Cyprus Flag

What is the flag of Cyprus?

The flag of Cyprus consists of white with a copper-coloured silhouette of the island (the name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive branches in the centre of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities

NOTE: the Turkish Cypriot flag has a horizontal red stripe at the top and bottom between which is a red crescent and red star on a white field

Coat of Arms of Cyprus

The coat of arms of Cyprus depicts a dove carrying an olive branch (a well-known symbol of peace) over “1960”, the year of Cypriot independence from British rule. The background is a copper-yellow colour; this symbolises the large deposits of copper ore on Cyprus (chiefly in the form of chalcopyrite, which is yellow in colour).

When Cyprus was a British Crown Colony, local colonial officials used a coat of arms (which were never in fact officially granted) of two lions passant guardant, based on the coat of arms of England.