FACTS

Location: Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey

Area (only Total) total: 9,250 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus)

Climate: temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Terrain: central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast

Population: 792,604 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Greek

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Nicosia (Lefkosia)

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+2

Independence: 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

National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as Independence Day