Cyprus

A 100km long limestone mountain range called the Kyrenia Range runs parallel to the north coast of Cyprus. South of that is the vast grain growing Messaoria plain with the capital Nicosia (Lefkosia) slap bang in the middle. The south of the island is dominated by the Troodos massif and Mount Olympus (1,950m) with a large plateau to the east where most of the tourist industry in based. The mountains are rich in minerals, particularly copper and asbestos. Marble has been mined since ancient times.

Flora:Long, hot summers make for a arid countryside for much of the year but the spring triggers an explosion of wild flowers with some 1,800 varieties with around 130 indigenous to the island, these mainly found in the Troodos mountains and the wilderness peninsulas of Karpas to the west and Akamas in the east. Six national forest parks have been formed in recent years after much neglect in this area with plans in the pipeline for more protection.

Fauna: Migratory birds make Cyprus a favourite with bird watchers while local species include griffon vultures, falcons and kestrels. There are a few snake species including the poisonous Montpellier and blunt-nosed viper but they are rarely seen. Endangered wild moufflon sheep roam Pafos forests and both green and loggerhead turtles nest on south west and north east beaches.