sea level.
On an average, Cyprus receives 40 days of rainfall each year.
There is only one horserace track in the country, and it can be found in its capital city – Nicosia.
It is one of only four countries in the EU that drives on the left. The other three are the UK, the Republic of Ireland, and Malta. If you flash your light at somebody, it signifies that you are indicating them to stop quickly and let you pass.
Almost 20-30% of the population of the country smokes. To curb this unhealthy habit of its population, the country imposed a smoking ban. However, smoking is still allowed in various establishments throughout the country.
A hairdresser, beautician, nail artist or MegaBet gambling office is easily accessible in the country.
There is a tree in Cyprus known to fulfill wishes. This tree at the entrance to the Christian catacombs in Paphos is adorned with handkerchiefs and ribbons. People believe that infertile women will bear children and people will return to their loved ones when something that belonged to them is tied to the tree along with a belief that good will happen.
The capital city of Cyprus—Nicosia—is divided by “The Green Line.” This line is also known as the UN buffer zone. It is the only capital in the world that is divided between two nations.
With a very low crime rate, Cyprus is also among the safest places in the world.
Twenty rare species of Orchids and 371 species of migratory birds can be seen on the island.
Cyprus is one of just two nations and the first in the world to include its map on its flag. Wondering, which is the other nation? It’s Kosovo.
Several British military bases still exist on the island, as the country was once governed by the British.
Out of the total 1950 species of flowering plants worldwide, 140 are found nowhere but in Cyprus.
The first country to ever be governed by a Christian Archbishop was Cyprus. The name of the Archbishop was Makarios III.
The largest bank in Cyprus is owned by the Cypriot Orthodox Church.
The capital city of Cyprus is Nicosia and is the only capital city to be divided between two nations. The divide is referred to as The Green Line or the UN Buffer Zone.
The remains of the oldest known pet cat was found buried with its master in Cyprus. These remains date back nine thousand five hundred (9,500) years.
There are more cats than humans in Cyprus. There is a legend that says this is because an entire shipload of cars was set to Cyprus to get rid of their poisonous snake infestation.
There is a large tree located at the entrance of the Christian catacombs that can supposedly grant wishes.
There is a species of sheep that is only found in Cyprus. This sheep is called the Cyprus Mouflon.
The capital city of Cyprus—Nicosia—is divided by “The Green Line.” This line is also known as the UN buffer zone. It is the only capital in the world that is divided between two nations – the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The historic city lined with beautiful landmarks has a border zone at the point of division. The wall is a symbol of crises that separates the two nations.
Depending on which part of the country a person lives, the residents are either known as “Greek Cypriots” or “Turkish Cypriots”.
With a very low crime rate, Cyprus is also among the safest places in the world.
Cyprus is also the first country to be governed by a Christian.
People of the island speak a mix of Greek, Turkish and English.
Cyprus is a multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious country.
The first Olympic medal won by Cyprus was at the London 2012 Olympics.
Twenty rare species of Orchids and 371 species of migratory birds can be seen on the island.
Any history buff should know the road to the Tombs of the Kings. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located outside the city of Paphos. Even though no king has ever been buried here, there is so much to learn about high officials who reigned during the 4th Century or the Bronze Age.
One of the fantastic specialties Protaras offers is the halloumi or the wonder cheese which is widely regarded as a traditional Cypriot dish. Halloumi is a real deal with a mixture of Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. It is usually served fried, grilled, or cold. It hardly melts and a vegetarian option is available as well.
Lefkara village is reputed for its lace. In 1481, Leonardo Da Vinci, a veteran painter from Italy, visited the place to buy lace and since then the place entered the List of Intangible Culture Heritage by UNESCO.
Once covered by thick forest, Ayia Napa means wooded valley in ancient Greek. Today, it is a tourist spot that attracts many with white pristine beaches and buzzing nightlife.
During the spring season, fans of wildflowers head to northern Cyprus. At the Akamas Peninsula National Park, around the wooded and hillside areas, the rare species of orchids abound.
In Cyprus, there are some cafes that are only for men.
Cypriots are big-time foodies. The typical Cyprus citizen likes to dine at their favorite restaurant once per week.
The shape of Cyprus is like that of a Cigar pipe. Have a close look at the map of Cyprus below.
Cyprus is a major tourist destination in the Mediterranean.
The world’s oldest wine label belongs to Cyprus. Yes, you heard it right! “Commandaria” is recognized as the world’s oldest named wine dating back 5000 years.
Cyprus is the only foreign venue at which an English Royal Wedding has been hosted. The wedding happened between King Richard and Queen Joanna on May 12, 1191.
The Painted Churches in the Troödos Region are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Troödos Mountains of central Cyprus. The site comprises ten Byzantine churches and monasteries all richly decorated with Byzantine and post-Byzantine murals.
Kykkos Monastery is one of the wealthiest and best-known monasteries in Cyprus.It was founded around the end of the 11th century by the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081–1118). The monastery lies at an altitude of 1318 meters on the north west face of Troödos Mountains.
Olympus, or Chionistra, at 1,952 meters (6,404 feet), is the highest point in Cyprus.
Cyprus has a coastline length of 648 kilometers (402.6 miles).Cyprus’s coastline is rocky and heavily indented, with a number of bays and capes.
Fig Tree Bay is a sandy beach in the resort of Protaras, Cyprus. In 2011, TripAdvisor declared it to be the third best beach in Europe, but it dropped to 9th place in 2015.
The Zenobi (The Zenobia Shipwreck), a ro-ro ferry that sunk in 1980, is one of the top dive attractions in the world today. On the decks, vending machines and carpets dominate. It is also home to tuna and barracuda.
The remains of the oldest known pet cat were found in Cyprus, buried with its master. Archeologists found the remains to be dating back about 9,500 years.
The blissful Church of Agios Kyprianos is believed to be a place where bad spirits are removed. Nestled at the center of Meniko, it has an impressive bell tower featuring ogive arches. But a number of renovations have been done to improve the original layout.
The Limassol Carnival is the liveliest event that happens from around mid-February through the first week of March in Limassol. It entails a series of festivities to celebrate food, wine, cultural dances, and drama. It is hailed as a cure for the cold climate for many visitors arriving from all corners of the world. Visitors claim that the event has a way of making them forget troubles and laugh with their hearts.
Nissi beach, is a well-known sandy beach in the resort of Ayia Napa, Cyprus.The sandy beach stretches for 500 meters (1640 feet) and the waters are clean enough for the beach to have been awarded blue flag designation. Nissi beach has become a popular destination for clubbers following live programs transmitted through BBC’s Radio 1 Roadshow during the summer tourist season since 2002.
Cyprus has the largest number of sunny days in the Mediterranean. It receives up to 13 hours of sun a day during the summer.
Cyprus was once the wealthiest nation in the known world. It was during the Copper and Bronze Ages when the island’s rich natural copper resources were exported to other countries.
It has the world’s oldest wine label – the Cypriot dessert wine commandaria is recognized as the world’s oldest named wine.Knight crusaders are thought to have named it in the 13th century, but it may have been made for 5,000 years.
Archaeological evidence suggests that people first lived on the island of Cyprus 10,000 years ago.
In 2004, archaeologists found the remains of a person buried with a cat on Cyprus. Dating back about 9,500 years, this is the oldest known pet cat.
Traffic in Cyprus drives on the left-side of the road and the power plugs used are English style.
While most island areas are big fishermen, Cyprus is the complete opposite. Locals are famously not interested in fishing.
The title of the third (3rd) largest and most populated island in the Mediterranean goes to Cyprus.
Cyprus is home to some of the world’s oldest water wells.
There is a legend that claims that the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was born in Cyprus.
Each year, Cyprus receives an average of forty (40) days of rainfall total and more than three hundred (300) days of sunshine. Cyprus is famous for its sunshine.
The only foreign venue in which a royal wedding has been hosted is the country of Cyprus. This wedding took place in the year 1191.
There are only four (4) countries in which you must drive on the left side of the road, Cyprus is one of these countries.
Cyprus won its first Olympic medal at the 2012 Olympics in London. The medal was won by Pavlos Kontides.
Cyprus is home to an abundance of of flowering plants. One thousand nine hundred and fifty (1,950) species to be exact. Twenty (20) of those species are rare orchids. Another one hundred and forty (140) species cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Cyprus is home to the world’s oldest wine brand. It dates back at least five thousand (5,000) years and has a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Cyprus is the only foreign venue at which an English Royal Wedding has been hosted. The wedding happened between King Richard and Queen Joanna on May 12, 1191.
Cyprus officially named the Republic of Cyprus, is located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
On August 16th in 1960, Cyprus gained its independence from the British. However, they do not hold their independence day as August 16th. Instead, they celebrate on October 1st every year.
The country of Cyprus is divided into two separate parts, the North and the South. The southern part is called the Independent Republic of Cyprus or Greek Cyprus. The northern area is called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Cyprus is 240 kilometers (149 miles) long from end to end and 100 kilometers (62 miles) wide at its widest point.
Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia is the capital city of the island country of Cyprus. It is also the largest city of that country.
Nicosia is the only divided capital city in the world. It has a northern (Turkish) section and a southern (Greek) section.
A rare variety of sheep–The Cyprus Muffon (Agrino) – can only be seen in the country and nowhere else in the world.
Mount Olympus is the highest peak in Cyprus at 1952 metres (6,404 ft) above sea level.
On an average, Cyprus receives 40 days of rainfall each year.
There is only one horserace track in the country, and it can be found in its capital city – Nicosia.
Some of the world’s oldest water wells can be found in Cyprus. The stone-age wells that were discovered in Kissonerga, Paphos have been studied and it is purported that they have been around for about 10,500 years. They represent the sophistication of Neolithic period setlers.
The largest bank in Cyprus is owned by the Cypriot Orthodox Church. The church also plays a significant role in the social and political life of the island’s people.
Alexander the Great seized the island from the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians in 333 BC.
Cyprus became independent from the British in 1960, on August 16th. However, they celebrate their independence day on the 1st of October every year.
Legend has it that the Greek goddess of love–Aphrodite–was born in Cyprus. The country is also known as the playground of the Gods. Aphrodite is said to have emerged from a rock at Latchi (now called Aphrodite’s beach) in Poli Crysochous. As the ocean waves crush over this rock, they form pillars of foam that resemble the goddess of love.
The island nation had seen its golden era during the Copper and Bronze Ages. At that time, the country was among the wealthiest of nations.
The island country is divided into two parts. The North and the South. The northern part is called the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” while the southern part is called the “Independent Republic of Cyprus” or the “Greek Cyprus.”
As per topcyprustaxi.eu, taxi drivers in Cyprus do not give change. They keep the change as a tip. A quick tip to save money in Cyprus is to tender exact change to the taxi driver.
Oddly, Cypriots do not like fishing and they do not fish, despite being an island nation.
There is a tree in Cyprus known to fulfill wishes. This tree at the entrance to the Christian catacombs in Paphos is adorned with handkerchiefs and ribbons. People believe that infertile women will bear children and people will return to their loved ones when something that belonged to them is tied to the tree along with a belief that good will happen.
Would you believe that a whole town in Cyprus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The name of this town is Paphos. There are a total of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, including the town of Paphos.
Cyprus is one of just two nations and the first in the world to include its map on its flag. Wondering, which is the other nation? It’s Kosovo.
The Syrtos is the most popular folk dance in Cyprus.
Several British military bases still exist on the island, as the country was once governed by the British.
Out of the total 1950 species of flowering plants worldwide, 140 are found nowhere but in Cyprus.
Cyprus is known for its sunshine! It receives sunshine for more than 300 days during a year, which is nearly double the amount received in Britain.
Paphos is home to various rare species including the Careta Careta turtle that swims in the sea. Seasonally, it crosses the Mediterranean and comes offshore around August to lay eggs. These turtles are well-guarded in nesting areas and can lay about 80 eggs.
Fig Tree Bay, which is located in Paralimni town, Ammochostos, is one of the best Blue Flag beaches in Europe. Its glistering waters and fine golden sands have been declared the cleanest in entire Europe.
The largest bank in Cyprus is owned by the Cypriot Orthodox Church. The church also plays a significant role in the social and political life of the island’s people.
Alexander the Great seized the island from the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians in 333 BC.
Cyprus became independent from the British in 1960, on August 16th. However, they celebrate their independence day, on the 1st of October every year.
Legend has it that the Greek goddess of love–Aphrodite–was born in Cyprus. The country is also known as the playground of the Gods.
The island nation had seen its golden era during the Copper and Bronze Ages. At that time, the country was among the wealthiest of nations.
The island country is divided into two parts. 36,2% of the sovereign territory of Cyprus is still under illegal military occupation by Turkey.
Depending on which part of the country a person lives, the residents are either known as “Greek Cypriots” or “Turkish Cypriots”.

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