Presentation of Cyprus for the ERASMUS+ project Risk Impact Zones Environments - RIZE

1. Cyprus
Andreas Makriyiannis
B’3
2020-21

2. History
It is believed to be the place where deity
Aphrodite was born.
Cyprus, though a small island, has always played
an important role in the history of the
Mediterranean because it has a strategic
position in the Mediterranean Sea.
The island was also subject to many invasions
and the culture is a mixture of influences from
many worlds.
Persians, Roman, Frankish, Venetian, Ottoman,
British and Turkish are some of the Cyprus’
conquers.
In 1st of October 1960, Cyprus gains
independence and becomes the 99th member of
the United Nations.
Makarios becomes the first president of Cyprus.

3. Turkish Invasion
Cyprus is a divided Island. The
Turkish invaded in 1974 and
occupy approximately 37%.
Since the 20th of July 1974, after
the Turkish invasion, Cyprus is
divided into two parts: The north
part of the island, occupied by
Turkish troops, where live the
Turkish-Cypriots and the south
part, under the Cyprus Republic,
where live the Greek-Cypriots.
On the 1st of May 2004, Cyprus
became a member of the
European Union.

4. Geography
Cyprus is an island in the Eastern
Basin of the Mediterranean Sea.
Today it is a full member of the
European Union.
Neighboring countries are
Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon,
Israel and Egypt.
Cyprus has a Mediterranean
climate with main characteristics:
hot summer and mild winter.

5. Basic characteristics
Capital: Nicosia
Official Languages: Greek and Turkish
Government: Unitary Presidential Constitutional
President: Mr. Nicos Anastasiades
Population: About 862.011
Area: 9,250 sq km
Biggest mountains: Pentadactylos and Troodos.

6. The capital city of the Republic of Cyprus is Nicosia
(Lefkosia), which is also the most important city.
Nicosia is the main economic center, where the
largest companies, the national bank, some middle
size factories, as well as the national museum can
be found.
Limassol is the second largest city after the capital,
and the port of the southern coast. Limassol is also a
famous tourist center.
Paphos is an ancient port, located on the western
cost, and has the second biggest airport of the
island; well known for the Aphrodite sanctuary. It is a
World Heritage Site (UNESCO).
Larnaca, is a city on the south-east coast, where
there is the main airport of Cyprus.
Main Cities

7. Flora and Fauna
+Cyprus is the richest island in
forests in the Mediterranean.
+In Cyprus you can also find various
plants, small animals and birds.

8. Flora
A kind of plant is the Cyclamen chosen as
the national flower of Cyprus.
Also “Chrisovalanidia” is the national tree
of Cyprus. A separate tree that gives our
island freshness and beauty.

9. Fauna
Mouflons are the largest wild
animals that all meet only in Cyprus.
+The Cyprus warbler is a bird which
breeds only in Cyprus. This small
passerine bird is a short-distance
migrant, and travels in Israel, Jordan
and Egypt.

10. Why visit Cyprus?
Culture
+“Petra tou Romiou” is one of the most famous
spots in Cyprus. It lies between Paphos and
Limassol just outside of the highway. The legend
goes back to Digenis, a Byzantine hero who threw
heavy rocks at invaders to destroy their ships and
impede them from intruding the island.
+The Chirokitia is a prehistoric settlement
in Cyprus. Houses of the Neolithic period
which were made just from clay and
stones (‘plithari’). The site was discovered
in 1934.

11. Why visit Cyprus?
Sports
Activities include:
Scuba diving
Beach volleyball
Walking
Cycling
Skiing
Water sports
Golf

12. Why visit
Cyprus?
Beaches
The Cyprus coastline:
areas of white sand
beaches, beautiful clear
seas and stunning coastal
scenery.

13. Why visit
Cyprus?
Village life
Mountain Villages and
forests in Troodos
Kykkos Monastery
Lefkara village: famous for its
lace

14. Why visit
Cyprus?
Cyprus cuisine
+ Koupepia is also known as vine
leaves, a traditional dish of the
Cypriot cuisine.
+ Halloumi is a traditional product of
Cyprus which is made from milk. It
has a very delicious taste and is
being enjoyed all Cypriot homes.
+ Sheftalia is a classic Cypriot dish,
internationally known, rich in
calories but tasty.

15. Cyprus Currency
+The official currency in Cyprus
was the pound until 2008
when was replaced by the
Euro.

16. Religion
 Almost all Greek Cypriots are Orthodox Christians.
 Our religion is taught in all Cypriot public schools.

17. Traditional Clothing

18. Summary
+Cyprus has a unique history and diverse
culture.
+Cyprus has many attractions; they are
both physical and human.
+Physical attractions include Troodos
mountain and the beaches, while human
attractions include the villages and
cities.
+ Cyprus is a divided country which
requires and deserves a fair solution to
reunify the island and for peace.