{"id":19290,"date":"2026-08-26T06:08:36","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T06:08:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/?p=19290"},"modified":"2026-08-26T06:14:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T06:14:27","slug":"19290","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/?p=19290","title":{"rendered":"100 questions and answers about Cyprus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
    \n
  1. What is the capital of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Nicosia (Lefkosia), the world\u2019s only remaining divided capital city.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Which sea surrounds Cyprus?<\/strong>
    The Mediterranean Sea.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. What is the official name of the internationally recognized state?<\/strong>
    Republic of Cyprus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. How large is Cyprus?<\/strong>
    About 9,251 square kilometres \u2014 the third-largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily and Sardinia).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. What is the highest point in Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Mount Olympus (Troodos Mountains) at 1,952 metres.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. What are the two main mountain ranges?<\/strong>
    Troodos Mountains (central-south) and Kyrenia (Pentadaktylos) Mountains (north).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. What is the central plain called?<\/strong>
    Mesaoria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. When did Cyprus gain independence from Britain?<\/strong>
    16 August 1960 (Independence Day is celebrated on 1 October).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Which country invaded the north of Cyprus in 1974?<\/strong>
    Turkey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. What is the UN-monitored buffer zone that divides the island called?<\/strong>
    The Green Line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Which goddess of love and beauty is said to have been born in Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Aphrodite (near Petra tou Romiou \/ Aphrodite\u2019s Rock, Paphos).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. What does the name \u201cCyprus\u201d (Kypros) likely derive from?<\/strong>
    The ancient word for copper \u2014 the island was a major source of the metal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. What is unique about the flag of the Republic of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    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\u2019s resources and peace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. Who was married in Limassol Castle in 1191?<\/strong>
    King Richard the Lionheart of England and Berengaria of Navarre \u2014 the only English royal wedding held outside Britain or France.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  15. To whom was Cyprus once given as a gift in antiquity?<\/strong>
    Cleopatra (by Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  16. What is Commandaria?<\/strong>
    A sweet dessert wine from Cyprus, often called the world\u2019s oldest named wine still in production (with roots going back thousands of years).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  17. What is halloumi?<\/strong>
    The famous semi-hard, grillable cheese that originates from Cyprus and has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  18. What strong local spirit is sometimes nicknamed \u201cgrandpa\u2019s medicine\u201d?<\/strong>
    Zivania (a clear grape pomace brandy).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  19. What is the traditional Cypriot Easter cheese pie?<\/strong>
    Flaouna.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  20. What is souvla?<\/strong>
    Large chunks of meat (usually pork or lamb) slow-roasted on a long skewer over charcoal \u2014 a classic Cypriot barbecue dish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  21. What is sheftalia?<\/strong>
    A traditional Cypriot sausage made of minced pork or lamb mixed with herbs and wrapped in caul fat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  22. Which village is world-famous for its intricate lace (lefkaritika)?<\/strong>
    Lefkara (its lace-making tradition is UNESCO-recognised).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  23. How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Cyprus have?<\/strong>
    Three: Paphos (archaeological sites), the Painted Churches of the Troodos Region, and Choirokoitia (Neolithic settlement).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  24. What is special about the entire town of Paphos?<\/strong>
    It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extraordinary concentration of ancient remains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  25. Where can you find some of the finest ancient mosaics in the Mediterranean?<\/strong>
    The House of Dionysos and other villas in Kato Paphos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  26. What ancient theatre near Limassol is still used for performances?<\/strong>
    The Roman theatre at Kourion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  27. What is the national animal of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    The Cyprus mouflon (a wild sheep unique to the island).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  28. Cyprus is sometimes called the \u201cisland of cats.\u201d Why?<\/strong>
    Estimates suggest there are more cats (around 1\u20131.5 million) than people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  29. Where was the oldest known evidence of a domesticated cat found?<\/strong>
    In Cyprus \u2014 a cat skeleton buried next to a human about 9,500 years ago.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  30. What rare wild sheep can be seen only in Cyprus?<\/strong>
    The Cyprus mouflon.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  31. How many endemic flowering plant species does Cyprus have?<\/strong>
    Around 140 species found nowhere else in the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  32. What birds famously visit the salt lakes in winter?<\/strong>
    Greater flamingos (especially at Larnaca and Akrotiri salt lakes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  33. How many sunny days does Cyprus typically enjoy per year?<\/strong>
    Around 300\u2013340 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  34. Can you ski and swim on the same day in Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Yes \u2014 ski on Mount Olympus in winter and drive down to the coast for a swim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  35. What is the driving side in Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Left-hand traffic (a legacy of British rule).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  36. What currency is used in the Republic of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    The euro (since 2008).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  37. When did Cyprus join the European Union?<\/strong>
    1 May 2004.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  38. What are the official languages of the Republic of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Greek and Turkish (English is widely spoken).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  39. What is the internet country code for Cyprus?<\/strong>
    .cy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  40. What is the international dialling code?<\/strong>
    +357<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  41. What colour is the Cypriot passport?<\/strong>
    Burgundy (standard EU colour).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  42. What is the approximate population of the whole island?<\/strong>
    Around 1.3\u20131.5 million (estimates vary depending on sources and whether northern areas are included).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  43. Which is the second-largest city and main commercial hub?<\/strong>
    Limassol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  44. Which city is famous for its marina, archaeological park, and Aphrodite associations?<\/strong>
    Paphos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  45. Which city has a major airport and a famous salt lake?<\/strong>
    Larnaca.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  46. What is the Karpas (Karpasia) Peninsula known for?<\/strong>
    Wild donkeys, unspoilt nature, and the \u201cpanhandle\u201d shape of the island.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  47. What is the Akamas Peninsula famous for?<\/strong>
    Unspoilt nature, hiking, turtles, and legends linked to Aphrodite and Adonis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  48. What natural rock formation near Paphos is linked to Aphrodite\u2019s birth?<\/strong>
    Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite\u2019s Rock).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  49. What is the legend about swimming around Aphrodite\u2019s Rock?<\/strong>
    Swimming around it three times is said to bring eternal youth, fertility, or true love.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  50. What are Aphrodite\u2019s Baths?<\/strong>
    A natural pool in the Akamas Peninsula where the goddess is said to have bathed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  51. Cyprus was an important source of which metal in antiquity?<\/strong>
    Copper (the word \u201ccopper\u201d itself is linked to the island\u2019s name).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  52. Which ancient people settled Cyprus and established city-kingdoms around 1400\u20131200 BC?<\/strong>
    Mycenaean Greeks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  53. Under which empire did Cyprus become a province in 58 BC?<\/strong>
    The Roman Empire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  54. Which crusader king conquered Cyprus in 1191?<\/strong>
    Richard the Lionheart.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  55. Which dynasty ruled Cyprus for nearly three centuries after the Crusades?<\/strong>
    The Lusignan (Frankish) dynasty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  56. Which power ruled Cyprus from 1489 until the Ottoman conquest in 1571?<\/strong>
    Venice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  57. When did the Ottoman Empire take control of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    1571.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  58. When did Britain assume administration of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    1878 (it became a Crown Colony in 1925).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  59. What was the Greek Cypriot independence organisation that fought British rule?<\/strong>
    EOKA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  60. What was the main goal of many Greek Cypriots during the independence struggle?<\/strong>
    Enosis (union with Greece).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  61. What is the de facto state in the north of the island called?<\/strong>
    Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognised only by Turkey).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  62. What is the approximate percentage of the island controlled by the Republic of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    About two-thirds (the south).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  63. What is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities associated with Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Paphos (with settlement evidence going back to Neolithic times).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  64. Where were some of the world\u2019s oldest water wells discovered?<\/strong>
    Near Kissonerga (Paphos district) \u2014 about 10,500 years old.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  65. What Neolithic settlement is a UNESCO site famous for its circular houses?<\/strong>
    Choirokoitia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  66. What is the traditional folk dance popular in Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Various forms of syrtos and other Cypriot dances; zeibekiko is also performed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  67. What is the traditional slow-cooked dish made in a clay pot?<\/strong>
    Tavas (or similar oven-baked meat and vegetable dishes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  68. What is the main indigenous white grape variety of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Xynisteri.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  69. What is a notable indigenous red grape variety?<\/strong>
    Maratheftiko.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  70. How long has wine-making been practised on the island?<\/strong>
    At least 5,000 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  71. What is the average number of rainy days per year?<\/strong>
    Roughly 40\u201360 days, mostly in winter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  72. What is the climate of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Mediterranean \/ subtropical \u2014 hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  73. Which British Sovereign Base Areas remain on the island?<\/strong>
    Akrotiri and Dhekelia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  74. What is the national symbol that appears on the coat of arms?<\/strong>
    A dove holding an olive branch (symbol of peace).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  75. What colour represents copper on the Cypriot flag?<\/strong>
    The copper-orange silhouette of the island.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  76. Why do many people speak English fluently?<\/strong>
    Because of the long period of British colonial rule (1878\u20131960).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  77. What is the main religion in the Republic of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Greek Orthodox Christianity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  78. What is the main religion in the north?<\/strong>
    Islam (Sunni).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  79. What minority Christian communities live in Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Maronites, Armenians, and Latin Catholics (among others).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  80. What is the approximate length of the island from west to east?<\/strong>
    About 240 km.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  81. What is the approximate maximum width from north to south?<\/strong>
    About 100 km.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  82. Which city was once the island\u2019s most important medieval port and is now in the north?<\/strong>
    Famagusta (Ammochostos \/ Gazima\u011fusa).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  83. What is the famous medieval castle in Kyrenia?<\/strong>
    Kyrenia Castle (with a shipwreck museum).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  84. What is the traditional Cypriot coffee?<\/strong>
    Cypriot coffee (similar to Greek\/Turkish coffee), often served with a glass of water and sometimes a sweet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  85. What is \u201cmeze\u201d in Cyprus?<\/strong>
    A long sequence of many small dishes \u2014 a social and culinary institution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  86. What sweet is traditionally made with grape must?<\/strong>
    Palouzes \/ soutzoukos (grape-must jelly and \u201csausages\u201d).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  87. What is the name of the popular festival of the flood celebrated in summer?<\/strong>
    Kataklysmos (especially in Larnaca).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  88. What is the traditional lace of Lefkara said to have been admired by?<\/strong>
    Leonardo da Vinci is traditionally (though not proven) linked to it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  89. How many Blue Flag beaches does Cyprus typically have?<\/strong>
    Dozens (often 50\u201360+), reflecting high water quality and facilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  90. What is the main economic driver of modern Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Tourism, services (including finance and shipping), and real estate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  91. Cyprus has a Deputy Ministry of what important sector?<\/strong>
    Shipping (it has one of the largest merchant fleets in the world relative to its size).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  92. What is the political system of the Republic of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Presidential republic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  93. Who is the current President of the Republic of Cyprus (as of 2026)?<\/strong>
    Nikos Christodoulides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  94. What is the Green Line also known as?<\/strong>
    The UN Buffer Zone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  95. Can you cross between the south and north?<\/strong>
    Yes, at official crossing points (with passport\/ID checks).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  96. What is the time zone of the Republic of Cyprus?<\/strong>
    Eastern European Time (UTC+2 \/ UTC+3 in summer).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  97. What natural phenomenon created the island geologically?<\/strong>
    Volcanic and tectonic activity (part of the Cyprus Arc \/ ophiolite complex).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  98. What is the Cypriot version of the \u201cfour-legged taxis\u201d sometimes mentioned by tourists?<\/strong>
    The wild or semi-wild donkeys, especially in the north.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  99. What is the approximate number of endemic orchids?<\/strong>
    Around 20 rare species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  100. Why is Cyprus sometimes called \u201cthe playground of the gods\u201d?<\/strong>
    Because of the many myths linking the island to Aphrodite, Adonis, and other deities of the ancient Greek pantheon.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19290","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-questions-answers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19290","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=19290"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19290\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19295,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19290\/revisions\/19295"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19290"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19290"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.timesofu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}