Country Profiles: Cyprus

Official name: Republic of Cyprus

Official language: Greek and Turkish

Land area: 3,572 sq mi/9,251 sq km

Population: 812,000

Dominant religion: Christianity

Capital: Nicosia

Current leader: President Demetris Christofias

Cyprus is an island country in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea. It lies about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Turkey, 60 miles (95 kilometers) west of Syria and 470 miles (760 kilometers) southeast of Greece.

 The country is divided into two: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The predominantly Greek Republic of Cyprus, which lies in the south, is internationally recognized as the legitimate government of the entire island while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey. Nicosia, which is divided, is the capital city of both entities.

 Most adult Cypriots can read and write. Elementary and secondary education is free.

 The economies of both sections of the country depend heavily on agriculture, light manufacturing, services and tourism. Major crops include many different kinds of fruit and the factories produce items such as beverages, cigarettes, shoes and textile. Tourists come for the mountain resorts, beaches and archaeological sites. The southern Republic of Cyprus has a much higher standard of living and stronger economy. Most foreign investors tend to be less interested in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus since it is not internationally recognized.

 Cyprus has experienced rule under the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Macedonians and Romans. In 1191, England seized it from the Byzantine Empire. It fell under control of Venice in 1489 and then the Ottoman Empire in 1571. The United Kingdom annexed it in 1914, at the start of World War I.

 Cyprus finally gained independence in 1960 but later during the decade Turkish Cypriots began demanding greater participation in the government, often through acts of violence. In 1975 the north declared itself an autonomous region and called itself the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus. In 1983 it declared independence and was renamed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

 Consistent attempts at reunification have failed.