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Capital: Nicosia (Levkosia) is capital of Greek Cyprus; Limassol is capital of Turkish Cyprus
Location: In the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey.
Area: 9,251 sq km
National Composition: Greek Cypriots (78%), Turkish Cypriots (18%), small numbers of Armenians, British and others
Religion: Orthodox Church of Cyprus; Islam
Official Language: Turkish, Greek
Currency: Cyprus Pound = 1,o00 mils
Administrative Divisions: Greek and Turkish Zones
Other Major Cities: Larnaca, Famagusta
Highest Elevation: Olympus (1,951 m)
Climate: Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, moist winters
Cyprus is a mainly agricultural country and three-fifths of the land is cultivated. The chief crops are citrus fruits, grapes (especially for wine making), olives, potatoes and tobacco. The land must be irrigated.
Mining is also important, the chief minerals being asbestos, chromium ore, copper and iron ore, together with a few others of lesser economic importance. Light industry dominates the manufacturing sector. Light industries produce such consumer products as ceramics, cigarettes, drinks, footwear (especially snake and alligator skin shoes), household appliances, plastics and textiles. There is also some timber and a wood-working industry.
Cyprus has no railways, but all towns and villages are connected by good and surfaced roads. Coastal shipping and international air traffic are also important. Tourism is an important source of revenue. Many tourists from northern Europe visit the country’s picturesque towns and excellent beaches.
