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
3 September 1971 (from UK)
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 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)
Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other (includes Maronite and Armenian Apostolic) 4%
Languages
Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
Greek, Turkish, English
Exports
liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel
citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement, and clothing
External Debt
$137,000,000,000 $
$106,500,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar - 3.64 (2008 est.), 3.64 (2007), 3.64 (2006), 3.64 (2005), 3.64 (2004)
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
10.000%
2.000%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey
Area
11,586 km sq
9,251 km sq
Coastline
563 km
648 km
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters
