Cyprus, or the famous Island of Aphrodite, is located in the Mediterranean Sea, close to Turkey, Egypt and Israel. Ever since budget airlines have opened flights to Paphos and Larnaca, interest in this little paradise has increased drastically. But, funnily enough, there’s a bit of confusion about the actual geographical location of Cyprus. As such, we’ll go over the complete basics today – what continent is Cyprus on? Is it closer to Europe, Asia or Africa?
The geographical location of Cyprus
Let’s start with the fact that Cyprus lies in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, less than 40 miles south of Turkey and almost 500 miles away from mainland Europe. The name Cyprus refers to both the island and the country. Both are, de facto, associated with Europe. As for the reality of it, well, Cyprus is certainly mentally close to Europe – Cyprus even joined the European Union on 1 May, 2004. Membership alone, however, does not define Cyprus as an European Island.
Because Cyprus is NOT geographically within the borders of Europe. The southern part of Cyprus lies almost 250 miles away from the borders of Egypt, though there’s little, geographically and culturally, that Cyprus has in common with Africa. Malta and Sicily are closer to it anyway.
The correct answer to the question in the title is Asia. Despite this, Cyprus is often included in Europe, though just in a cultural sense. The element of the Middle East is also mixed right in there in Cyprus, meaning West Asia, which Cyprus is a part of. Nicosia, Cyprus’ capital, is actually the second westernmost capital of Asia, losing only to Turkey’s Ankara. And it’s very close: 32°52′E of Ankara and 33°22′E of Nicosia.
Where is Cyprus located?
A small summary of today’s basics:
Is Cyprus in Europe? Politically and culturally YES, geographically NO. Cyprus (the country) belongs to the European Union.
Is Cyprus located in Africa? NO, in no way.
Is Cyprus located in Asia? Geographically YES, culturally PARTIALLY.
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