Cyprus

About the flag

Cyprus is correct. Its flag uniquely features the island’s own shape and olive branches, symbolizing peace between its Greek and Turkish communities. The copper-colored island alludes to Cyprus’s ancient fame for copper mining—so much so that the Latin word for copper, cuprum, derives from “Kypros” (Cyprus). Remember it this way: “Cyprus = copper + olives.” Copper links to the island’s name and history; olives represent peace. Cyprus adopted this neutral, inclusive design after gaining independence in 1960, avoiding the colors of either community. It’s also one of the few national flags in the world to display a map, making it especially distinctive.