Cyprus

The National Flag of Cyprus

The national flag of Cyprus is a symbol of peace and unity recognized around the world. The flag of Cyprus, commonly known as the Cyprus flag, features a white field displaying a copper-orange silhouette of the island above two green crossed olive branches. Each element of the flag holds significant meaning, reflecting the history and aspirations of Cyprus.

Cyprus Flag Clip Art Images, Backgrounds, and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Cyprus Flag Image

To download an image of the Cyprus flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.
For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Cyprus Flag

The Cyprus flag features a design that is rich in symbolism and meaning:

• White Field: The white background symbolizes peace and purity, reflecting Cyprus’s aspiration for harmony.
• Island Silhouette: The copper-orange silhouette represents the shape of the island of Cyprus, highlighting the nation’s identity and its historical association with copper.
• Olive Branches: The two green crossed olive branches symbolize peace and the hope for reconciliation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
• White Color: (#FFFFFF) Symbolizes peace and purity.
• Copper-Orange Color: (#D57800) Represents the copper resources of the island, signifying its historical importance.
• Green Color: (#009E49) Represents the olive branches, symbolizing peace.

The Origins and Design of the Cyprus Flag

The flag of Cyprus has a rich history that reflects the nation’s journey toward independence and unity. The current flag was adopted on August 16, 1960, following Cyprus’s independence from British rule. The Cyprus flag is a symbol of the nation’s identity and serves as a constant reminder of its aspirations for peace and unity among its people.

The Birth of a National Symbol

The flag of Cyprus was designed to promote unity and peace on the island following its independence from Britain. Unlike many national flags, the Cyprus flag is notable for depicting a map of the country, symbolizing the entirety of the island. The use of neutral colors and symbols aims to represent all communities of Cyprus without favoring any particular group.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the Cyprus flag is deeply connected to the island’s history and its desire for peace:

• White Field: Symbolizes peace and purity, representing the nation’s hope for harmony among its people.
• Copper-Orange Island: Reflects the rich deposits of copper found on the island, from which Cyprus derives its name, highlighting the nation’s natural resources and heritage.
• Green Olive Branches: Represent peace and the aspiration for reconciliation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Cyprus flag include the silhouette of the island and the olive branches:

• Island Silhouette: Depicts the shape of Cyprus, symbolizing the nation’s identity and unity.
• Olive Branches: The crossed olive branches represent peace and the hope for reconciliation and unity between the island’s communities.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The Cyprus flag was officially adopted on August 16, 1960, upon gaining independence from British colonial rule. Unlike many national flags, the Cyprus flag has remained unchanged since its adoption, reflecting the nation’s enduring aspirations for peace and unity. The use of neutral symbols and colors is intended to represent all communities on the island equally. The Cyprus flag is respected throughout the country, and guidelines exist for its proper display and handling.

The Flag in Modern Cypriot Identity

Today, the Cyprus flag is a symbol of national identity and the desire for unity among its people. It is prominently displayed during national holidays, such as Independence Day on October 1st, which commemorates the country’s independence from British rule. The flag is also displayed in schools, government institutions, and by Cypriots living abroad, serving as a reminder of the nation’s history, cultural heritage, and commitment to peace.

The Significance of the Cyprus Flag

The flag of Cyprus holds a deep and significant place in the hearts of its people, symbolizing the rich history, culture, and aspirations for unity of the nation. Displaying the Cyprus flag is an act of national pride and respect, and it is done according to specific customs and on designated days that hold special meaning for the country.

When the Flag of Cyprus Can Be Displayed

The flag of Cyprus may be displayed on any day, but there are customs regarding when and how it should be presented. The flag should always be treated with respect, never touching the ground, and should be handled with care. It is commonly flown on public buildings, schools, and during official ceremonies. Citizens are also encouraged to display the flag at their homes during national holidays and important commemorations.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In Cyprus, there are several official flag days and national holidays when the flag is prominently displayed:

• October 1 – Independence Day: This day commemorates Cyprus’s independence from British rule in 1960. Ceremonies and parades are held across the country, and the flag is displayed prominently.
• March 25 – Greek Independence Day: This day marks the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. It is observed in Cyprus due to the close cultural ties with Greece, and the flag is displayed alongside the Greek flag.
• April 1 – EOKA Day: This day commemorates the start of the EOKA struggle against British rule in 1955. The flag is displayed in remembrance of those who fought for independence.
• Other Religious and National Holidays: The flag is also displayed during significant religious holidays like Easter and Christmas, reflecting the cultural traditions of the country.

Love for the Flag and Patriotism

The Cyprus flag is not just a national symbol; it is a representation of the pride and aspirations that Cypriots have for their country. The flag’s design—the silhouette of the island and the olive branches—embodies the nation’s identity, unity, and enduring hope for peace. Cypriots demonstrate their love for the flag and their patriotism in various ways. During national holidays, particularly on Independence Day, the flag is displayed prominently—from homes and public spaces to official ceremonies. Schools instill a sense of respect for the flag from a young age, often including flag-raising ceremonies as part of important events. The flag serves as a unifying symbol, strengthening the emotional connection among all Cypriots.

Cyprus Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1E8 U+1F1FE
• UTF-16: D83C DDE8 D83C DDFE

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇨🇾
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇨🇾

3. CSS

content: "\1F1E8\1F1FE";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

 // JavaScript Example const cyFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDFE";
// Java Example String cyFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDFE"; 

5. PHP & Ruby

 // PHP Example $cyFlag = "\u{1F1E8}\u{1F1FE}";
// Ruby Example cy_flag = "\u{1F1E8}\u{1F1FE}" 

6. Perl

my $cyFlag = "\x{1F1E8}\x{1F1FE}";

7. Python

cy_flag = "\U0001F1E8\U0001F1FE"

8. C#

string cyFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDFE";

9. Swift

let cyFlag = "\u{1F1E8}\u{1F1FE}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *cyFlag = @"\U0001F1E8\U0001F1FE";

11. JSON

{ "cyFlag": "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDFE" } 

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDFE');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

cy_flag=$'\U1F1E8\U1F1FE'

14. Go (Golang)

cyFlag := "\U0001F1E8\U0001F1FE"

15. Kotlin

val cyFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDFE"

About Cyprus

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, located south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel, north of Egypt, and southeast of Greece. The diverse geography of Cyprus includes:

• The Troodos Mountains, the island’s largest mountain range located in the central part
• The Kyrenia Range along the northern coast
• Coastal plains along the southern and northern coasts
• Beaches with sandy shores and clear waters
• The Mesaoria Plain in the center of the island

Cyprus Map

Area and Population

Cyprus covers an area of approximately 9,251 square kilometers, making it the third-largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 1.2 million people.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Cyprus has a diverse population composed mainly of two ethnic groups:

• Greek Cypriots: approximately 77% of the population
• Turkish Cypriots: around 18%
• Other minorities, including Maronites, Armenians, and Latins

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Cyprus”

The name “Cyprus” is believed to derive from the Latin word for copper, “cuprum,” due to the island’s rich copper resources in antiquity.

History

Cyprus has a rich and complex history that dates back to ancient times. Key historical events include:

• Ancient settlements dating back to the Neolithic period
• Rule by various empires, including the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, and Romans
• Byzantine period after the division of the Roman Empire
• Crusader control, notably by King Richard the Lionheart and subsequently the Lusignan dynasty
• Ottoman rule from 1571 to 1878
• British administration from 1878 until independence in 1960
• Intercommunal tensions leading to the division of the island in 1974

Government and Politics

Capital

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and is notable for being the last divided capital city in the world, with the northern part administered by the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.

Government and Politics

Cyprus operates as a presidential republic. The President serves as both the head of state and government. The country is a member of the European Union since 2004. The island remains divided, with the southern part administered by the Republic of Cyprus and the northern part by the Turkish Cypriot community.

Values and Culture

Cypriot culture is a blend of Greek and Turkish influences, along with British colonial heritage. Family, hospitality, and tradition are highly valued in Cypriot society.

Religion

The majority religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity, practiced by Greek Cypriots, while Turkish Cypriots are predominantly Muslim. Religious tolerance is generally observed.

Holidays

Major public holidays in Cyprus include:

• Independence Day on October 1
• Greek National Day on March 25
• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Declaration of Independence on November 15 (recognized only by Turkey)
• Religious holidays such as Easter for Greek Cypriots and Ramadan for Turkish Cypriots

Demographics and Society

Language

The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. Greek is predominantly spoken in the south, while Turkish is spoken in the north. English is widely understood due to the British colonial past and tourism.

Society and Sports

Cypriot society places great emphasis on community and family. Popular sports include football (soccer), with the Cypriot First Division being the top league. Cyprus has also hosted international sports events and participates in the Olympics.

Safety

Cyprus is generally considered a safe country for residents and tourists. Petty crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, visitors should be mindful of the political situation and avoid crossing into restricted areas along the Green Line without proper authorization.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Cyprus has a high-income economy, classified as advanced by the IMF. Key sectors include:

• Tourism: A significant contributor to the GDP, with millions of visitors annually
• Financial services and banking
• Shipping: Cyprus has one of the largest merchant fleets in the world
• Real estate and property development
• Agriculture: Production of citrus fruits, vegetables, and wine

Currency

The official currency of Cyprus is the Euro (€), which it adopted upon joining the Eurozone in 2008.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Cyprus has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations over millennia. Notable aspects include:

• Ancient archaeological sites like Kourion and Paphos
• Traditional music and dance, including folk dances like the sousta
• Handicrafts such as lace-making in Lefkara and pottery

Cuisine

Cypriot cuisine is a blend of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavors. Key dishes include:

• Halloumi: A semi-hard cheese made from goat and sheep milk, often grilled
• Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers, commonly pork or chicken
• Meze: A selection of small dishes served as appetizers or a full meal
• Moussaka: A layered dish with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce

National Anthem

Cyprus shares the same national anthem as Greece, “Hymn to Liberty,” composed by Dionysios Solomos. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish national anthem, “İstiklâl Marşı.”

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Cyprus has a well-developed infrastructure, particularly in the southern part. Key points include:

• Two international airports: Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport
• Extensive road network connecting major cities and tourist destinations
• No railways since 1951; public transport is mainly by buses and taxis
• Ports in Limassol and Larnaca serving cargo and passenger ships

Time Zones

Cyprus operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2, and observes daylight saving time, switching to Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3).

Web and Phone Code

Cyprus’ internet country code is “.cy,” and its international dialing code is +357.

Cyprus: Things to See and Do

Cyprus is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a variety of attractions for visitors. Here are some top things to see and do in Cyprus:

Explore Ancient Ruins

Cyprus is home to numerous archaeological sites.

• Kourion: An ancient city-kingdom with well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins, including a theater and mosaics.
• Paphos Archaeological Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring tombs, villas, and mosaics.
• Salamis: Ancient ruins in the northern part of the island, including a gymnasium and theater.

Relax on Beautiful Beaches

Cyprus boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters.

• Ayia Napa: Known for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
• Nissi Beach: Famous for its turquoise waters and water sports.
• Coral Bay: A family-friendly beach near Paphos with golden sand.

Visit Traditional Villages

Experience the authentic Cypriot lifestyle in rural settings.

• Lefkara: Renowned for its lace-making and silverwork.
• Omodos: A wine-producing village with cobblestone streets and the historic Monastery of the Holy Cross.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Cyprus offers various activities for nature lovers.

• Troodos Mountains: Ideal for hiking, skiing in winter, and visiting traditional mountain villages.
• Aphrodite’s Rock: A mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, located along a scenic coastline.
• Akamas Peninsula: A nature reserve perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.

Experience the Cuisine

Delight in Cypriot food and drink.

• Visit Local Taverns: Try traditional dishes and local wines.
• Wine Tours: Explore wineries along the wine routes in the Troodos Mountains.

Discover Religious Sites

Cyprus has a rich religious heritage.

• Kykkos Monastery: One of the wealthiest monasteries, known for its Byzantine icons.
• Hala Sultan Tekke: An important Muslim shrine located near Larnaca Salt Lake.

Attend Festivals

Experience local culture through festivals.

• Limassol Carnival: A vibrant pre-Lenten festival with parades and masquerade balls.
• Pafos Aphrodite Festival: An annual opera festival held at the medieval castle in Paphos.

Explore Nicosia

Discover the capital city’s unique features.

• Old City Walls: Walk along the Venetian walls that encircle the old city.
• Leventis Municipal Museum: Learn about the history of Nicosia.
• Ledra Street Crossing: Experience the divide between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus.