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Cyprus. Pop. 780,000. Area. 9,250 km². Capital - Nicosia. Currency – Euro and Cyprus Pound. Language – Greek and Turkish (both official). Main Religion – Greek Orthodox. Time Zone – GMT + 2 hours. Main Airports – Larnaca LCA and Paphos PFO. Climate – Mediterranean with hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Voltage guide 220V. Dialing code 357. Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean south of Turkey. Prior to 1960 Cyprus was a British colony until it gained independence in that same year. In 1974 trouble between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots resulted in an invasion by the Turkish military, who then occupied one third of the island. The island was then partitioned with The Republic of Cyprus in the south, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and a United Nations-controlled Green Line, separating the two. In 2004 Cyprus joined the EU despite the unresolved issue of partition. Prior to this the Turkish Cypriot government had opened the border which has also helped the economic growth of the island. Cyprus has an interesting economic mix including: tourism, shipping and banking. There is also the possibility of offshore oil extraction between Cyprus and Egypt. The island is a popular destination for tourists from western Europe and the attractions include: many Roman archaeological and antiquities sites; unspoilt coastline; the historic capital city Nicosia; Troodos mountains; and seasonal employment for travellers in the numerous bars and hotels.

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