Cyprus

Cyprus is an island country in Asia with its capital in Nicosia and about 1.4 million people. Cyprus is divided through its capital, Nicosia: since 1974, most Greek and Turkish Cypriots have lived on opposite sides of a UN buffer zone.

Cyprus in purple, with Nicosia marked. Outline from the same detailed coastlines the games use.

Capital: Nicosia
Continent: Asia
Population (2025): 1.4 million
Land area: 9,240 km² (3,568 sq mi)
Island country: Yes, shares an island

Find it among 48 Asia countries →Explore Cyprus on the map Name difficult islands

The story of Cyprus

Where the name comes from

Cyprus comes from Greek Kypros, of uncertain origin; Latin aes Cyprium, “Cypriot metal”, gave copper its name because the island supplied it.

First people

People reached Cyprus about 10,000 years ago, and the island became famous in the ancient world for its copper.¹

Known for

Cyprus is divided through its capital, Nicosia: since 1974, most Greek and Turkish Cypriots have lived on opposite sides of a UN buffer zone.²

Outside contact

The Ottomans conquered the island in 1571, and Britain took over in 1878 and annexed it in 1914.³

The modern country

Independence came in 1960.³

Nearby countries

Quiz yourself on Asia

Can you place Cyprus and its neighbours on a blank map?

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