Our Flags make a Statement

The national flag of Cyprus was adopted on the 16^th of August 1960, after the country gained its independence from the British. However, before the British took control of the island of Cyprus it was a part of the Ottoman Empire, flying under Turkish flags, until it was taken over by the British in 1878. It primarily flew under the Union Jack during its time under British control, with periods under other British flags. Finally, when the country received independence from the United Kingdom, a design was required which had the primary meaning of promoting unity and peace. The flag of Cyprus features a white background, with a copper map of the country in the centre and below this are two olive branches. The white represents peace and hope, with the olive branches having the same meaning, of peace between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities of the island. The inclusion of the countries map made it the first country to include their map on the flag. Its colour, copper, is symbolic of the metal’s importance to the country, with it playing an important role in the economy of Cyprus for hundreds of years.

Cyprus is an island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is roughly 100km south of the Turkish coastline and 100km off the coast of Syria. The country has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites despite its small size. The country is home to around 1.38 million people with most people speaking Greek and Turkish dialects, while the official languages are Greek and Turkish. The island’s connection to Greece, has resulted in legend’s stating that the Greek goddess of love and beauty, was born off the coast of Paphos, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The island is 9,251km² in area and the capital city is Nicosia. It is said that the oldest wine still in production is made in and originated in Cyprus, the wine is known as Commandaria.