The Republic of Cyprus is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea and is a member of the European Union. Although the island lies on the edge of Asia, it is frequently linked with Europe because of its culture and long history. Geographically it sits nearer to Africa than to mainland Europe.
Government, language and capital
The country is officially called the Republic of Cyprus. Its largest city and administrative centre is Nicosia. The two most commonly spoken languages on the island are Greek and Turkish, reflecting the island’s diverse communities.
Economy and visitors
Tourism plays a major role in Cyprus’s economy. In 2019 the island received around four million visitors, and tourism receipts that year were roughly €2.7 billion (euros). The sector remained a significant part of national activity: tourism accounted for about 23% of the country’s overall economy in 2020, although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in travel that year.