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
Independence date
27 June 1977 (from France)
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
Muslim 94%, Christian 6%
Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other (includes Maronite and Armenian Apostolic) 4%
Languages
French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar
Greek, Turkish, English
Exports
reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit)
citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, and clothing
External Debt
$802,900,000 $
$106,500,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Djiboutian francs (DJF) per US dollar - 177.71 (2007), 174.75 (2006), 177.72 (2005), 177.72 (2004), 177.72 (2003)
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
3.600%
2.000%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia
Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey
Area
23,200 km sq
9,251 km sq
Coastline
314 km
648 km
Climate
desert; torrid, dry
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters
