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Updated: March 2009

Cyprus

Overview | World Vision in Cyprus

Overview

The island with the third largest area in the Mediterranean Sea, the Republic of Cyprus is located to the south of Turkey and to the west of Syria. Mountains in the north and south border a central plain. The Troodos Mountain range in the south is home to Mt. Olympus, which rises to more than 6,400 feet, making it the island’s highest point. Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate that provides cool winters and hot, dry summers. Cypriots frequently face water shortages as a result of droughts. Natural resources include copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, and clay.

Early in Mediterranean history, Cyprus became a thriving center of activity between the east and the west. Beginning in 3700 B.C., the history of Cyprus involved a series of rulers, including Assyria, Egypt, Persia, Greece, Rome, and Byzantium. In A.D. 1571, following brief periods of English and Frankish possession, the Ottoman Turks gained control of Cyprus, and many Turks moved to the island.

 
Country statistics 
Population846,000
Land mass3,568 square miles
People per square mile237
Life expectancy78.15 years
Under age 5 mortality rate4/1,000
Literacy rate97.6%
Access to safe water100%
Average annual incomeUS$18,430
Religion
Christian78%
Muslim18%
Other4%
 
However, Cyprus did not remain under Turkish control. In 1914, the island was annexed to Great Britain, and in 1925, it became a Crown Colony. Eventually, a group of Greek Cypriots rebelled against Britain, forming an allegiance with Greece and gaining independence from Britain in 1960. Only three years later, tensions arose between Greek Cypriots and Cypriots who continued to pledge allegiance to Turkey. In the 1970s, Turkish troops took control of the northern third of the island.

Today, despite UN attempts to unify these groups, the island remains divided between those who recognize the allegiance with Greece and those who give allegiance to the Turkish government. In addition to their political divisions, these groups are also divided by language and religion. The primary languages are Greek and Turkish, though a small percentage of the population speaks English. Overall, interactions among Greek and Turkish Cypriots have remained peaceful. In recent years, border regulations have been relaxed, and communication between the two groups has become more frequent.

With easy access to three continents, Cyprus’ prime location serves its flourishing economy, making it one of the most successful nations in the Mediterranean. Though agriculture once dominated the economy, Cyprus has now shifted its focus to manufacturing and services, which account for nearly 78 percent of the gross domestic product. Tourism is the main service. Manufactured goods account for 58.3 percent of domestic exports. In 2004, Cyprus joined the European Union, and in early 2008, the euro was established as the national currency. In recent years, Cyprus has also managed to maintain a low unemployment rate, eliminate the fiscal deficit, and reduce public debt.

The education system in Cyprus is strong on both the primary and secondary levels, with near 100 percent attendance rates. Most Cypriots attain a university education at a European or American school or attend state-funded or private universities on the island. Cyprus is technologically advanced, the labor force is well-educated, and crime rates remain low.

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World Vision in Cyprus

World Vision’s office in Cyprus provides regional support to offices in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. These three regions rely on the assistance of the Cyprus office to accomplish their mission of helping those living in the world’s poorest countries. Along with the help of the Cyprus office, donors from several countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia support thousands of children and families, providing health care, clean water, education, and emergency relief.

For more information on World Vision’s work in Cyprus, please contact the United States office.

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