CYPRUS

Republic of Cyprus Kypriaki Dimokratia CAPITAL: Nicosia FLAG: The national flag consists of the map of Cyprus in gold set above two green olive branches on a white field. ANTHEM: Ethnikos Hymnos (National Hymn), beginning “Se gnorizo apo tin kopsi” (“I recognize you by the keenness of your spade”). MONETARY UNIT: The Cyprus pound (C£) is a paper currency of 100 cents. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents and 1 pound, and notes of 50 cents, and 1, 5, 10, and 20 pounds. C£1 = $1.851 (or $1 = C£0.54; as of February 2003). The Turkish lira (TL) of 100 kurus¸ is the currency in the Turkish Cypriot zone. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard. Imperial and local measures also are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Epiphany, 6 January; Late President Makarios’ Day, 19 January; Greek Independence Day, 25 March; Cyprus National Day, 1 April; Labor Day, 1 May; Cyprus Independence Day, 1 October; Greek Resistance Day, 28 October; Christmas, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Holidays observed by the Turkish Cypriot community include Founding of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus, 13 February; Turkish National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, 23 April; Turkish Youth and Sports Day, 19 May; Turkish Victory Day, 30 August; Turkish Independence Day, 29 October. Movable Christian religious holidays include Green Monday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Monday. Movable Muslim religious holidays are observed in the Turkish Cypriot zone. TIME: 2 PM = noon GMT.