Cyprus is an island located on the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. Its area is 9,250 sq km. Check out Cyprus photos to view the beautiful nature, salt lakes, beaches and mountains.

The official name of Cyprus is the "Republic of Cyprus". The name is spelled as Kypros in Greek, and Kibris in Turkish. Cyprus is also known as the "Island of Aphrodite" (Venus), the ancient Greek goddess of love.

Nicosia (Lefkosia) is the capital of Cyprus. Other main cities in Cyprus include Limassol (Lemesos), Paphos (Pafos), Larnaca, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Polis, Trodos, Paralimni, Kakopetria and Agia Napa.

Cyprus Tourism is a major industry, in addition to agriculture, services and business.

Cyprus attracts large numbers of tourists every year. The level of hospitality and service in Cyprus hotels and resorts, restaurants, and other tourism destinations are known to be the finest in the world.

Cyprus is rich in historic sites and archaeological remains, such as the fortified walls in Nicosia and Famagusta, Petra tou Romiou (the birthplace of Aphrodite) in Pafos, Choirokoitia ancient city, Tombs of the Kings in Pafos, Agia Napa moastery, Angeloktisti church in Kiti, Roman theatres in Kourion and Salamis.

The population of Cyprus is around 1.1 millions (with many Cypriots living abroad, mainly in UK, USA and Australia). The main spoken languages are Greek, Turkish and English.

Cypriot food is simliar to other Mediterranean cuisines. Some of the Cypriot national dishes include kleftiko (roasted lamb), moussaka, kebabs, mezze assortment, kalimari (squid or kalamari) and fish dishes.

Cyprus became a member of the European Union (EU) in May 1st, 2004.