republic note: a separation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separation was further solidified after the Turkish intervention in July 1974 that followed a Greek junta-supported coup attempt gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf DENKTASH declared independence and the formation of a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC), which is recognized only by Turkey
republic
Independence date
16 August 1960 (from UK); note - Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but these proclamations are only recognized by Turkey
15 August 1960 (from France)
Religions
Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other (includes Maronite and Armenian Apostolic) 4%
Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%
Languages
Greek, Turkish, English
French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Exports
citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, and clothing
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.673 (2008 est.), Cypriot pounds (CYP) per US dollar - 0.4286 (2007), 0.4586 (2006), 0.4641 (2005), 0.4686 (2004)
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar 441.72 (2008 est.), 483.6 (2007), 522.59 (2006), 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
2.000%
1.700%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey
Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
Area
9,251 km sq
342,000 km sq
Coastline
648 km
169 km
Climate
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
