types, of cypress. They grow in warm
parts of Europe, Asia, and North
America.
Cypresses reach heights of 80 feet (25
meters) or more. Some cypresses have a
pyramid shape. Others grow into tall
columns. The bark is sometimes
smooth, but it usually forms plates or
strips. The leaves are small and overlapping.
They look like scales covering the
branches.
Cypresses belong to the large group of
plants called conifers. This means that
they produce cones that hold their seeds.
Cypress cones have a woody or leathery
covering and are usually round.
Cypress wood resists rotting and pests.
For this reason people use cypress wood
to make fences, docks, and other outdoor
structures. People also plant
cypresses in parks.
Only the plants belonging to the scientific
group called Cupressus are true
cypresses. But other trees are also called
cypresses. The trees called false cypresses
differ from true cypresses because they
have smaller cones with fewer seeds.
Bald cypresses grow in swampy parts of
southern North America. They are
known for their knobby “knees,” which
are actually part of their root system.
#More to explore
Conifer • Tree
Cypress trees stand along a
winding road in Italy.
Some
cypresses are
rare trees. The
Monterey
cypress can be
found growing
wild only in
two groves
near the central
California
coast.
BRITANNICA STUDENT ENCYCLOPEDIA Cypress 235
Cyprus
The island of Cyprus has been divided
for many years between its Greek and
Turkish populations. The Republic of
Cyprus is the official government of the
island. Only Turkey considers the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus, which
controls the northern third of the island,
to be a separate country. The capital of
both states is Nicosia—called Levkosia
in Greek and Lefkosa in Turkish.
Geography
Cyprus lies in the eastern part of the
Mediterranean Sea. It is about 40 miles
(64 kilometers) south of Turkey and 480
miles (772 kilometers) southeast of
mainland Greece.
Cyprus has mountains in the north and
the south with a flat plain in between.
Its long coastline is jagged and rocky,
with sandy beaches. Cyprus has hot, dry
summers and rainy winters. Its rivers
flow only in the winter; they dry up in
the summer.
Plants and Animals
Olive, carob, and citrus trees grow in the
north. Pine, dwarf oak, cypress, and
cedar forests cover the southern Troodos
Mountains.Wildflowers and flowering
bushes grow in the central plain.
Many years ago the island was home to
elephants, hippopotamuses, deer, and
boars. The only large wild animal in
Cyprus today is the agrino, a type of
wild sheep. Millions of birds fly over
Cyprus during their migrations each
year, and many types spend winters
there. Green and loggerhead turtles are
found on the island’s beaches. They are
protected by law.
The sandy beaches of Cyprus are a popular
vacation spot.
236 Cyprus BRITANNICA STUDENT ENCYCLOPEDIA
People
The two main ethnic groups of Cyprus
are Greeks and Turks. Greek Cypriots
make up the majority. They are mostly
Eastern Orthodox Christians. The Turkish
Cypriots are Muslims. Greek and
Turkish are the official languages, but
English is considered a second language
in both populations. Most of the people
live in cities.
Economy
Services, including tourism, are the
main economic activities of Cyprus.
Manufacturing and construction are also
important. Greek Cyprus produces food
products, cement, cigarettes, wine, and
vehicles. Turkish Cyprus produces
mainly clothing. Farms in both areas
grow citrus fruits and potatoes.
History
People have lived on Cyprus for more
than 7,000 years. The first Greek settlers
arrived between 2000 and 1000 BC.
They founded new cities, which became
the capitals of six ancient Greek kingdoms
on Cyprus. Later, the Persians, the
Egyptians, the Roman Empire, and the
Byzantine Empire took control at various
times.
The Ottoman Turks captured Cyprus in
1571 and continued ruling for more
than three centuries. The British leased
Cyprus from the Ottomans in 1878 and
took it as their own in 1914.
AfterWorldWar II (1939–45) the longstanding
conflict between the Greek and
Turkish communities intensified. Many
Greek Cypriots wanted to be part of
Greece, while many Turkish Cypriots
wanted the island split into two political
areas. Cyprus gained independence in
1960, but the two groups soon began
fighting.
In 1974 the military forced out the
president of Cyprus, and forces from
Turkey invaded the north. In 1975 the
northern part of the island became the
Turkish Federated State of Cyprus. The
north declared itself the independent
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in
1983. This declaration was condemned
by the United Nations. By the early 21st
century the two sides were working
toward reunification, but only Greek
Cyprus joined the European Union in
2004.
..More to explore
Greece • Nicosia • Turkey
Part of an ancient Roman temple
still stands in Cyprus. The
ancient Romans began ruling
Cyprus more than 2,000 years
ago.
Facts About
CYPRUS
Population
(2008 estimate)
805,000
Area
3,572 sq mi
(9,251 sq km)
Capital
Nicosia
Form of
government
Republic
Urban areas
Nicosia, Limassol,
Larnaca
BRITANNICA STUDENT ENCYCLOPEDIA Cyprus 237
Czar
#see Tsar.
Czechoslovakia
