Cyprus at a Glance_EN

Languages Greek and Turkish are the official languages. English is widely spoken. Religion Greek Cypriots are predominantly Christian and adhere to the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots are predominantly Sunni Muslims, while Maronites belong to the Maronite Catholic Church, Armenians predominantly to the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church and Latins to the Latin Catholic Church. Cultural Heritage - Neolithic settlements (Choirokoitia) - Classical, Hellenistic and Roman monuments (Salamina, Ancient Odeon of Pafos, Mosaics from the House of Dionysos in Pafos) - Byzantine and Latin churches and monasteries (the Church of Panayia Phorviotissa-Asinou, the Church of Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Kykkos Monastery) - Medieval castles and fortresses (Venetian Walls of Nicosia, St Hilarion Castle, Kantara Castle, Voufavento Castle) - Mosques (Hala Sultan Mosque, Bayraktar Mosque). Special effort is made to protect and preserve the cultural heritage in the Turkish occupied areas. Multiculturalism Geographically, Cyprus is at a crossroads of civilisations and a bridge between cultures. Cyprus has been conquered by many powers at various periods and has managed to assimilate various cultural influences. Its geographic and strategic position has turned it into an example and prototype of harmonious coexistence of different cultures. Dispersed throughout its territory are historic and religious monuments of varying styles, themes and philosophies. As an EU member state, this advantage contributes to the promotion of principles on which the European ideals are based, that is, the peaceful coexistence, cooperation, respect for diversity and the seeking of a convergence of ideas. 14