100 questions and answers about Cyprus

Questions and Answers
  1. What is the capital of Cyprus?
    Nicosia (Lefkosia), the world’s only remaining divided capital city.
  2. Which sea surrounds Cyprus?
    The Mediterranean Sea.
  3. What is the official name of the internationally recognized state?
    Republic of Cyprus.
  4. How large is Cyprus?
    About 9,251 square kilometres — the third-largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily and Sardinia).
  5. What is the highest point in Cyprus?
    Mount Olympus (Troodos Mountains) at 1,952 metres.
  6. What are the two main mountain ranges?
    Troodos Mountains (central-south) and Kyrenia (Pentadaktylos) Mountains (north).
  7. What is the central plain called?
    Mesaoria.
  8. When did Cyprus gain independence from Britain?
    16 August 1960 (Independence Day is celebrated on 1 October).
  9. Which country invaded the north of Cyprus in 1974?
    Turkey.
  10. What is the UN-monitored buffer zone that divides the island called?
    The Green Line.
  11. Which goddess of love and beauty is said to have been born in Cyprus?
    Aphrodite (near Petra tou Romiou / Aphrodite’s Rock, Paphos).
  12. What does the name “Cyprus” (Kypros) likely derive from?
    The ancient word for copper — the island was a major source of the metal.
  13. What is unique about the flag of the Republic of Cyprus?
    It is one of only two national flags that feature a map of the country itself (the other is Kosovo). The copper-coloured map and olive branches symbolise the island’s resources and peace.
  14. Who was married in Limassol Castle in 1191?
    King Richard the Lionheart of England and Berengaria of Navarre — the only English royal wedding held outside Britain or France.
  15. To whom was Cyprus once given as a gift in antiquity?
    Cleopatra (by Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony).
  16. What is Commandaria?
    A sweet dessert wine from Cyprus, often called the world’s oldest named wine still in production (with roots going back thousands of years).
  17. What is halloumi?
    The famous semi-hard, grillable cheese that originates from Cyprus and has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
  18. What strong local spirit is sometimes nicknamed “grandpa’s medicine”?
    Zivania (a clear grape pomace brandy).
  19. What is the traditional Cypriot Easter cheese pie?
    Flaouna.
  20. What is souvla?
    Large chunks of meat (usually pork or lamb) slow-roasted on a long skewer over charcoal — a classic Cypriot barbecue dish.
  21. What is sheftalia?
    A traditional Cypriot sausage made of minced pork or lamb mixed with herbs and wrapped in caul fat.
  22. Which village is world-famous for its intricate lace (lefkaritika)?
    Lefkara (its lace-making tradition is UNESCO-recognised).
  23. How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Cyprus have?
    Three: Paphos (archaeological sites), the Painted Churches of the Troodos Region, and Choirokoitia (Neolithic settlement).
  24. What is special about the entire town of Paphos?
    It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extraordinary concentration of ancient remains.
  25. Where can you find some of the finest ancient mosaics in the Mediterranean?
    The House of Dionysos and other villas in Kato Paphos.
  26. What ancient theatre near Limassol is still used for performances?
    The Roman theatre at Kourion.
  27. What is the national animal of Cyprus?
    The Cyprus mouflon (a wild sheep unique to the island).
  28. Cyprus is sometimes called the “island of cats.” Why?
    Estimates suggest there are more cats (around 1–1.5 million) than people.
  29. Where was the oldest known evidence of a domesticated cat found?
    In Cyprus — a cat skeleton buried next to a human about 9,500 years ago.
  30. What rare wild sheep can be seen only in Cyprus?
    The Cyprus mouflon.
  31. How many endemic flowering plant species does Cyprus have?
    Around 140 species found nowhere else in the world.
  32. What birds famously visit the salt lakes in winter?
    Greater flamingos (especially at Larnaca and Akrotiri salt lakes).
  33. How many sunny days does Cyprus typically enjoy per year?
    Around 300–340 days.
  34. Can you ski and swim on the same day in Cyprus?
    Yes — ski on Mount Olympus in winter and drive down to the coast for a swim.
  35. What is the driving side in Cyprus?
    Left-hand traffic (a legacy of British rule).
  36. What currency is used in the Republic of Cyprus?
    The euro (since 2008).
  37. When did Cyprus join the European Union?
    1 May 2004.
  38. What are the official languages of the Republic of Cyprus?
    Greek and Turkish (English is widely spoken).
  39. What is the internet country code for Cyprus?
    .cy
  40. What is the international dialling code?
    +357
  41. What colour is the Cypriot passport?
    Burgundy (standard EU colour).
  42. What is the approximate population of the whole island?
    Around 1.3–1.5 million (estimates vary depending on sources and whether northern areas are included).
  43. Which is the second-largest city and main commercial hub?
    Limassol.
  44. Which city is famous for its marina, archaeological park, and Aphrodite associations?
    Paphos.
  45. Which city has a major airport and a famous salt lake?
    Larnaca.
  46. What is the Karpas (Karpasia) Peninsula known for?
    Wild donkeys, unspoilt nature, and the “panhandle” shape of the island.
  47. What is the Akamas Peninsula famous for?
    Unspoilt nature, hiking, turtles, and legends linked to Aphrodite and Adonis.
  48. What natural rock formation near Paphos is linked to Aphrodite’s birth?
    Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock).
  49. What is the legend about swimming around Aphrodite’s Rock?
    Swimming around it three times is said to bring eternal youth, fertility, or true love.
  50. What are Aphrodite’s Baths?
    A natural pool in the Akamas Peninsula where the goddess is said to have bathed.
  51. Cyprus was an important source of which metal in antiquity?
    Copper (the word “copper” itself is linked to the island’s name).
  52. Which ancient people settled Cyprus and established city-kingdoms around 1400–1200 BC?
    Mycenaean Greeks.
  53. Under which empire did Cyprus become a province in 58 BC?
    The Roman Empire.
  54. Which crusader king conquered Cyprus in 1191?
    Richard the Lionheart.
  55. Which dynasty ruled Cyprus for nearly three centuries after the Crusades?
    The Lusignan (Frankish) dynasty.
  56. Which power ruled Cyprus from 1489 until the Ottoman conquest in 1571?
    Venice.
  57. When did the Ottoman Empire take control of Cyprus?
    1571.
  58. When did Britain assume administration of Cyprus?
    1878 (it became a Crown Colony in 1925).
  59. What was the Greek Cypriot independence organisation that fought British rule?
    EOKA.
  60. What was the main goal of many Greek Cypriots during the independence struggle?
    Enosis (union with Greece).
  61. What is the de facto state in the north of the island called?
    Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognised only by Turkey).
  62. What is the approximate percentage of the island controlled by the Republic of Cyprus?
    About two-thirds (the south).
  63. What is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities associated with Cyprus?
    Paphos (with settlement evidence going back to Neolithic times).
  64. Where were some of the world’s oldest water wells discovered?
    Near Kissonerga (Paphos district) — about 10,500 years old.
  65. What Neolithic settlement is a UNESCO site famous for its circular houses?
    Choirokoitia.
  66. What is the traditional folk dance popular in Cyprus?
    Various forms of syrtos and other Cypriot dances; zeibekiko is also performed.
  67. What is the traditional slow-cooked dish made in a clay pot?
    Tavas (or similar oven-baked meat and vegetable dishes).
  68. What is the main indigenous white grape variety of Cyprus?
    Xynisteri.
  69. What is a notable indigenous red grape variety?
    Maratheftiko.
  70. How long has wine-making been practised on the island?
    At least 5,000 years.
  71. What is the average number of rainy days per year?
    Roughly 40–60 days, mostly in winter.
  72. What is the climate of Cyprus?
    Mediterranean / subtropical — hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.
  73. Which British Sovereign Base Areas remain on the island?
    Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
  74. What is the national symbol that appears on the coat of arms?
    A dove holding an olive branch (symbol of peace).
  75. What colour represents copper on the Cypriot flag?
    The copper-orange silhouette of the island.
  76. Why do many people speak English fluently?
    Because of the long period of British colonial rule (1878–1960).
  77. What is the main religion in the Republic of Cyprus?
    Greek Orthodox Christianity.
  78. What is the main religion in the north?
    Islam (Sunni).
  79. What minority Christian communities live in Cyprus?
    Maronites, Armenians, and Latin Catholics (among others).
  80. What is the approximate length of the island from west to east?
    About 240 km.
  81. What is the approximate maximum width from north to south?
    About 100 km.
  82. Which city was once the island’s most important medieval port and is now in the north?
    Famagusta (Ammochostos / Gazimağusa).
  83. What is the famous medieval castle in Kyrenia?
    Kyrenia Castle (with a shipwreck museum).
  84. What is the traditional Cypriot coffee?
    Cypriot coffee (similar to Greek/Turkish coffee), often served with a glass of water and sometimes a sweet.
  85. What is “meze” in Cyprus?
    A long sequence of many small dishes — a social and culinary institution.
  86. What sweet is traditionally made with grape must?
    Palouzes / soutzoukos (grape-must jelly and “sausages”).
  87. What is the name of the popular festival of the flood celebrated in summer?
    Kataklysmos (especially in Larnaca).
  88. What is the traditional lace of Lefkara said to have been admired by?
    Leonardo da Vinci is traditionally (though not proven) linked to it.
  89. How many Blue Flag beaches does Cyprus typically have?
    Dozens (often 50–60+), reflecting high water quality and facilities.
  90. What is the main economic driver of modern Cyprus?
    Tourism, services (including finance and shipping), and real estate.
  91. Cyprus has a Deputy Ministry of what important sector?
    Shipping (it has one of the largest merchant fleets in the world relative to its size).
  92. What is the political system of the Republic of Cyprus?
    Presidential republic.
  93. Who is the current President of the Republic of Cyprus (as of 2026)?
    Nikos Christodoulides.
  94. What is the Green Line also known as?
    The UN Buffer Zone.
  95. Can you cross between the south and north?
    Yes, at official crossing points (with passport/ID checks).
  96. What is the time zone of the Republic of Cyprus?
    Eastern European Time (UTC+2 / UTC+3 in summer).
  97. What natural phenomenon created the island geologically?
    Volcanic and tectonic activity (part of the Cyprus Arc / ophiolite complex).
  98. What is the Cypriot version of the “four-legged taxis” sometimes mentioned by tourists?
    The wild or semi-wild donkeys, especially in the north.
  99. What is the approximate number of endemic orchids?
    Around 20 rare species.
  100. Why is Cyprus sometimes called “the playground of the gods”?
    Because of the many myths linking the island to Aphrodite, Adonis, and other deities of the ancient Greek pantheon.

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