Cyprus (قبرص)

• Capital: Nicosia
• Total Area: 9,251 km² (3,572 sq mi) (Ranked 168th)
• Population: 1,358,282 (Ranked 158th) - (2024 Est.)
• Location: Eastern Mediterranean, south of Turkey and west of Syria
• Languages: Greek (Official), Turkish (Official), English (Widely spoken)
• Religions: Orthodox Christian 89.1%, Islam 1.8%, Others 9.1%
• Ethnic Groups: Primarily Greek Cypriots (77%), Turkish Cypriots (18%), and other minorities.
• Currency: Euro (€) (EUR)
• Time Zone: UTC+2 (EET). Daylight Saving Time is observed (UTC+3).
• Calling Code: (+357)
• Organizations: EU, UN, Commonwealth
• Coastline: 648 km (403 mi)
• Maritime Borders: Mediterranean Sea (surrounded by Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon)

Major Cities and Regions in Cyprus

1. Nicosia

• District: Nicosia District.
• Description: The capital and the country's financial and administrative hub. It is known as the "world's last divided capital." It features 16th-century Venetian walls and rich museums, such as the Cyprus Museum, showcasing the island's history from the Neolithic Age.

2. Limassol

• District: Limassol District.
• Description: Cyprus's second-largest city and its major commercial port. A vibrant tourist and business center, it is famous for the Limassol Castle, a modern marina, long sandy beaches, and the annual Wine Festival.

3. Paphos

• District: Paphos District.
• Description: A city entirely inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Famous for the "Tombs of the Kings" and stunning Roman mosaics. Mythologically known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, it attracts visitors with its natural beauty and archaeological sites.

4. Larnaca

• District: Larnaca District.
• Description: Home to the island's main international airport. Famous for the Church of Saint Lazarus, the Larnaca Salt Lake (a winter habitat for flamingos), and the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, an important historical landmark.

5. Ayia Napa

• District: Famagusta District.
• Description: Once a small fishing village, it has transformed into one of Europe's top entertainment destinations. Renowned for Nissi Beach's white sands and crystal-clear waters, it is a hub for nightlife and beach tourism.

6. Troodos Mountains

• Description: The largest mountain range in Cyprus, featuring Mount Olympus, the island's highest peak. The region hosts picturesque mountain villages and UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches with exquisite frescoes; it serves as a ski resort in winter and a hiking haven in summer.