The Republic of Cyprus, a ,member of the European Commonwealth and Council, lies in the eastern Mediterranean Sea 44 miles, (71 km.) south of Turkey and 60 miles (97 km.) west of Syria. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, having an area of 3,572 sq. mi. (9,251 sq. km.) and a population of 757,000. Capital: Nicosia. Agriculture and mining are the chief industries, Asbestos, copper, citrus fruit, iron pyrites and potatoes are exported. ,The importance of Cyprus dates from the Bronze Age when it was desired as a principal source of copper (from which the island derived its name) and as a strategic trading center. Its role as an international marketplace made it a prime disseminator of the then prevalent culture, a role that still influences the civilization of Western man. Because of its fortuitous position, and an influential role, Cyprus was conquered by a succession of empires; the Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian, Macedonian, Ptolemaic, Roman and Byzantine. It was taken from Isaac Comnenus by Richard the Lion-Hearted in 1191, sold to the Knights Templars, conquered by Venice and Turkey, and made a crown colony o f Britain in 1925. Finally on Aug. 16, 1960, it became an independent republic.,, ,In 1964, the ethnic Turks, who favor partition of Cyprus into separate Greek and Turkish states, withdrew from active participation in the government. Turkish forces invaded Cyprus in 1974 and gained control of 40 percent of the island. In 1975, Turkish Cyprus proclaimed their own Federated state in northern Cyprus. The UN held numerous discussions from 1955-92, without any results towards unification.,, ,The president is Chief of State and Head of Government.,, Rulers:,,, ,British to 1960,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Shilling = 9 Piastres,, ,1 Pound = 20 Shillings to 1963,, ,1 Shilling = 50 Mils,, ,1 Pound = 1000 Mils,, ,1 Pound = 100 Cents, 1993-,,