Flag of Cyprus

What the flag means

• 🟠Copper-orange map of the island — Cyprus is named for copper
• 🫒Two olive branches — peace between the Greek and Turkish communities

Design set by: ⁨Σύνταγμα της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας, Άρθρο 4 (και Άρθρο 47)⁩ · Adopted 1960

Highlights

• 🏖️ Blue Mediterranean coasts
• 🏛️ Birthplace of Aphrodite
• ⛪ Historic churches and mosaics
• 🍷 Commandaria, oldest named wine still made
• ☀️ Warm sunshine all year

Quick facts

Region

Europe · Southern Europe

Status

Sovereign state

Population

1,370,754 people (2025)

Area

9,251 km²

Capital

Nicosia

Languages

Greek, Turkish

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Organizations

United Nations, European Union

Symbols in History (1)

Coats of arms and emblems whose historic seat lies within this country’s present-day territory.

• 

  The Cyprus Lion Arms of the House of Lusignan

  The kingdoms of Cyprus, Jerusalem and Cilician Armenia · 1192–1489 · royal house arms

  OriginA red lion wearing a gold crown set on horizontal stripes of silver and blue is the original coat of the Lusignan family, and after the family began to rule Cyprus in 1192 it was used as the royal house arms of the Kingdom of Cyprus. The later composite arms, which quarter together the titles to Jerusalem, Cyprus and Cilician Armenia, are a different design.

  DescriptionOn a field of alternating silver and blue horizontal stripes, a single red lion wearing a gold crown rears on its hind legs with its forepaws raised. The lion's tongue and claws are coloured gold.

  Source: Histoire héraldique de la famille de Lusignan · Société nationale des Antiquaires de France — Bulletin de la Société nationale des Antiquaires de France (1950), on Persée · Image source: Wikimedia Commons — Coat of Arms of the House of Lusignan (Kings of Cyprus).svg · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · James2813, all elements drawn by Sodacan and Heralder