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Geographical and Floral Features of Cyprus

In the South of Asia Minor in the Mediterranean Sea lies the Island of Cyprus, surrounded by Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Greece. Because of its geographical position, it is included in the Middle East. But, in all other aspect and more so because of its membership in European Union, it is very close to Europe.

The Island contains mountains in the North named Pentadactylos and southern and western sector also contain hilly terrain named Troodos mountain range. One can see scattered but significant plains along the Central and southern coast. Nicosia is the Capital of Cyprus. Other important cities are Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta, and Kyrenia.

One experiences dry summer and variable rainy winters in the Island. During summer, the higher elevations in hilly range, the temperature is warm and definitely much better than hot weather as experienced in the lowlands. In winter, the temperatures are mild at lower elevations but as is usually be, the hilly terrains like Troodos Mountains which sports snow covered peaks.

One experiences the rare phenomenon of dust storms throughout the year in the Island.  The visitors to the Island in summer will find apparent barrenness of plains and foothills. The infertility of the land derives from the simple fact that the area does not get sufficient rainfall in summer. The species of trees one can normally find are Pine, Oak and Cypress. Eucalyptus variety was introduced lately. However, forest is confined in the southern and Kyrenia range.

One can see evergren shrubs along the coastal region and southern foothills of Kyneria range. It is a common sight to find the barren low lands and foothills gets blossoming vegetation within a week of the arrival of rainy season in Cyprus, one can see one long flowering season when lots of varieties of flowers can be seen since autumn and winter season is very quickly followed by spring season, making it as one.