Cyprus: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Cyprus

Cyprus is an island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Türkiye. It has sunny beaches, the Troodos Mountains and a warm, sunny climate. It is known for ancient ruins, painted churches and halloumi cheese.

About Nicosia

Nicosia lies on the Pedieos River in the Mesaoria Plain, between the Kyrenia Mountains and the Troodos range. Its old centre is ringed by circular Venetian walls about 5 km around.

Fun facts about Cyprus

1. Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia.
2. The flag of Cyprus shows a copper-coloured outline of the island above two green olive branches.
3. Halloumi cheese comes from Cyprus and has such a high melting point that it can be grilled or fried.
4. The Cypriot mouflon, a wild sheep, is a national symbol and appears on Cypriot euro coins.
5. The Latin word for copper, cuprum, comes from 'aes Cyprium', meaning 'metal of Cyprus'.
6. The Painted Churches in the Troodos Region, decorated with colourful wall paintings, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.