Facts

If you want to know how big Cyprus is and how many days of sunshine, look no further...

By Camilla Kaas Stock and Nils E. Bjørnæs

Capital: Nicosia

Landmass: 9 250 sq km

Population: 780 133 (July 2005)

Language: Greek, Turkish, English

Religion: Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, other religions 4%

Lifespan: Men 75 years, Women 80 years

Government: Republic (The Turkish republic of North Cyprus is only recognized by Turkey)

Climate: 300 days of sunshine, 8 degrees Celsius in December, 35 degrees Celsius in August.

Coin: In the Greek area of Cyprus; Euro. In the Turkish part; Turkish lira (TRL)

GDP (per capita): Republic of Cyprus: purchasing power parity - $15.71 billion, North Cyprus: purchasing power parity - $4.54 billion (2004 est.)

Work force: South Cyprus 330 000, North Cyprus 95 025 (2004)

Export: South Cyprus $1.094 billion (f.o.b.), North Cyprus $49.3 billion (f.o.b.) (2004)

Import: South Cyprus $5.258 billion (f.o.b.), North Cyprus $415.2 million (f.o.b.) (2004)

Natural recourses: copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, salt, marble, clay earth pigment