| | Cyprus |  |  | | Basic facts | | | The country | |
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| | Capital: Nicosia | | Area: 5,895 sq km | | Population: 762,887 (2002 Estimate) | | Urbanisation: Urban 56 per cent (1998 Estimate); Rural 44 per cent (1998 Estimate)
The third largest island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus lies off the southern coast of Turkey and the western shore of Syria. The highest peak is Mount Olympus at 6,406 feet. | |
Economy
| Exports: Citrus, potatoes, grapes, wine, cement, clothing, shoes
| Industry: Food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products, tourism, clothing, cement, bricks, wood products
| Agriculture: Major crops: potatoes, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, citrus fruits
| Currency: 1 Cypriot pound, consisting of 100 cents
| Natural resources: Copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment
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The people
| Ethnic:
| Language:
| Religion:
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The history
| Independence: 16 August 1960 (from the United Kingdom).
| Government: Cyprus is divided since 1974 after the invasion of the Turkish troops. The Republic of Cyprus is recognised by the United Nations and it is represented to all official events worldwide. Addiationally the Republic of Cyprus is on the verge of joining the European Union early in 2003.
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