Cyprus is divided by a buffer zone patrolled by the United Nations since 1964. Copper was mined here in antiquity, and the metal takes its name from the island.
An aerial view of the iconic walled capital, Nicosia in Cyprus on a bright sunny day
Cyprus is not in Europe geographically, but it is considered part of Europe in political, economic, and cultural terms.
While the island is located in Western Asia, close to Turkey and Syria, it is politically and culturally connected to Europe. Cyprus is a member of the European Union and follows European laws and systems. So even though it is not physically in Europe, its strong ties to European countries make people see it as part of Eastern Europe too
