Cyprus

Cyprus Geography Overview

Cyprus, officially known as the Republic of Cyprus, is a captivating island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. With a total area of approximately 9,251 square kilometers, it is ranked as the third largest island in the Mediterranean, following Sicily and Sardinia. The country's geography is characterized by a central plateau bordered by mountain ranges to the north and south, with notable plains along its southern coastline. This diverse topography is complemented by a Mediterranean climate, which features hot, dry summers and mild winters. Cyprus's strategic location, south of Turkey and at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, adds to its geopolitical significance. The island's population is primarily concentrated in central Nicosia and the major southern cities of Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca. As a nation rich in natural resources like copper, pyrites, and gypsum, Cyprus holds a unique position in both global and regional contexts. Its geographic coordinates are 35 00 N, 33 00 E, making it an ideal spot for those interested in exploring its rich cultural and natural heritage. Discover more about Cyprus's stunning geography and its pivotal role in the region by exploring maps and location insights.

Area

land

9,241 sq km

water

10 sq km

total

9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus)

Climate

Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters

Terrain

a central plateau bordered by mountain ranges to the north and south; notable but limited plains along the southern coastline

Land use

other

67.1% (2023 est.)

forest

18.6% (2023 est.)

agricultural land

14% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 10.6% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 3.1% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.)

Location

located in the Middle East, this island is situated in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey; it is important to mention that Cyprus considers itself a part of Europe; geopolitically, it can be categorized as belonging to Europe, the Middle East, or both

Coastline

648 km

Elevation

lowest point

Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point

Mount Olympus 1,951 m

mean elevation

91 m

Irrigated land

269 sq km (2020)

Map references

Middle East

Land boundaries

total

156 km

border sovereign base areas

Akrotiri 48 km; Dhekelia 108 km

Maritime claims

contiguous zone

24 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

continental shelf

200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Natural hazards

experiences moderate seismic activity; susceptible to drought conditions

Geography - note

ranked as the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, following Sicily and Sardinia

Natural resources

natural resources include copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, and clay earth pigments

Area - comparative

approximately 0.6 times the area of Connecticut

Geographic coordinates

35 00 N, 33 00 E

Population distribution

population is primarily found in central Nicosia and the major southern cities of Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca