Cyprus general knowledge
Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Known for its ancient history, archaeological sites, beaches, and cultural diversity, Cyprus plays an important role in Mediterranean trade and tourism. This Q&A guide covers key facts about Cyprus.
Cyprus GK Question Answer
Geography & Location
Q: What is the capital of Cyprus?
A: Nicosia
Q: What is the largest city in Cyprus?
A: Nicosia
Q: Which countries are near Cyprus?
A: Turkey, Greece, Syria, Lebanon, Israel
Q: Which sea surrounds Cyprus?
A: Mediterranean Sea
Q: What is the total area of Cyprus?
A: Approximately 9,251 square kilometers
Q: What is the population of Cyprus?
A: Around 1.3 million (2025 estimate)
Q: What is the currency of Cyprus?
A: Euro (€)
Q: What is the highest point in Cyprus?
A: Mount Olympus (1,952 meters)
Q: Name a major river in Cyprus.
A: Pedieos River
Q: Name another river in Cyprus.
A: Kouris River
Q: What type of climate does Cyprus have?
A: Mediterranean – hot dry summers, mild wet winters
Q: Name a famous beach in Cyprus.
A: Nissi Beach
Q: Name a famous mountain range in Cyprus.
A: Troodos Mountains
History & Politics
Q: When did Cyprus gain independence from the UK?
A: 16 August 1960
Q: What type of government does Cyprus have?
A: Presidential republic
Q: Who is the President of Cyprus (2025)?
A: Nikos Christodoulides
Q: What is the name of the Cypriot parliament?
A: House of Representatives
Q: What was Cyprus called in ancient times?
A: Alashiya
Q: Which civilizations ruled Cyprus historically?
A: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, British
Q: When did Cyprus join the European Union?
A: 1 May 2004
Q: What is Cyprus’s national motto?
A: “Unity in Diversity”
Q: Name a political party in Cyprus.
A: Democratic Rally (DISY)
Q: Name a historical city in Cyprus.
A: Paphos
Culture & Society
Q: What are the official languages of Cyprus?
A: Greek and Turkish
Q: What is the main religion in Cyprus?
A: Christianity (Greek Orthodox majority)
Q: Name a traditional Cypriot dish.
A: Souvlaki
Q: Name a famous Cypriot singer.
A: Elena Patroklou
Q: Name a famous Cypriot writer.
A: Costas Montis
Q: What is Cyprus’s national flag?
A: Map of Cyprus in copper color with olive branches on a white background
Q: Name a traditional dance in Cyprus.
A: Sousta
Q: Name a famous festival in Cyprus.
A: Limassol Carnival
Q: Name a common greeting in Cyprus.
A: “Kalimera” (Good morning)
Q: Name a traditional Cypriot craft.
A: Lefkara lace
Economy & Infrastructure
Q: What is the currency of Cyprus?
A: Euro (€)
Q: What are the major sectors of Cyprus economy?
A: Services, tourism, financial services
Q: What is Cyprus famous for exporting?
A: Citrus fruits, potatoes, halloumi cheese
Q: Which city is Cyprus’s financial hub?
A: Nicosia
Q: Name a major port in Cyprus.
A: Limassol Port
Q: Name a major airport in Cyprus.
A: Larnaca International Airport
Q: Name a major Cypriot bank.
A: Bank of Cyprus
Q: Does Cyprus produce oil or gas?
A: Offshore gas fields exist but limited production
Q: Name a major highway in Cyprus.
A: A1 Motorway
Q: Name a major company in Cyprus.
A: Cyprus Airways
Famous Places & Tourism
Q: Name a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cyprus.
A: Paphos Archaeological Site
Q: Name a famous beach in Cyprus.
A: Fig Tree Bay
Q: Name a famous national park in Cyprus.
A: Akamas Peninsula National Park
Q: Name a popular city for tourism.
A: Limassol
Q: Name a famous historical city in Cyprus.
A: Famagusta
Q: Name a famous monastery in Cyprus.
A: Kykkos Monastery
Q: Name a famous castle in Cyprus.
A: Kolossi Castle
Q: Name a popular island destination near Cyprus.
A: None (Cyprus itself is an island)
Q: Name a famous square in Cyprus.
A: Eleftheria Square, Nicosia
Q: Name a famous beach resort in Cyprus.
A: Ayia Napa
Education & Science
Q: Name a leading university in Cyprus.
A: University of Cyprus
Q: Is education compulsory in Cyprus?
A: Yes, from ages 5 to 15
Q: What is the literacy rate of Cyprus?
A: Around 98%
Q: Name a famous Cypriot scientist.
A: Christopher Panayi
Q: Name a major research institute in Cyprus.
A: Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics
Q: Name a technological university in Cyprus.
A: European University Cyprus
Q: Name a famous Cypriot historian.
A: George Ostrogorsky
Q: Name a leading educational city.
A: Nicosia
Q: Name a famous Cypriot library.
A: Cyprus National Library
Q: Name a prominent educational institution in Limassol.
A: Frederick University
Sports
Q: Which sport is most popular in Cyprus?
A: Football (soccer)
Q: Name Cyprus’s national football team nickname.
A: Chipre (The Cypriots)
Q: Has Cyprus participated in the Olympic Games?
A: Yes
Q: Name a famous Cypriot tennis player.
A: Marcos Baghdatis
Q: Name a Cypriot football club.
A: APOEL FC
Q: Name a traditional sport in Cyprus.
A: Marbles (traditional children’s game)
Q: Name Cyprus’s main football stadium.
A: GSP Stadium
Q: Has Cyprus won Olympic medals?
A: Yes, in sailing and athletics
Q: Name a famous Cypriot athlete.
A: Pavlos Kontides
Q: Name a famous Cypriot basketball team.
A: AEL Limassol
Miscellaneous Facts
Q: What is the calling code of Cyprus?
A: +357
Q: What is the national animal of Cyprus?
A: Mouflon (wild sheep)
Q: What is the national bird of Cyprus?
A: Cyprus Wheatear
Q: Name a famous beach town in Cyprus.
A: Ayia Napa
Q: What is the national flower of Cyprus?
A: Cyprus Cyclamen
Q: Which city is divided between Greek and Turkish control?
A: Nicosia
Q: Name a famous Cypriot dessert.
A: Loukoumades
Q: Name a famous Cypriot actor.
A: Costas Mandylor
Q: Name a popular Cypriot music genre.
A: Traditional folk music
Q: What is Cyprus known for historically?
A: Ancient Greek and Roman ruins, strategic Mediterranean location
