Today, we continue on our virtual backpacking trip through Europe, and our next stop is... Cyprus! This is a dreamy, beautiful island nation that is quickly moving up my real-life travel wish list. Let's take a closer look!
Cyprus can also be called, "The Island of Love" as, according to legend, it is the birthplace of the Greek Goddess of Love - Aphrodite.
During the Copper and Bronze ages, the country was having its heyday, and was among the wealthiest nations in the world at the time.
The island experiences 320 days of sunshine per year.
As we see in the image above, the flag of Cyprus includes a map outline of the country. It is actually one of only two countries (and the first!) in the world to do so.
The island was once a romantic gift from Roman general Mark Antony to the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra.
20 rare species of orchids are found only on Cyprus.
Out of 1,950 species of flowering plants worldwide, 140 are found only on the island.
It is one of only 4 countries in the EU where driving happens on the left-hand side of the road.
Cyprus claims to be home to the oldest manufactured wine in the world.
Today, Cyprus enjoys a very low crime rate, making it one of the statistically safest places in the world, related to crime.
The largest bank on the island is owned by Cypriot Orthodox Church.
The capital of Cyprus - Nocosia - is the only capital in the world divided into two parts (by the famed 'Green Line'): "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" and "Independent Republic of Cyprus" (or "Greek Cyprus"). Depending on where a person lives on the island, they are referred to as Greek Cypriots or Turkish Cypriots. The two languages spoken on the island are Greek and Turkish.
Cyprus is the only foreign country to ever host a British royal wedding, back in 1191 (and then gained full independence from the British in 1960).
The most popular and significant holiday in Cyprus is Easter.
In 2008, a sex curse inscribed in Greek on a tablet was unexpectedly found on the southern coast of Cyprus. It dates back to the 7th century AD and the inscription translates to: “May your penis hurt when you make love.”
The village of Lefkara is famous for its lace, and was once even the lace-shopping destination for Leonardo da Vinci.
The currency of Cyprus is the Euro.
Cypriots generally don't like fishing, and don't eat much fish, despite living on an island.
Delicious Hallouni Cheese, also known as 'Wonder Cheese' is a Cypriot specialty.
The remains of the first known pet cat were found buried with its human and the remains date back 9,500 years!
Speaking of cats, Cyprus can be called the 'Island of Cats' due to the fact that estimates suggest more cats than people reside on the island.
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