Cyprus
From Conservapedia
| Cyprus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Flag |  |
| Capital | Nicosia |
| President | Demetris Christofias |
| Currency | Euro |
Cyprus is an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Its capital is Nicosia. The southern part of the island is controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, which is recognized by the majority of the world and is a member of the European Union and the United Nations. The northern part has been controlled by Turkish military forces since 1974, and has been known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus since 1983. However, only Turkey officially recognizes this. [1] Cyprus is the only member state of the EU with a Communist leader.
With the election of President Demetris Christofias in the Republic of Cyprus, relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have thawed somewhat, and peace talks between the divided people are due to commence in June 2008 with the ultimate aim or reuniting the island. [2]
Cyprus is a popular holiday destination, particularly for the British, with many resorts in the coastal areas. English is widely spoken by the native population, and there is a large population of British ex-patriots on the island. In fact, nearly 13% of the island's population are foreign residents. [3]
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History
In the late Middle Ages, Cyprus was part of the empire of Venice, but in 1570, it was the object of a full scale attack by the forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Cypriots put up a sturdy defense for over a year, but by October of 1571, the conquest was complete. The Pope formed a coalition of Mediterranean states to fight the Turks, and this alliance won a decisive naval victory at the Battle of Lepanto, but Cyprus reamained under Ottoman control. During the three centuries of Ottoman rule, many Turks would settle on the island.
In 1878, in the aftermath of the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78), administrative control of the island was ceded to the British Empire. The island would serve Britain as a key military base overlooking the vital Suez Canal. After World War I, Britain annexed the island and made it a Crown Colony.
Cyprus attained independence in 1960
Bible
Cyprus is mentioned in Acts 13 of the Bible, which records Paul as having traveled there on one of his missionary journeys. [4]
Miscellaneous
- Approximately 78% of Cypriot citizens identify as members of the Greek Orthodox Church.
- The Euro replace the Cypriotic Pound in 2008
- Due to its history as a British colony, motor vehicles drive on the left side of the road and British-style power sockets are used.
