The national flag of the Republic of Cyprus came into use on 16th August 1960, under the Zürich and London Agreements, whereby a constitution was drafted and Cyprus was proclaimed an independent state.
Symbolism of the Cyprus Flag
What is the meaning behind the symbols?
Until 2008 and the Kosovo flag, Cyprus was the only country to have its official flag displaying its land area. The background of the flag is white which represents peace.
In the middle, there is the map of the island that has the copper color to represent the historical attachment of Cyprus to this metal.
Under the island’s map, there are olive tree branches. The branches of the olive tree are also a symbol of peace.
However, in May 2010 it was announced that the Cyprus flag would undergo a facelift to make it sleeker.
Changes in the new flag
Although no significant changes were made to the design, the latest Cyprus Flag features a slightly extended map of the island, and the olive branches will be longer.
The specifications for the design are:
- Copper (Pantone 1385) for the island.
- Dark green (Pantone 574) for the olive branches.
- The dimensions (Height to Width ratio) should be 2:3
These specifications are intended to standardize both the dimensions and colors of the flag, which until now has had some variations, for example alternately using yellow or copper for the outline of the island. The background will remain white, and the designated material is a polyester thread.
The national flag of Greece is often used together with the flag of Cyprus.
Constitutional Mentions of the Flag
The Republic of Cyprus constitution about the Cyprus flag, Article 4, was adopted on 16th August 1960 and refers to the national flag as follows:-
The Republic shall have its flag of neutral design and color, chosen jointly by the President and the Vice-President of the Republic.
The authorities of the Republic and any public corporation or public utility body created by or under the laws of the Republic shall fly the flag of the Republic, and they shall have the right to fly on holidays together with the flag of the Republic both the Greek and the Turkish flags at the same time.
The authorities of the Republic and any public corporation or public utility body created by or under the laws of the Republic shall fly the flag of the Republic, and they shall have the right to fly on holidays together with the flag of the Republic both the Greek and the Turkish flags at the same time.
The Communal authorities and institutions shall have the right to fly on holidays together with the flag of the Republic, either the Greek or the Turkish flag at the same time.
The Republic of Cyprus Coat of Arms
Much like the Cyprus flag, the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Cyprus represents a white dove carrying in its beak an olive branch.
The dove is placed on a shield in the yellow color of copper, a metal which is directly related to the age-old history of Cyprus. In the lower part of the shield, the year of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, i.e., 1960 is inscribed.
The shield is encircled by two green olive branches, which together with the white dove constitute indelible symbols of peace.