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
Religions
Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other (includes Maronite and Armenian Apostolic) 4%
Catholic 70.3%, Evangelical 3.4%, New Apostolic 2%, Adventist 1.8%, other 3.1%, none 19.4% (2001 census)
Languages
Greek, Turkish, English
Portuguese (official)
Exports
citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, and clothing
External Debt
$106,500,000,000 $
Exchange Rate
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)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
2.000%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey
Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, straddling the Equator, west of Gabon
Area
9,251 km sq
964 km sq
Coastline
648 km
209 km
Climate
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters
tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)
