Understand
Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. Despite a constitution which guaranteed a degree of power-sharing between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority, the two populations – with backing from the governments of Greece and Turkey, respectively – clashed vehemently in 1974, with the end result being the occupation of the northern and eastern 40% of the island by Turkey. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". So far, only Turkey recognizes the TRNC, while all other governments and the United Nations recognize only the government of the Republic of Cyprus over the whole island. The UN operates a peacekeeping force and a narrow buffer zone between the two Cypriot ethnic groups. Fortunately, open hostilities have been absent for some time, as the two sides (now with the growing involvement of the European Union) gradually inch towards a reunification of some sort.
ClimateTemperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters.
TerrainCentral plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast.
Eat
Cypriot food bears a distinct resemblance to Greek cooking, and uses lemons and olives extensively.
Cypriot meze (appetizers akin to Spanish tapas) are an art form, and some restaurant serve nothing but.Halloumi (Χαλλουμι) is a uniquely Cypriot cheese, made from a mix of cow's and sheep's milk. Hard and salty when raw, it mellows and softens when cooked and is hence often served grilled.For more info you can also visit Cyprus' most comprehensive eating out guide that features Cyprus restaurants CyprusEatOut...
