Our weekly look at questions suggested by search engines for news stories kicks off with what Google thinks you want to know about Cyprus
*Is Cyprus a country?*
Yes. Good. We're off to a strong start.
*Is Cyprus part of Greece?*
As in modern Greece? No. It was, however, part of ancient Greece. The Greek goddess Aphrodite was said to have been born in the sea around the island, and a major temple to her at Paphos became the centre of her worship in the Aegean world. Cyprus was also – a little more recently – the birthplace of Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis, but there are no plans at present for a temple in his honour.
*Is Cyprus safe?*
Historically, not really. As well as ancient Greeks, it's been ruled – over the years – by Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Richard the Lionheart, Templars, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans and British colonialists. At present it's safe for people but a lot less safe for money. Bank deposits of more than €100,000 have been frozen and are expected to return to their owners around a third smaller.
*Is Cyprus part of the EU? *
It is. It joined in May 2004. Which was, arguably, an error.
*Is Cyprus in Europe? *
Geographically? No. It's actually nearer to Syria than mainland Europe.
*Is Cyprus part of Europe?*
Yes and no. See above. Mostly no.
*Is Cyprus its own country? *
To a point. The Republic of Cyprus is the internationally recognised governor of everything but two British Overseas Territories on the island, but there is also the small matter of the long-standing occupation of Northern Cyprus by Turkey. And, you know, the colossal, crushing debt.
*Is Cyprus in Greece? *
No. We've covered this.
*Is Cyprus in Asia?*
Yes, according to the UN.
*Is Cyprus in the Middle East? *
Also yes. So to recap: it's a European-Asian nation in the Middle East with more than a dozen not especially careful former owners, a debt problem and two British military bases attached. Got it? Good. Now, any offers? Reported by guardian.co.uk 9 hours ago.
*Is Cyprus a country?*
Yes. Good. We're off to a strong start.
*Is Cyprus part of Greece?*
As in modern Greece? No. It was, however, part of ancient Greece. The Greek goddess Aphrodite was said to have been born in the sea around the island, and a major temple to her at Paphos became the centre of her worship in the Aegean world. Cyprus was also – a little more recently – the birthplace of Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis, but there are no plans at present for a temple in his honour.
*Is Cyprus safe?*
Historically, not really. As well as ancient Greeks, it's been ruled – over the years – by Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Richard the Lionheart, Templars, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans and British colonialists. At present it's safe for people but a lot less safe for money. Bank deposits of more than €100,000 have been frozen and are expected to return to their owners around a third smaller.
*Is Cyprus part of the EU? *
It is. It joined in May 2004. Which was, arguably, an error.
*Is Cyprus in Europe? *
Geographically? No. It's actually nearer to Syria than mainland Europe.
*Is Cyprus part of Europe?*
Yes and no. See above. Mostly no.
*Is Cyprus its own country? *
To a point. The Republic of Cyprus is the internationally recognised governor of everything but two British Overseas Territories on the island, but there is also the small matter of the long-standing occupation of Northern Cyprus by Turkey. And, you know, the colossal, crushing debt.
*Is Cyprus in Greece? *
No. We've covered this.
*Is Cyprus in Asia?*
Yes, according to the UN.
*Is Cyprus in the Middle East? *
Also yes. So to recap: it's a European-Asian nation in the Middle East with more than a dozen not especially careful former owners, a debt problem and two British military bases attached. Got it? Good. Now, any offers? Reported by guardian.co.uk 9 hours ago.