The Zurich and London Agreement paved the way for the proclamation of Cyprus as an independent state, of which a Constitution was drafted and out of it the
Cyprus National Flag was born.
The official national flag had the map of the entire country featured with the inclusion of two olive branches placed over a white background, an emblem both signifying peace. Cyprus was the only nation that displays its entire country on the flag, except of course when the Republic of Kosovo adopted their current flag. The map on the
custom flag is copper yellow, symbolizing the large copper ore deposit on the island (in the form of chalcopyrite) that obviously suggests the name of the country.
The flag adopted upon its independence in 1960, deliberately used peaceful and neutral colors in an attempt to project harmony between the Greek and Turkish community in the island. But contrary to the desire of the citizens, Cyprus remained divided to this day, 37% of the island is with the Turkish Cypriots and the remainder is controlled by the Greek Cypriots.
The rift started in 1974 and the United Nations deployed peacekeeping forces and patrols the dividing line and works to settle ethnic differences in the hope of re-uniting the island before May 2004. But, differences continue to haunt the peacekeepers and the Turkish Cypriots declared the northern part as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while the southern part of the Greek Cypriots, joined the European Union.
Although divided, the economy of the island draws revenue from its various export products (citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement), from its industry (food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products) as well as agriculture (potatoes, citrus, vegetables, barley).
by:
The Flagman
