Fact 1: The place where love was born
Legend has it that Cyprus is the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite - known as Venus by the Romans. She was said to be born from the sea foam near Paphos at a landmark known as Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock.
Fact 2: A country of ancient history
Cyprus is home to some of the oldest water wells in the world. Dating back to 8500 BC, these remnants of the past are a fascinating glimpse into the country's ancient history.
Fact 3: Cyprus, chief exporter of copper
The name Cyprus actually comes from the ancient word for copper. Copper has been mined and exported from the island since the 4th millennium BC, making the island a significant player in the ancient metal industry.
Fact 4: The island of many religions
Even though it's a small island, it has a rich religious history. Cyprus was the first country to be governed by a Christian, and is filled with monasteries, mosques, and churches, making it a great place for people interested in religious history.
Fact 5: Home to the world's oldest wine in continuous production
Cyprus can boast about being home to the oldest wine label found in continuous production. Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine, has been produced in the same region of the island for over 5000 years.
Fact 6: Immerse in the Greek mythology
Cyprus is heavily associated with Greek mythology. It was not only the alleged birthplace of Aphrodite, but also where King Cinyras, linked to the myths of Adonis and Pygmalion, reigned.
Fact 7: Floating on the Mediterranean
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia. Despite its size, the country is quite populous, with a population of over 1.19 million.
Fact 8: Cyprus cats - a breed of their own
Cyprus has its own unique breed of dog and cat! The Cyprus cat is known for its good luck charm and has been on the island for over 9000 years, while the native dog breed is the Cypriot Poodle, locally known as the 'Kypriakos Lopanos'.
Fact 9: A foreign wedding hotspot
Every year, numerous foreign couples choose Cyprus as their wedding destination, due to its iconic landscapes and mild climate. Around 8,000 British nationals get married on this sunny Mediterranean island annually.
Fact 10: The seven wonders of Cyprus
In Greek and Roman times, the “Soloi Cypria” - an enormous emerald from the Soloi region of Cyprus - was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Fact 11: An Island of Two Halves
Cyprus is the only foreign venue in which an English Royal wedding has been hosted. This was between King Richard and Queen Joanna in 1191. The interesting fact is that Richard the Lionheart conquered the island on his way to the Holy Land during the Third Crusade.
Fact 12: Cyprus has the earliest recorded example of domesticated cats
In 2004, archaeologists discovered a pet cat's grave which was nearly 9500 years old, in Cyprus, making it the earliest known pet cat.
Fact 13: The love for halloumi
In Cyprus, you'll find the stretchy and squeaky cheese, halloumi, on nearly every plate. The country is the largest per capita consumer of the cheese worldwide.
Fact 14: Cyprus has a total of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Cyprus is also home to three of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The entire town of Paphos, Choirokoitia, and the painted churches of Troodos region.
Fact 15: Last divided capital city in the world
Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus, is the last capital city in the world to remain divided by force, with a 'Green Line' dividing the Turkish Cypriot northern part from the Greek Cypriot southern part.
Fact 16: The greenest of the Mediterranean islands
Cyprus happens to be the greenest of all Mediterranean islands with 3.5 million olive trees.
Fact 17: Home to the oldest perfume in the world
Archaeologists have discovered the world's oldest perfumes on Cyprus. The 4,000-year-old scents were discovered in an ancient perfumery. It took research teams years to re-create them.
Fact 18: Famous celebrities connection
Celebrities like George Michael and Peter Andre have Cypriot heritage, with some even having properties on the island.
Fact 19: The Cyprus Mufflon
Critically endangered but successfully safeguarded by the Republic of Cyprus, these unique wild sheep known, as the Mufflon, are a symbol of Cypriot wildlife.
Fact 20: A paradise for sun lovers
Cyprus has the most sunny days in Europe, with over 300 days of sunshine per year. This makes it a great tourist hot spot no matter the season.