Cyprus may very well have the oldest recorded human activity in the world. There is a village that still remains that dates back to over 12,000 years ago. The village is called Khirokitia and it has become a world heritage site with extra protection just in case the area comes into war. Having a place of history destroyed due to a few mindless scuffles would be a tragedy.
On this day November 5th, in 1913, Cyprus is annexed by Britain, and Britain together with France declares war on the Ottoman Empire.
In 1960 Cyprus gained its independence, though it later fell under the rule of Greece and Turkey. The whole island has a population slightly over 1 million people. The country is known for its art as well as its delicious seafood cuisine.