Cyprus: A Detailed Overview of Geography, History, and Demographics
Geography
Cyprus is an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, with a total area of 9,250 square kilometers. The island has a diverse landscape, with mountains, plains, and forests. The Troodos Mountains dominate the western half of the island, while the Pentadaktylos Mountains are located in the north. The Central Plain separates the two mountain ranges.
Cyprus is home to several major cities, including Nicosia, the capital, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The island is also home to two British Sovereign Base Areas, Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
History
Cyprus has a long and rich history, dating back to the Neolithic period. The island has been ruled by a succession of different empires, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans. Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960.
In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus in response to a coup d'état by Greek Cypriots. The invasion resulted in the division of the island into two parts: the Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot-controlled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Demographics
Cyprus has a population of approximately 1.2 million people. The majority of the population is Greek Cypriot, with a minority of Turkish Cypriots. There are also small communities of Armenians, Maronites, and Latins.
The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. English is also widely spoken.
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