Flag of Cyprus facts for kids
The flag of Cyprus is the national symbol of the island country Cyprus in Europe. It shows a map of the entire island. Below the map are two olive branches. These symbols are placed on a white background. The flag was officially adopted in 1960.
Contents
The Flag of Cyprus
The flag of Cyprus has a simple yet powerful design. It features a copper-yellow map of the island. This color represents the large amounts of copper found in Cyprus. In fact, the name "Cyprus" comes from the ancient Greek word for copper.
What the Flag Means
The two olive branches on the flag are a strong symbol of peace. They represent the hope for peace between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island. The white background also stands for peace and purity.
Who Designed the Flag?
The flag was designed by a Turkish Cypriot artist named İsmet Güney. He won a competition to create the new flag in 1960. This was when Cyprus gained its independence from British rule. His design was chosen because it avoided using colors from the flags of Greece or Turkey. This was meant to show unity and neutrality.
The Flag of Northern Cyprus
There is another part of the island called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This area uses a different flag. Its flag looks very similar to the flag of Turkey. It has a white background with a red star and crescent moon.
Images for kids
-
The artist İsmet Güney designed the modern flag of Cyprus in 1960.
-
This flag is used at police stations in Cyprus.
