Cyprus
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Name: The Republic of Cyprus Introduction: Greeks lived in Cyprus since1200 BC and from 1571 to 1878 it was part of the Ottoman Empire and it then came under British rule. From 1955 Greek Cypriots campaigned for Union with Greece, but Turkish Cypriots opposed it. In 1960 Cyprus became independent, but clashes between Turks and Greece persisted. In 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus and in 1975 Turkish Cypriot Federated state covering 40% of island was proclaimed. Location: Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is an Eurasian island country and is a great tourist resort. It is the third largest island in Mediterranean Sea. Border: This Island is, 97 km west of Syria. Turkey is 75 km north of Cyprus, Lebanon is to the east, and Israel lies to southeast, Egypt to north and Greece to northwest. Terrain: A broad central plain between two mountain ranges dominates Cyprus. One mountain range is in north and other in the south. Two coastal plains border the ranges. Climate: Temperate Mediterranean with hot dry summers and cool moist winters. It is said that it has 300 sunny days each year perfect for summer holidays. Ethnic: 80% people are of Greek Origin rest of Turkish. Greeks are Christians and Turks are Muslims. Religion: Orthodox Greek – 78% belong to Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Muslims (mostly Sunni) – 18% and Protestant, Catholic, Maromite, Armenian communities in Cyprus – 4%. Area: 9,251 sq km Coastline: 648 km Capital: Nicosia Currency: Cyprus Pound (CYP) Nationality: Cypriot Population: 784,301 (2006 est) Life Expectancy: 75.98 years (2007 est) Language: Greek is dominant in South, while Turkish is spoken in North and English is also widely understood. Literacy: Total population – 97.6%, male – 98.9% and female – 96.3%. Internet TLD: .cy Calling Code: +357 Constitution: 16 August 1960 Government: Republic Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive Branch: President is the head of the Government, and he exercises the executive power through a Council of Ministers appointed by him. Legislative Branch: House of Representatives consisting of 80 members. Legal System: It is based on common law, with civil law modifications; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Judicial Branch: Supreme Court, judges are appointed by President and Vice president. Military Branch: Republic of Cyprus. Greek Cypriot National Guard (GNG) includes air and navel elements. North Cyprus, Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK). National Flag: White with a copper coloured silhouette of the island, above two green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag. The branches symbolize the hope for peace between Greek and Turkish Communities. National Holiday: Independence Day – 1 October 1960 National Anthem: Imnos is tin Eleftherian (Hymn to Freedom) Coat of Arm: Cyprus depicts a dove carrying an olive branch. Economy: The Republic of Cyprus is a developed country and has been a member of European Union since May 1 2004. Agriculture is done on the half of the land. Cyprus has a prosperous economy, due to its highly developed infrastructure. The principal cash crops are grapes, potatoes and citrus fruits, wine are also exported. Recently oil has been discovered in the sea south of Cyprus between Cyprus and Egypt and talks are underway on the exploitation of the resources. Cyprus government also intends to adopt the Euro Currency (recently adopted by all countries belonging to the European Union) on Jan 1 2008. GDP: Total - $23.74 billion GDP: Per Capita: 31.053 GDP Growth Rate: 3.7% Exports: Citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, clothing and cigarettes. In areas administrated by Turkish Cypriots; citrus, dairy, potatoes, textiles Potatoes, citrus, grapes, wine, cement, clothing and shoes. Imports: Consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, intermediate goods, machinery, transport equipment; vehicles, fuel, cigarettes, food, minerals, chemicals, machinery. |