cyprus two
Cyprus, two
Vocabulary
| climate | sunny | pleasant |
| mild | above | rise/rose/risen |
| plain (2) | average | rainfall |
| receive | strong | standard of living |
| trade | partner | standard |
| section | depend on | agriculture |
| light (3) | heavy (2) | manufacturing |
| wheat | barley | grapefruit |
| cement | clothing | furniture |
| textile | site | glistening |
| resort | resource | natural resource |
| copper | quantity | dwindle |
| clay | include | settle |
| arrive | before | introduce |
| after | major | between |
| major | trade | route |
| occupy | conduct | bring/brought |
| reform | encourage | division |
| rule | unite | against |
| group | call for | eventually |
| zone | demand | partition |
| gain | remain | independence |
| agree | armed | disagreement |
| conflict | ongoing | attempt |
Climate
Cyprus has a pleasant, sunny climate. Snow falls high in the Troodos Massif early in the year. Winters are mild in the Mesaoria Plain, but temperatures may rise above 38 °C in summer.
Rainfall on the plain averages from 30 to 41 centimetres a year. Parts of the Troodos receive over 100 centimetres.
Economy
The Greek section of Cyprus has a higher standard of living and a stronger economy than does the Turkish section. The United Kingdom is the chief trading partner of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey is the main trading partner of the TRNC.
The economy of both sections of Cyprus depends on agriculture, light manufacturing, and tourism. Chief farm products include barley, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, olives, oranges, potatoes, and wheat.
Factories produce cement, cigarettes, clothing, furniture, plastic, shoes, textiles, and wine. Tourists visit the island’s mountain resorts, glistening beaches, and archaeological sites.
Cyprus has few natural resources. Copper was produced in large quantities in the past, but resources of this mineral are dwindling. Cyprus’s other natural resources include clay, gypsum, asbestos, and chromium.
History
People have lived on Cyprus since about the 6000’s B.C. Greek settlers arrived on the island about the 1100’s B.C. Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas introduced Christianity shortly before A.D. 50.
Cyprus lies on major trade routes between Europe and Asia, and a number of peoples have occupied the island through the centuries. They include Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines and Crusaders, Venetians, and Ottomans.
In 1878, it came under British rule. Britain brought educational, administrative, social, and economic reforms. However, they also encouraged divisions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots as a way of keeping the groups from uniting against British rule.
Eventually, Greek nationalists called for enosis (union with Greece), and Turkish Cypriots demanded partition of the island into Greek and Turkish zones.
Cyprus gained independence in 1960.
However armed conflicts and disagreements led to Cyprus becoming divided into two sections. It remains so to the present despite ongoing attempts at reunification.
Questions
1. Cyprus is hot and sunny all year round. Is this true or false?
2. Is trade important for Cyprus? Who are its main trading partners?
3. What are the main industries of Cyprus? Give examples of them.
4. Cyprus is a very ancient place. Yes or no?
5. Have many nations invaded, conquered and occupied Cyprus? Why have many empires occupied the island?
6. What did the United Kingdom do?
7. Does Cyprus have political (and economic) problems? If yes, what are its problems?
A. Do you live in Cyprus? Are you from Cyprus? Have you been to Cyprus?
B. I have met people from Cyprus. Is this correct or wrong?
C. Would you like to live in Cyprus? Why or why not?
