Cyprus (SEI-pruhs) Greek Kypros, (KEEP-ros) republic (3,591 sq. mi/9,301 sq. km; 1994 estimated population 890,208; 2004 estimated population 775,927), an island in the E Mediterranean Sea, (cap.) Nicosia.
Geography
Located c.40 mi/60 km S of Turkey and c.60 mi/100 km W of Syria. Officially, the republic comprises the entire island; however, Turkish forces invaded in 1974 and occupied 36% of the N and E portion of Cyprus, which they still hold. Turkish territory is separated from the rest of the island by the Attila Line, which runs through the Nicosia; the Turkish section of that city is known as Lefkosa. Major cities include Famagusta, Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos. There are six administrative districts: Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Lefkosia, Limassol, and Paphos. Among coastal promontories are Cape Akamas, Cape Apostolos Andreas, Cape Gata, Cape Greco, and Cape Kormakiti. The Kyrenia Mountains and the Troodos Mountains traverse the island E-W; Cyprus’s highest point is Mount Olympus (6,406 ft/1,953 m), in the SW. Between these two ranges extends the fertile Mesaoria depression, occupying about one-third of the island and representing the principal agricultural area. Average rainfall (primarily October-March) is c.21 in./53 cm.
Economy
Agricultural products include cereal grains, olives, citrus, potatoes, and cotton; in addition, the Greek sector grows deciduous fruits and wine grapes, and the Turkish side grows tobacco, vegetables, and table grapes. Sheep, goats, poultry, hogs, and some cattle are raised. Fishing is an important industry in the Turkish sector, and the Greek side has a strong manufacturing economy (paper, chemicals, textiles, and refined petroleum). Tourism is important for both areas. Mineral resources include pyrite, gypsum, umber, and copper.
History
Excavations have proved the existence of a Neolithic culture on Cyprus in the period from 4000 B.C. to 3000 B.C. Phoenicians settled on the island c.800 B.C. Cyprus subsequently fell under Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian, Roman, and British rule. In 1489, Cyprus was annexed by Venice, and the Turks conquered it in 1571. In 1814 the island was annexed again, this time by Britain. Under British rule a strong movement rose up among Greek Cypriots favoring enosis (union) with Greece. The conflict was aggravated by Turkey’s support of Turkish Cypriot demands that the island be partitioned. Finally in 1959, a settlement was reached that established Cyprus’s independence. However, tension between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots remained. After the invasion of N Cyprus in 1974, the island was divided into Greek and Turkish territories separated by a UN-occupied buffer zone. In 1983 the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared, but it is not recognized officially by any nation except Turkey. The Greek Cypriot-controlled "Republic of Cyprus" became a full member of the European Union (EU) on May 1, 2004. However, every Cypriot carrying a Cyprus passport will have the status of a European citizen.
Government
President Tassos Papadopoulos has been chief of state since 2003. He is also head of government. The post of vice president is currently vacant because it is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot. Rauf R. Kenktash has been "president" of the Turkish Cypriot area since 1975. He was last elected in 2000. Another election in the Turkish sector is scheduled for 2005.
