How is Cyprus divided? Office hours of institutions. Island unification referendum

The island of Cyprus (Cyprus) is located in the Mediterranean and is the third largest in its geographical area. The island is located 100 km from Syria and 75 km from Turkey. The distance from Cyprus to Egypt is 380 km.

Geographically, the island is located at intersection sea routes belonging to three continents. That is why a small state in all ages has served as an object of close attention for conquerors from all over the world. Cyprus served as an important strategic object for many countries in Asia, Europe, Africa. Over the centuries, Cyprus has been ruled by the Romans, Greeks, Assyrians, Persians, Egyptians and even the British.

In the 4th century BC, the island became part of the Byzantine Empire.
In the XII century, the island was under the protectorate of the Venetian Republic.
In 1571-1879 The island was part of the Ottoman Empire.
From 1879 to 1959 belonged to the possessions of Great Britain.

In 1959, the state gained sovereignty, and in 1960 it adopted the status of the presidential republic of Cyprus and its own Constitution. modern state retained in its features a lot of elements that remained with time of the British protectorate. English language in this country remains extremely popular and often used.

Find the Republic of Cyprus on the world map - not the most simple task. This small piece of land is nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, in its northeastern part. The state belongs to the group Eastern Mediterranean or the so-called group of countries of the Levant. When viewed from the height of space, the island resembles a lizard in shape.

If you look closely at physical map world or Europe, you can consider on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus two mountain range. These mountain systems, as it were, cover the Mesaoria valley, located in the center between them. Along the northern part of the island The state is located a mountain range called Kyrenia. more extensive mountain system- Troodos - occupies almost the entire western and southern parts of the island. On the map of Europe, Kyrenia makes up almost half of the territory of the state. Most high point Troodos, located in its central part - Mount Olympus. The height of this mountain top is 1952 meters.

In 1959, during the negotiations between Greece, Turkey and Great Britain, an agreement was adopted and the recognition of Cyprus as a sovereign state.

According to the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, adopted in 1960, equality is guaranteed in the state two major national communities- Turkish and Greek. This equality also extends to powers of authority.

Initially, it was assumed that the representative of the Greek Cypriots would become the President of Cyprus, and the vice-president would be elected from among the citizens of Turkish origin. Equal numbers of deputies were to be elected from both national groups. However, in 1963, representatives of the Turkish community refused to take part in the work Legislative Assembly.

And although, according to legend, it is considered the island of happiness and the birthplace of the goddess of love and tenderness, Aphrodite, in reality, everything is not so rosy. In the state tension and intransigence persist between two national communities.

Who owns the island

To date, the Republic of Cyprus remains an autonomous state, split into two independent ethnic communities. South part the islands belong to the Greek community, and the northern one belongs to the Turkish.

Citizens of Greek origin make up the majority of the entire population of the island - about 77%. The southern part of the island of Cyprus has the status of an independent state and is called the Republic of Cyprus. It is here, according to Wikipedia, that thousands of tourists flock every year to relax and enjoy the beautiful resorts. Representatives of the Greek community profess Orthodoxy. According to some reports, it was in Cyprus that the first Christian state was formed. In May 2004, the southern part of the island joined European Union. Southerners call the northern part of the island "occupied territories".
The northern part of the state is predominantly populated by citizens of Turkish origin and is called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Between the southern and northern parts of the island is the so-called buffer zone, which was created artificially. Another name for this area is the Green Line. This part of the island is patrolled by UN peacekeeping troops. Length Green Line- from the city of Morphou to Famagusta. These cities belong to the northern part of the state. On the line of passage of the buffer zone is the capital of the island - Nicosia.
On the territory of the state there is a small area that belongs to the British United Kingdom. England is the owner of two cities - Akrotiri and Dhekelia. In addition, a number of nearby islands are under the British protectorate.

Does the island belong to Greece?

Many people have a strong misconception that Cyprus is part of Greece. No less number of Russians doubt whether or not Cyprus is part of Greece. In fact, the Republic of Cyprus has always had a close relationship with neighboring Greece. However, Cyprus is in no way subject to the control of its government. And although the echoes of the Greek crisis affected Cyprus, but no more than a number of other European states.

Cypriot banks have close business ties with Greek ones, but all other sectors of the country's economy are in no way connected with Greece and are subordinate to I own laws.

The capital of the state is the city of Nicosia. The unique feature of this city is that it remains the capital of both southern and northern territories. A demarcation line runs through the city, dividing it into 2 parts.

Nicosia is by far the most densely populated city in the country. The population is about 300 thousand people. Geographically, Nicosia is located in the central part of the island, far from sea coast. Today the city is cultural and business center countries. It hosts both international conferences and symposia, as well as fairs or other entertainment events.

Modern very harmoniously combines charm ancient history and the turbulence of modern life. Ancient monuments and museums side by side with a monument to Yuri Gagarin established in 2013.

What currency is valid on the island?

The official currency in the Republic of Cyprus on present day is euro. It is almost impossible to pay with other money on the territory of the state. Travelers are advised to bring currency or currency credit cards in euros - this will be the most reasonable and profitable from an economic point of view. Of course, you can also find a currency exchange office on the island, however, here you will have to pay certain commissions.

At school, we all studied geography, exploring the map of the world in detail. But school knowledge is forgotten over time, and questions arise: “Where is it located?”, “What kind of state is this?” and “Is it a Greek island (Cyprus is often confused with Crete) or Turkish?”. Let's try to remember geography together.

Location of Cyprus

Cyprus - Island state which is located in the northeastern part mediterranean sea. The island is the third largest in the Mediterranean.

Turkey is located next to Cyprus (distance from north coast Cyprus about 75 km), Syria (at a distance of about 100 km), the Greek Islands and Israel.

The island covers an area of 9 thousand 251 square meters. km, most of it is occupied by mountains. The most famous mountain ranges in Cyprus are (Troodos) and Kyrenia, and the highest point - or Khyonistra (as the Cypriots call it, translated from Greek means "snowy") - is located at an altitude of 1,952 m above sea level.

Snow falls in the mountains in winter, there are lifts for lovers skiing. At the very top of the mountain, tourists are not allowed to enter, because the British military radar is installed there - a huge white ball that can be seen from afar.

Many are interested in whether Cyprus is a part of Greece, like Crete, Rhodes and other islands, or is it a separate state? Some even, when making a request, indicate "Cyprus Greece". In fact, Cyprus is an independent state, which until 1960 was a British colony.

In 1974, the north of Cyprus was occupied by Turkish troops. Since then, the island has been divided into two parts - the Republic of Cyprus (an independent state, a member of the EU) and the so-called Northern Cyprus(unrecognized state, occupied territory).

Is Cyprus part of Greece?

In the central and southwestern parts The Troodos mountain range is located on the island, with the highest point - the peak of Olympos (1 thousand 952 m above sea level). The southern and northern parts of Cyprus are separated by the broad plain of Masaoria.

The coastline of Cyprus is covered with endless sand and pebble beaches, many of which received the "Blue Flag" for the purest water and a high level of security.

Excursions from Cyprus to Israel and Greece

The Greek islands are also very popular among tourists.

In you can go for 2-3 days on cruise ship or by plane. At the same time, a visa to Israel Russian tourists is not needed, but you can return to Cyprus with a provision. The cost of such an excursion is about 250-300 euros per person.

Also from Cyprus you can go to an amusing trip By Greek islands. Depending on your budget, you can rent a yacht for a week-long trip and visit Santorini, Rhodes, Kos and other islands of your choice, or choose a less expensive option: an air flight to Greece, for example, with Rainair, which flies from Cyprus to most European countries in a low-cost format. According to Rainair, the cost of a ticket from Cyprus to Greece is from 12 euros (not including airport taxes). Please note that you need a Schengen visa to visit Greece.

So …

Cyprus is an independent state with extensive links with European and Asian countries. Its cosmopolitan cities ( , ) hospitably open their doors to those who just want to relax on the island, and those who choose the island as permanent place residence.

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Cyprus is fantastic and mysterious country. Despite its reality, many people associate it with a fairy tale, legends about the ancient Greek gods and interesting stories about conquest. And a simple question about where Cyprus is located can cause slight confusion. This is due to the fact that being the third largest Mediterranean island, it has always been a tasty morsel for many countries. And in different times it was owned by the Persians, Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines, Venice, Ottoman Empire, Greece and Britain.

All these countries and peoples have influenced and left their mark on the development of Cyprus. Thanks to this, today's Cyprus, being a famous tourist resort island, is of considerable interest to all connoisseurs of history.

Where is Cyprus located, and which part of the island to choose for recreation?

Cyprus is called the "golden apple of the earth". This European island state is part of the European Union and is a territory covered by the Schengen Agreement. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea, in its northeastern part. Turkey is 75 kilometers north of Cyprus, Syria is 100 kilometers east of the island, and Egypt is almost 400 kilometers south. The area of the island is slightly less than 10 thousand square meters. Most countries occupy mountain ranges - Troodos and Kyrenia.

The northern part of the island of Cyprus is under Turkish control. This part is recognized by the Turkish authorities as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and for the Cypriots it is "occupied territory". It is difficult for tourists to enter here. Despite this, Cyprus remains one of the most beloved tourist destinations. For visitors from other countries there is 60% of the territory in the south of the island. The southern part of Cyprus is an independent country and " Greek Cyprus»It is called only because the bulk of the population are Greek Cypriots.

If you are still deciding when and where to relax in Cyprus, then you should take into account that the time from May to October is great for a beach holiday, and from November to March you can have a great and healthy time on ski resorts Troodos. But where to stay depends on what you expect from the upcoming trip, with whom and how you want to relax.

If you prefer an active holiday, with a wide range of entertainment for young people, water sports sports and active nightlife, it is better to opt for some resort in Limassol or Ayia Napa. For family vacation with children, you can choose a hotel in any resort, but the best for this are beautiful beaches And comfortable hotels city of Larnaca. For romantic getaway together there are wonderful resort towns of Protaras and Pissouri. And for those who like to combine beach holiday with tours of historical places, Paphos and Polis offer their resorts.

Cyprus resorts for various types of recreation

In Cyprus, everyone will find entertainment to their liking. This perfect place For romantic trip and youth active pastime, quiet secluded recreation and visiting exciting excursions. Families with children are the most welcome guests in Cyprus. There is no need to look for where in Cyprus it is better to relax with children, because in the hotels of all resorts they take special care of small tourists. They are expected clean beaches, playgrounds, water parks and amusement parks, children's pools and mini-clubs, as well as discos for older children.

Limassol is the Cypriot Riviera. It welcomes many tourists all year round. First-class hotels and restaurants, taverns and small cafes, discos and nightclubs alternate with a huge selection of sports, cultural entertainment and shopping malls. This is the most fun city. Many colorful and noisy masquerades and theater festivals are held here. And in autumn, a 10-day festival is held in honor of the god Dionysus, where you can taste the best Cypriot wines.

Larnaca - very prestigious resort town. Here you can stroll along the famous Palm Embankment and admire sea view at a street cafe table. Located nearby salt Lake where thousands of migratory birds flock. From December to March you can see pink flamingos and white swans.

Ayia Napa is a real "Mecca" for young people. A wide range of entertainment, karaoke bars, Chinese and Italian restaurants, discos and extreme water attractions. On white sandy beaches huge selection water activities: windsurfing, paragliding, water skiing and motorcycles, boat rental and motor boats as well as diving.

Paphos is the ancient Cypriot capital. The city amazes tourists with an abundance of architectural and historical monuments of world importance, combined with an abundance of souvenir shops and large stores, plenty of entertainment and comfortable apartments. This creates ideal conditions for an interesting and varied holiday.

Protaras is a rapidly developing modern resort with hotel complexes, equipped with the latest technology, lively life in the city center and preserved local flavor. Night life quite calm, so this resort is ideal for a relaxing family holiday.

On modern resorts Cyprus, continues to develop tourism infrastructure service and level of service is increasing. Vacationers are offered a variety of entertainment: jeep safari, sea fishing on a boat, evening and night boat trips, interesting and informative excursion programs and huge entertainment centers. Whichever resort you choose, the rest will not disappoint. You will want to plunge into the warm sea again, into the amazing legends about the adventures of the ancient Greek gods and fascinating story this fabulous island.

Most of the inhabitants of the island work in the tourism sector. Tourism here is the main resource for replenishing the country's budget with foreign currency.

The island and its people make it easy for tourists to explore Cyprus according to their needs. If you want to have an active holiday, there are cycling routes at your disposal. To get acquainted with the unique flora and fauna of the island, 52 nature trails have been laid.

There is always something interesting happening here, but you need to know the mentality of the Cypriots, their rituals, habits, norms of behavior in order to be aware of what. In any season, tourists can get to a holiday or a sporting event. Connoisseurs or just lovers of the "nectar of the gods" will be happy with wine routes that will introduce you to. You can learn how grapes are grown, how wine is made, and, finally, taste the drink, by choosing one of the excursions to the famous wineries of the island.

Great amount sacred places, among which, will give the opportunity, having become acquainted with them, to learn about the path of the Cypriots to Christianity, about the roots of the blessed land, about the shrines that have found shelter in Cyprus. The variety of museums will just keep you on the island for a few days.

Whatever part of the country you come to, you will always find a beach nearby. 57 beaches of the island (among them and) are marked blue flag European Union for the level of infrastructure facilities on them and environmental cleanliness. Beaches on, on are popular among vacationers.

Resorts of the island: Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta, Kyrenia - are popular among tourists.

Nicosia surprises not only with historical and architectural buildings, but also interesting combination antiquity and modernity. The Limassol region is full of legends about kingdoms and kings. Everything about winemaking can be found here. The Troodos mountain range will impress lovers active rest. The Ammochostos region will captivate with its sparkling waters and golden sand. ancient city Larnaca (it is about 4 thousand years old) offers tourists everything they need to relax and get to know the history of the island.

The fact that the Kato Paphos area is all listed world heritage UNESCO, already colorfully speaks of the abundance of cultural wealth in it. There are many entertainments on the island for children: in Ayia Napa, in Limassol. You can be sure that it is possible, and it will be memorable.

In 2015, about 2.65 million people visited the island. The largest number people come from the UK and from Russia (38% and 23% respectively). Guests from Germany are coming to them. In January - October 2016, up to 2,974,412 people visited the island (87% of tourists came to relax, 7% - to visit relatives, 5% - to work).

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Geography

The island stretches for 240 km from east to west, and reaches a width of 100 km from north to south. Area - 9251 km².

Relief

Most of the island is occupied by mountains. Along the northern coast in the latitudinal direction stretches Mountain chain Kyrenia. Its width in the western part is 15 km, to the east it expands to 25-30 km. West Side the Kyrenia ridge is higher; some peaks exceed 1 thousand m. The highest point of the ridge is Mount Akromanda (1023 m). The southwestern half of the island is occupied by a wide mountain range Troodos, indented by longitudinal river valleys. Its highest Northern part, here is the highest point in Cyprus - Mount Olymbos (1952 m).

Climate

Average temperatures in Cyprus:

Flora and fauna

The fauna of Cyprus is not distinguished by its richness and diversity of species. Of the rare animals of the island, the endemic Cypriot mountain sheep, the mouflon, living in the Troodos mountains and in the wooded area of Paphos, is especially interesting. IN last years hunting is prohibited by the government. Foxes and hares are found in the forest zone of the mountains. On the lowlands along the coast and on the slopes of the mountains there are many various kinds lizards, turtles and snakes. There are especially many of them in the ruins of ancient cities - Salamis, Paphos, etc. Chameleon is found in forest thickets near the coast. There are many amphibians in Cyprus, especially tree frogs.

Story

The first traces of civilization in Cyprus date back to the Neolithic period, around 8000 BC. e., and are over 9,000 years old. There are traces of the Stone Age, the Copper Age, the Bronze Age up to the end of the second millennium BC on the island. e. An important stage in the history of Cyprus is the settlement of the island by ancient Greek colonists in the XII-XI centuries BC. e., about 3000 years ago after the end of the period of the Trojan Wars.
This is what determined the cultural face of the island. During this period, the Greek language, art, religion and traditions were introduced. In addition, cities were founded that exist to this day.
In ancient times, Cyprus was famous for its copper ore deposits and forests. This is what made it the object of aspirations of the powerful states of the Mediterranean.
The Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians alternately captured the island and owned it, until it was destroyed in 333 BC. e. did not conquer Alexander Macedonian.
The disciple of Ptolemy, the philosopher Zenon of Kition, who founded the philosophical school of Stoicism in Athens, glorified Cyprus.

Since 1964, a contingent of UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus has been stationed on the island, which currently numbers 1,216 troops. UN peacekeeping forces arrived after inter-communal armed clashes broke out in December 1963, and Turkey threatened to intervene. Given that there is a 35,000-strong Turkish army in the occupied northern part of the island, the main task of the peacekeepers is to control the buffer zone and ensure that the ceasefire is not violated.

According to the 2006 census, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has a population of 265,100.

Religion

The majority of the population of Cyprus are ethnic Greeks who practice Orthodox Christianity and ethnic Turks who practice Islam.

Between the Greek and Turkish sectors is the UN buffer zone, which is also a de facto exclave.

Politic system

After gaining independence, the Republic of Cyprus became one of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, despite the fact that all three guarantor powers (Britain, Greece and Turkey) were members of NATO. In 2004, Cyprus withdrew from the Non-Aligned Movement in order to join the European Union, but retained a special observer status in this organization.

The Republic of Cyprus adheres to the policy of non-alignment, and is not part of NATO.

The Turkish sector is indicated on the maps of the Republic of Cyprus as "territory inaccessible due to Turkish occupation", the same on the map of the northern part of the city of Nicosia. The names of the cities of Northern Cyprus are given as of 1974, there are no road signs for these cities.

Real estate located in Northern Cyprus, and owned until 1974 by ethnic Greeks, continues to be considered their property. The purchase of such property may be considered legal in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but the authorities of the Greek sector may regard such a move as buying stolen goods.

Formally, 98% of the island's territory is under the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, minus the British military bases. De facto, 38% of the territory is occupied by the partially recognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Movement between the two parts of the island is free, with a visa of the Republic of Cyprus. A visa of the partially recognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is issued upon entry. Insurance may not cover Turkish territory.

When returning from the northern part of the island, a customs inspection may be carried out. Since prices in Turkish territory are significantly lower, the import of goods from it is limited.

The Republic of Cyprus may refuse entry to persons who have a stamp in their passport confirming that they have visited the Republic of Macedonia. This fact is connected with the dispute of this state with Greece about its name.

Diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union of the Republic of Cyprus were established in August 1960. On April 7, 1992, the Republic of Cyprus recognized the Russian Federation as the legal successor of the USSR. The Russian Embassy is located in the city of Nicosia.

Persons with a visitor visa are prohibited from working. A work permit must be obtained prior to arrival in the Republic of Cyprus.

Island unification referendum

In April 2004, referendums were held in both Cypriot republics on unification into a single state. The proposed plan for the unification of the island was named after its author, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. 65% of the citizens of the TRNC who participated in the referendum supported the Annan plan, 75% of the Greek Cypriots rejected the plan.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Advantages: tourism provides 20% of GDP. Industry and services for neighboring Eastern countries developed banking sector. Member of the EU.

Weak sides: the demand for stricter control and action against capital and tax leakages. limited liberalization. There is no foreign investment in Northern Cyprus.

The economy of Cyprus is strongly influenced by the division of the island into the Greek sector (Republic of Cyprus) and Turkish (partially recognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus).

The Greek sector economy experienced a speculative boom associated with offshore capital inflows between 1990-2008, but is highly dependent on external risks. Growth rates in the 1990s reflect the island's dependence on fluctuating tourist numbers and changing economic conditions in Western Europe. In January 2008, the Republic of Cyprus entered the eurozone, and its monetary policy is dictated by the European Central Bank, which reduced the republic's competitiveness in world markets and ultimately brought the country to the brink of a financial and economic crisis in 2012-2013. As a result of the crisis unrest prices for residential real estate have dropped significantly. So in the municipal residential sector, the cost of housing ranges from 400 euros per square meter of construction. In the private sector, the cost of land per hundred square meters varies on average from 1,700 to 50,000 euros.

The Turkish sector represents one-fifth of the population and one-tenth of the GNP, compared to Greek part islands. Due to the fact that it is recognized only by Turkey among the UN member states, Northern Cyprus has difficulties with international financing, and foreign firms usually avoid investing in it. Half of the labor force is employed in agriculture, government and military service. In the turnover of the northern part of the island is the Turkish lira. Turkey also provides direct and indirect assistance tourism, education, industry and more.

In the Turkish sector, there is a problem of water supply, the construction of desalination stations is planned.

Transport

Three in Cyprus international airports, two are located on the Greek part of the island in Paphos (16 km from the city) and Larnaca (2 km from the city). There is also a complete operating airport in Nicosia - Ercan (Ercan), All flights to Northern Cyprus pass through the territory of Turkey. The main airline serving the Greek part of the island, Cyprus Airways, ceased to exist in 2015.

Larnaca Airport was opened in 1975, after the forced closure of the airport in Nicosia, and is partially located on the territory previously used by Britain as a military base.

large seaports, after the closure of Famagusta, are Limassol and Larnaca.

Tourism

The tourism industry is one of the main items of national income. It is the responsibility of the Cyprus tourism organization(Cyprus Tourist Organization, CTO). A significant part of the population works in this sector, and the profit brought by tourism is the main source of foreign currency inflow to the budget of the republic. Over the last 4 years [ which?] the number of tourists visiting Cyprus increased by 29%, and income from tourism - by 40%.