Cyprus is an island country with rich history and culture. The country is full of interesting and exciting opportunities related to events, customs, places, and activities. With these interesting and amazing facts about Cyprus, let’s try to learn more about it!

1. Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

2. Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean.

3. Some of the world’s oldest water wells can be found in Cyprus.

4. 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.

5. Alexander the Great seized the island from the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians in 333 BC

6. Cyprus became independent from the British in 1960, on August 16th. However, they celebrate their independence day on the 1st of October every year.

7. 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.

8. 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.
Sunset at Petra tou Romiou, Cyprus
A beautiful sunset at Petra tou Romiou, Cyprus. Image credit – Evgeniy Isaev

9. 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.”

10. Cyprus is a major tourist destination in the Mediterranean.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 Green Line in Nicosia
Notice the gray dotted lines that cut through the capital city. The region between these lines is the Green Line. It is 180 km long and it spans an area of 346 square kilometers (134 sq. Mi), varying in width from less than 20 meters to more than 7 kilometers.



16. Depending on which part of the country a person lives, the residents are either known as “Greek Cypriots” or “Turkish Cypriots”.

17. With a very low crime rate, Cyprus is also among the safest places in the world.

18. Cyprus is also the first country to be governed by a Christian.

19. People of the island speak a mix of Greek, Turkish and English.

20. Cyprus is a multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious country.

21. The first Olympic medal won by Cyprus was at the London 2012 Olympics.

22. On an average, Cyprus receives 40 days of rainfall each year.

23. There is only one horserace track in the country, and it can be found in its capital city – Nicosia

24. 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

Beautiful island i must say!