Cyprus - General

Malcolm Anderson

— 1 min read
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Cyprus is known as Aphrodite's birthplace, has the world's oldest wine (Commandaria) dating back to 2000 BC, boasts over 300 sunny days yearly, and features Nicosia, the last divided capital; it's also famous for its abundant cats, unique Mouflon sheep (which are not found anywhere else), halloumi cheese, and being a left-hand driving country with ancient history. 

Myth & History

  • Aphrodite's Birthplace: Legend says Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea foam near Paphos.
  • Ancient Wine: Cyprus produces Commandaria, the world's oldest named wine, with roots dating back to 2000 BC.
  • Gift to Cleopatra: Roman General Mark Antony once gifted the island to Cleopatra. 

Unique Island Features

  • Divided Capital: Nicosia is the world's only divided capital, split by the UN-patrolled "Green Line".
  • Cats Galore: There are more stray cats than people on the island, and the Cyprus Cat is a distinct breed.
  • Left-Hand Driving: It's one of the few places in the EU where you drive on the left.
  • Sun-Drenched: Expect over 300 sunny days annually. 

Nature & Culture

  • Mouflon Sheep: The endemic Cyprus Mouflon, a rare wild sheep, is found nowhere else.
  • Plant Diversity: The island is home to 140 unique flowering plant species, including rare orchids.
  • Halloumi Origin: The famous squeaky cheese, Halloumi, originated in Cyprus. 

Modern Facts

  • First Olympic Medal: Cyprus won its first Olympic medal at the London 2012 Games.
  • Flag Feature: Its flag uniquely features an outline of the island itself.

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