Cyprus civics quiz: questions and answers
All 19 general civics quiz questions about Cyprus with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Constitution and government 4 questions
Head of state, parliament, courts and the constitution.
Practise only: Constitution and government →
What is the system of government of the Republic of Cyprus?
A presidential republic
The President is both head of state and head of government, elected for five years (Constitution of 1960, Article 1).
How many seats in the House of Representatives are currently filled?
56
The Constitution provides 80 seats (56 Greek Cypriot, 24 Turkish Cypriot); the 24 have been vacant since 1964.
What is the name of the Cypriot parliament?
House of Representatives
The legislature of the Republic of Cyprus is the single-chamber House of Representatives (Vouli ton Antiprosopon).
Which currency has Cyprus used since 2008?
Euro
Cyprus adopted the euro on 1 January 2008, replacing the Cypriot pound.
History and national symbols 9 questions
Independence, key dates, flag, anthem and other national symbols.
Practise only: History and national symbols →
In which year did the Republic of Cyprus become independent?
1960
Independence from Britain came on 16 August 1960; Independence Day is celebrated on 1 October.
What does the flag of Cyprus show?
A copper-coloured map of the island above two olive branches
Copper recalls the island's name and mineral; the olive branches stand for peace.
What is the national anthem of Cyprus?
The Hymn to Liberty, shared with Greece
Adopted in 1966.
When did Cyprus join the EU and adopt the euro?
EU in 2004, euro in 2008
EU membership on 1 May 2004; the euro on 1 January 2008.
In which year did the Turkish invasion that divided the island take place?
1974
July–August 1974, following the coup backed by the Greek junta.
On which date did the EOKA anti-colonial struggle begin?
1 April 1955
1 April is a national anniversary in Cyprus.
From which country did Cyprus gain its independence?
United Kingdom
Cyprus was under British administration from 1878 and became a crown colony in 1925, before gaining independence in 1960.
On which date is Cyprus Independence Day celebrated?
1 October
Although independence came in August 1960, Cyprus Independence Day is officially celebrated on 1 October.
In which year did Cyprus join the European Union?
2004
Cyprus joined the European Union on 1 May 2004, as part of the largest single enlargement of the EU.
Geography and society 6 questions
Capital, geography, languages, currency and public holidays.
Practise only: Geography and society →
What are the official languages of the Republic of Cyprus?
Greek and Turkish
Article 3 of the Constitution.
What is the highest peak of Cyprus?
Mount Olympus in the Troodos range (1,952 m)
Chionistra, or Olympus, is the summit of the Troodos Mountains.
Into how many districts is Cyprus divided?
Six
Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta and Kyrenia.
What is the capital of Cyprus?
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Nicosia is Europe's last divided capital.
According to legend, which goddess was born from the sea near Paphos?
Aphrodite
Legend says Aphrodite rose from the sea at Petra tou Romiou, near Paphos. Paphos was a major centre of her worship.
Which Neolithic settlement in Cyprus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Choirokoitia
Choirokoitia is one of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in the eastern Mediterranean and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Think you know them?
Take a timed mock exam in the real Cyprus Citizenship Exam format.