Cyprus: flag, capital, currency and history

Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is a country in Southern Europe, Europe. Its capital is Nicosia. The currency is the Euro. Languages spoken include Greek and Turkish.

Quick facts about Cyprus

Official name: Republic of Cyprus
Capital: Nicosia
Region: Europe, Southern Europe
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Languages: Greek, Turkish
Calling code: +357
Internet domain: .cy
Area: 9,251 km² (3,572 sq mi)
Land borders: None (island or surrounded by water)
Demonym: Cypriot
National day: Independence Day, October 1

Flag of Cyprus

Download the flag of Cyprus as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇨🇾.

SVG (vector)

History of Cyprus

Human settlement on the island dates back thousands of years, and Cyprus was later ruled by a succession of powers including the Assyrians, Persians, Romans and Byzantines. It was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1571 and came under British administration in 1878, becoming a Crown colony in 1925. Independence followed in 1960 under a power-sharing constitution between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. A coup and Turkish military intervention in 1974 led to a de facto division of the island that remains unresolved. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004.

Key dates

1571The Ottoman Empire conquers the island from Venice.
1878The United Kingdom takes over administration of the island from the Ottomans.
1925Cyprus becomes a British Crown colony.
1960Cyprus becomes an independent republic.
1974A coup and Turkish military intervention lead to the island's de facto division.
2004Cyprus joins the European Union.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.