Flag of Cyprus

Flag of Cyprus

The flag of Cyprus consists of a yellow silhouette of the island and two crossed branches on a white background. Yellow color evokes copper resources on the island, which are reflected even in the name “Cyprus” itself since it is derived from a Greek word for copper. Crossed branches should represent the desire for peaceful coexistence between Greek Cypriots and Turks inhabiting the island. Blue and red as the colors of the Greek and the Cypriot flags were not used on purpose. The current flag came into force in 1960 after gaining the independence over the Great Britain and it was designed by elementary school teacher and approved by the first president of Cyprus. The flag could have been replaced in 2004, but the proposal did not pass through referendum. Turkish Cypriots use their own flag, nevertheless it is not internationally recognized.

Country information

Sovereign State Yes
Country codes CY, CYP (ISO 3166-1)
Official name Republic of Cyprus
Capital city Nicosia
Continent Europe
Member of United Nations, European Union, Commonwealth of Nations
Population 875 900 (2018)
Total area 9 251 km2
Highest point Mount Olympus (1 951 m, 6 401 ft)
Lowest point Mediterranean Sea
GDP per capita $ 28 159 (World Bank, 2018)
Currency Euro (€, EUR)
Calling code +357
Internet TLD .cy

Country location