Our portal has several versions of the test for knowledge of Cyprus. They were created by Olesya Sergeevna Boyko, a teacher of Greek at the Russian Cultural Center, for her private lectures.
This test should be taken by all those preparing to take the Greek language state exam.
We organized all the questions into seven major groups: history, religion, traditions, geography, politics, institutions/infrastructure, and vocabulary. Six categories are self-explanatory, while the last one contains questions that test your knowledge of terms related to the country's traditions.
DISCLAIMER: The exam questions and answers may be worded slightly differently than in this article, but they are the same. We have assumed that examinees have sufficient knowledge of Greek to understand the question and proposed answers. However, for ease of preparation and to avoid misunderstandings with translation, we have given the Greek version of the answers in brackets where we deem it appropriate.
History
- Question: "On the 28th of what month do we celebrate the answer 'No' given by the Greeks to the Italians". Answer: October.
- Question: When did Cyprus gain its independence? Answer: in 1960.
- Question: What is celebrated in Cyprus on March 25? Answer: the day of the beginning of the Greek Revolt of 1821 (Ημέρα της Ελληνικής επανάστασης του 1821).
- Question: When was the first election for the President of Cyprus held? Answer: In December 1959.
- Question: Give the date of the coup d'état in Cyprus in 1974. Answer: July 15.
- Question: Which country was involved in the 1974 coup in Cyprus? Answer: Greece.
- Question: What was the main reason that led to the 1974 coup in Cyprus? Answer: Ethnic differences between Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots.
- Question: When was the Constitution of Cyprus approved? Answer: August 16, 1960.
- Question: How does the acronym EOKA stand for? Answer: the National Organization of Cypriot Wrestlers (Εθννική Οργάνωσις Κυπρίων Αγωνιστών).
- Question: When was EOKA founded? Answer: in 1955.
- Question: when did the struggle of EOKA come to an end? Answer: in 1959.
- Question: According to "Theogony" by the ancient poet Hesiod, how was the goddess Aphrodite born? Answer: from the foam of the sea (από τον αφρό της θάλασσσας).
- Question: Who is the author of the poem "Hymn to Freedom" (Ύμνος εις την Ελευθερίαν), an excerpt from which became the national anthem of Greece and Cyprus? Answer: Dionysios Solomos.
- Question: Which composer set to music the poem "Hymn to Freedom" which became the national anthem of Greece and Cyprus? Answer: Nikolaos Mantzaros.
- Question: What was the name of the next president after Demetris Christofias? Answer: Nikos Anastasiades.
- Question: When was the flag of Cyprus approved? Answer: in 1960.
- Question: In 2017, the European Capital of Culture was... Answer: Paphos.
- Question: the Church of St. Lazarus was built .... Answer: 1100 years ago (the construction of the church began at the end of the 9th century).
- Question: A "ghost town" in Cyprus is called ... Answer: Varosha
- Question: Identify which statement describes a particular national-religious minority in Cyprus. Answer: The majority of the population (αποτελούν την πλειοψηφία του πληθυσμού) are Greek-Cypriots. Those who came to Cyprus from Lebanon (Ήρθαν στην Κύπρο από το Λίβανο) are Maronites. Their numbers are steadily decreasing (O αριθμός τους μειώνεται συνεχώς) - Turkish-Cypriots. They arrived in Cyprus before the beginning of our era (Ήρθαν στην Κύπρο πριν από τη γέννησή του Χριστού) - Greek Cypriots. Living only in the cities (Κατοικούν όλοι στις πόλεις) - Armenians. Arrived in Cyprus about 400 years ago (Ήρθαν στην Κύπρο πριν από 400 περίπου χρόνια) - Turkish-Cypriots. Almost all of them live in the northern parts of Cyprus (Κατοικούν όλοι σχεδόν στις βόρειες περιοχές της Κύπρου) - Turkish-Cypriots.
- Question: What was Nicosia called in ancient times? Answer: Ledra (Λήδρα).
- Question: What divides Nicosia into occupied and free territory? Answer: the Green Line (Πράσινη γραμμή).
- Question: What was the name of the first president of Cyprus? Answer: Archbishop Makarios III.
- Question: Which ancient Greek goddess was born in Cyprus? Answer: Aphrodite.
- Question: Where, according to legend, was Aphrodite born? Answer: At the stone of Aphrodite (Πέτρα του Ρωμιού).
- Question: When did Cyprus come under British rule? Answer: in 1878.
- Question: When did Cyprus become a full member of the EU? Answer: May 1, 2004.
- Question: when was the Green Line established? Answer: in 1964 (yes, the Green Line came into existence 10 years before the Turkish invasion and was created due to inter-communal fighting).
- Question: When did the Turkish invasion of Cyprus take place? Answer: on July 20, 1974.
- Question: What was the name of Turkey's operation to occupy Cyprus? Answer: Operation Attila.
Religion
- Question: On Clean ... I like to go out of town and fly a kite. Answer: on Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα), the first day of Lent (Σαρακοστή).
- Question: On Easter Sunday, we all gather around the feast table, tap our eggs and say to each other "..." Answer: "Christ is risen" (Χριστός ανέστη).
- Question: What is the name of the Archbishop of Cyprus? Answer: the current Archbishop of Cyprus is called Georgios and was elected in December 2022.
- Question: The Shroud (=Epitaphios), which symbolizes the tomb of Christ, is carried around the neighborhoods of Cypriot towns and villages on Good Friday... Answer: of Holy Week (της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας). It is also correct to say "on Good Friday before Easter" (τη Μεγάλη Παρασκευή πριν το Πάσχα).
- Question: After which saint are children in Cyprus most often named? Answer: St. Andrew.
- Question: Which saint is associated with the tradition of baking a New Year's cake? Answer: St. Basil.
- Question: An ancient custom that has survived to this day involves young children going out into the streets and singing carols (κάλαντα) to musical instruments. When does this happen? Answer: on the holy days after Christmas (Το δωδεκαήμερο των Χριστουγέννων).
- Question: One of the most characteristic Cypriot customs involves families going out into nature where the children fly a kite. When does this take place? Answer: on Clean Monday (Την Καθαρά Δευτέρα).
- Question: What is the most common religion in Cyprus? Answer: Orthodox Christianity (Ορθοδοξία) or simply Christianity (Χριστιανισμός).
- Question: The culmination of Holy Week before Easter is when the faithful gather in temples, light their candles with holy light, and set off fireworks. When does this take place? Answer: on the night from Great Saturday to Easter Sunday (Την νύχτα του Μεγάλου Σαβββάτου προς την Κυριακή του Πάσχα).
- Question: 'On ... in my village there is a big feast in the square. It is a feast in honor of the Virgin Mary." Answer: the Assumption on August 15 (Κοίμηση Θεοτόκου/Δεκαπενταύγουστο).
- Question: What is the role of the "koumbaros" in a traditional Cypriot wedding? Answer: to be the main witness (Να είναι ο κύριος μάρτυρας).
- Question: Which of the following traditions refers to Easter (Πάσχα), New Year (Πρωτοχρονιά), or Epiphany (Φώτα)? Answer: the dyeing of eggs red (Βάψιμο κόκκκινων αυγών) is Easter. Throwing the cross into the sea (Ρίξιμο σταυρού στη θάλασσσα) - Epiphany. The procession with the shroud (Περιφορά επιταφίου) - Easter. The breaking of the pomegranate (Σπάσιμο ροδιού) - New Year's Day.
- Question: August 15 is a working day. True or false? Answer: False
Traditions
- Question: When do Cypriots prepare the flounas? Answer: at Easter. Flaouna is a traditional Easter pastry with halloumi.
- Question: Lefkara is famous for its ..., which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Answer: lefkaritiko lace.
- Question: What is the name of the coin that is baked in vasilopita? Answer: Fluri.
- Question: What is the name of the New Year's cake? Answer: Vasilopita.
- Question: Which of the following is not one of the traditional dishes of the Cypriot Easter table? Answer: Phthita.
- Question: What is kourabiedes? Answer: a traditional Christmas treat/sweet (Παραδοσιακό χριστουγεννιάτικο κέρασμα/γλυκό).
- Question: On New Year's Eve, Cypriots usually eat pie. The answer is: Vasilopitou
- Question: "On ... we gather all the family around the festive table and cut vasilopita". Answer: the New Year (Πρωτοχρονιά).
- Question: What custom is associated with the carnival period (απόκριες/καρναβάλι) in Cyprus? Answer: the custom of gathering in large companies and wearing masks (Συμμμετοχή σε παρέες με μάσκες).
- Question: What Cypriot sweet is made from milk, semolina, sugar and usually sprinkled with cinnamon? Answer: Galaktoboureko.
- Question: What is the name of the traditional dance usually performed at Cypriot gatherings? Answer: Sirtos.
- Question: What is the traditional drink that may be served at a Cypriot wedding? Answer: Cyprus coffee (κυπριακός καφές).
- Question: what is a magiritsa? Answer: A traditional meat soup eaten on Easter (Παραδοσιακή σούπα με κρέας που τρώγεται το Πἀσχα).
- Question: Mark whether each of the following statements is true or false: Forty days after death a funeral service is performed and kolivot is prepared - True. Kallikazari, according to tradition, are the good spirits of Christmas who bring good luck - False. In honor of the beginning of the new school year, a prayer service is held in schools - True. When someone gets sick, we make fanuropita to make the person well - False.
- Question: What is the name of the traditional Cypriot wine? Answer: Kommandaria.
- Question: Which of the following is the most characteristically Cypriot dish? Answer: Souvla (Greek dishes like souvlaki or taramasalata could be among the choices, but these came to the island from the mainland, while souvla is a local invention).
- Question: Which Cypriot city is famous for its carnival celebrations? Answer: Limassol.
- Question: Which Cypriot city is famous for celebrating Kataklysmos? Answer: Larnaca.
- Question: When is Kataklysmos celebrated? Answer: The Monday after the feast of Pentecost (Τη Δευτέρα της Πεντηκοστής).
- Question: What is another name for the feast of Kataklysmos? Answer: the Day of the Holy Spirit (Δευτέρα του Αγίου Πνεύματος).
Geography
- Question: What is the name of the largest river in Cyprus? Answer: Pedieos.
- Question: What is the name of the highest peak in Cyprus? Answer: Mount Olympus.
- Question: What is the name of the largest network of salt lakes in Cyprus? Answer: the salt lakes of Larnaca (Αλυκές Λάρνακας).
- Question: Name the geographical location of the village of Lefkara. Answer: province of Larnaca (επαρχία Λάρνακας).
- Question: What is the name of the capital of Cyprus? Answer: Nicosia (Λευκωσία).
- Question: What is the name of the national animal of Cyprus? Answer: mouflon (αγρινό).
- Question: Which species of turtle nests on the beaches of Cyprus? Answer: There are two such species: the loggerhead (καρέτα καρέτα) and the green sea turtle (πράσινη χελώνα).
- Question: Mt. .... rises 1952 meters high, it is the highest point in Cyprus. Answer: Olympus.
- Question: Name the city that is not washed by the sea Answer: Nicosia.
- Question: Which province has the largest area? Answer: the province of Nicosia (Επαρχία Λευκωσίας), 2,728 m2.
- Question: Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Answer: Correct.
- Question: In which province is Geroskipou located? Answer: Paphos.
- Question: How many provinces are there in Cyprus? Answer: Six (they are named after the central cities: Nicosia, Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Kerinia).
- Question: In which district is the monastery of St. Nicholas the Cat (μονή αγίου Νικόλαου των Γάτων) located? Answer: in the neighborhood of Akrotiri.
- Question: Which city is otherwise known as Skala? Answer: Larnaca.
- Question: Which ancient philosopher was born in Larnaca? Answer: Zeno of Citium.
- Question: Which city is otherwise known as Chora? Answer: Nicosia.
Politics
- Question: How long is the standard presidential term in Cyprus? Answer: The standard presidential term is five years.
- Question: How many candidates can run for President of Cyprus? Answer: More than three (it is a question of whether there are any limits on the number of candidates. However, the Constitution in Article 39.1 stipulates that if only one candidate runs for the office of President, he is declared the winner).
- Question: Who is directly elected by the people in presidential elections? Answer: the president.
- Question: Who organizes the election of the President of Cyprus? Answer: the Central Electoral Service (Κεντρική Υπηρεσία Εκλογών).
- Question: Who has the power to appoint the Council of Ministers? Answer: the president.
- Question: Who has the right to vote in the election of the President of Cyprus? Answer: only Cypriot citizens.
- Question: At what age does a Cypriot citizen become eligible to vote in presidential elections? Answer: 18 years of age.
- Question: Who is not entitled to vote in the presidential elections? Answer: citizens under 18 years of age.
- Question: Who has the right to vote in the election of the President of Cyprus in case of absence from the country due to work or study? Answer: all Cypriot citizens.
- Question: What is the constitutional form of government in Cyprus? Answer: presidential republic (Προεδρική Δημοκρατία).
- Question: Which body has the power to amend the Constitution? Answer: the parliament (Βουλή).
- Question: What is the official name of the armed forces in Cyprus? Answer: the national guard (Εθνική Φρουρά).
- Question: what is the role of the army in Cyprus? Answer: internal security and defense (Εσωτερική ασφάλεια και άμυνα).
- Question: What is the age of conscription for compulsory military service in Cyprus? Answer: 18 years of age.
- Question: What is the main emblem of the army in Cyprus? Answer: the double-headed eagle (δικέφαλος αετός).
- Question: The Council of Ministers is appointed by ... Answer: the president.
- Question: Members of Parliament are directly elected ... for a term of five years. Answer: by the people.
- Question: Who is the highest court in Cyprus? Answer: the Supreme Court (Ανώτατο δικαστήριο).
- Question: what are the powers of the Supreme Court in Cyprus? Answer: to review the decisions of lower courts (αναίρεση αποφάσεων των κατώτερων δικαστηρίων).
- Question: what is the role of Parliament in Cyprus? Answer: to legislate and determine the political direction of the country (Να νομοθετεί και να καθορίζει τις πολιτικές κατευθύνσεις της χώρας).
- Question: How many seats are there in the Cypriot parliament? Answer: 80. Of these, 56 are held by Greek Cypriots and 24 by Turkish Cypriots. Since 1963, the seats of the Turkish-Cypriot MPs have been vacant.
- Question: What is the term of office of an MP in Cyprus? Answer: 5 years.
- Question: What is the procedure for electing members of the Cypriot Parliament? Answer: directly by citizens based on a personal ballot paper (Άμεση εκλογή από τους πολίτες με βάση το προσωπικό ψηφοδέλτιο).
- Question: The first female Speaker of Parliament since the founding of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960 is... Answer: Annita Demetriou.
- Question: No state other than Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Is this correct or not? Answer: correct.
Agencies and infrastructure
- Question: What is the abbreviation for KEP? Answer: Citizens Service Center (Κέντρο Εξυπηρέτησης του Πολίτη).
- Question: Which agency is responsible for the KEP in Cyprus? Answer: the Ministry of Finance.
- Question: What is the main advantage of citizen service centers in Cyprus? Answer: Providing quick and simplified procedures to citizens (Παροχή γρήγορων και ευκολότερων διαδικασιών στους πολίτες).
- Question: Where can I find citizen service centers in Cyprus? Answer: in all major towns and villages in Cyprus (Σε όλες τις μεγάλες πόλεις και χωριά της Κύπρου).
- Question: what is the function of the General Health Services System (GHS) in Cyprus? Answer: to be responsible for providing health care services to the citizens of Cyprus (Υπεύθυνη για την παροχή υπηρεσιών υγείας στους πολίτες της Κύπρου).
- Question: Which ministry is responsible for the work of the GeSI in Cyprus? Answer: the Ministry of Health (Υπουργείο υγείας).
- Question: What services are provided under the GeSI? Answer: medical examinations and care (Παροχή ιατρικών εξετάσεων και περίθαλψης).
- Question: Where can Cypriot citizens get information about the GeSI in Cyprus? Answer: on the official GESI portal (Στον επίσημο ιστότοπο του ΓΕΣΥ).
- Question: what is the role of the police in Cyprus? Answer: public order, security and law enforcement (Διασφάλιση της δημόσιας τάξης, της ασφάλειας και της εφαρμογής του νόμου).
- Question: what is the role of the chief of police in Cyprus (αρχηγού της αστυνομίας)? Answer: directs police actions and operations (Διευθύνει την αστυνομική δράση και τις επιχειρήσεις).
- Question: What are the main powers of the police in Cyprus? Answer: protecting public order and fighting crime (Προστασία της δημόσιας τάξης και καταπολέμηση του εγκλήματος).
- Question: Where can citizens go to report an incident or request police assistance? Answer: police stations and the central police headquarters (Σε αστυνομικά τμήματα και κεντρικό αστυνομικό σταθμό).
- Question: What is ΑΗΚ? Answer: the Electricity Generation and Distribution Organization in Cyprus (Ο φορέας παραγωγής και διανομής ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας στην Κύπρο). The abbreviation stands for Cyprus Electricity Authority (Αρχή Ηλεκτρισμού Κύπρου).
- Question: what are the main powers of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus? Answer: the generation, distribution and sale of electricity in Cyprus (Παραγωγή, διανομή και πώληση ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας στην Κύπρο).
- Question: Where can Cypriot residents go to solve problems with electricity supply or report a problem with the Cyprus Electricity Authority? Answer: to the regional offices of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (Στα επαρχιακά γραφεία της ΑΗΚ).
- Question: What are the main services offered by the post office in Cyprus? Answer: issuing letters and parcels (Παράδοση γραμμάτων και δεμάτων).
- Question: What is the procedure for receiving a parcel at the post office? Answer: a visit to the city's central post office (Προσέλευση στον κεντρικό χώρο ταχυδρομικής διανομής της πόλης).
- Question: what is the main mission of the Cyprus Fire Service? Answer: prevention and extinguishing of fires (Πρόληψη και καταπολέμηση των πυρκαγιών).
- Question: Who is the competent authority to call the fire department in case of fire? Answer: the emergency center (Το κέντρο έκτακτης ανάγκης).
- Question: What is the official language used in the government departments of Cyprus? Answer: Greek.
- Question: What is the name of the national telecommunications authority in Cyprus? Answer: the English abbreviation of CyTA, the Greek abbreviation of the same organization is ΑΤΗΚ.
- Question: Which Cypriot agency deals with safety and health in the workplace? Answer: the Department of Labor Inspection (Τμήμα Επιθεώρησης Εργασίας).
- Question: Name the main international airport of Cyprus. Answer: Larnaca Glafkos Kleridis International Airport.
- Question: What is the name of the national air carrier of Cyprus? Answer: Cyprus Airways.
- Question: Which airport is closest to Nicosia? Answer: Nicosia Airport (if the question specifies "operational airport", then it is Larnaca Airport).
- Question: Which airport serves the tourist areas of Paphos? Answer: Paphos airport.
- Question: Which ministry is responsible for the Cypriot economy? Answer: the Ministry of Finance (Υπουργείο οικονομικών).
- Question: The largest port of Cyprus is... Answer: the port of Limassol (το λιμάνι της Λεμεσού).
- Question: Migrants make up 5% of the population. True or false? Answer: False
- Question: VAT on bread, milk, and eggs is now 0%. True or false? (Ο ΦΠΑ σε ψωμί, γάλα και αυγά είναι πλέον 5%). Answer: Correct.
- Question: The opening hours of government offices are from 07:30 to 16:00. True or false? Answer: False.
- Question: The telephone number of the police and fire department is 225. Answer: No, their phone number is 112.
- Question: If you intend to take 10 thousand euros or more out of Cyprus, you need to declare them. Answer: Correct.
Vocabulary
- Question:
-Today I have ... I'm turning 12 years old.
-Really? Happy birthday! Live a hundred times more.
Answer: birthday (τα γενέθλια). It also mentions the traditional birthday greeting - "live a hundred times more" (Να τα εκατοστίσεις).
Question: 'In Greece 40 days before Easter we are ..., it means we do not eat meat, milk or eggs'.
Answer: fasting (νηστεύουμε).
Question: 'Yesterday at Petros's birthday party we ….. We ate, drank, and danced. We really enjoyed ourselves."
Answer: had fun (διασκεδάσαμε).
Question, "This year our class is participating in ... in honor of the October 28th holiday. I will be in the front row."
Answer: In the parade (παρέλαση).
Question: During Christmas …., children go out into the streets and perform Christmas carols.
Answer: eve (παραμονή).
Question: "On the evening of Great Saturday, we dress up and go to church to celebrate …. of Christ."
Answer: the Resurrection (Ανάσταση)
Question: "This year for ... I want to dress up as a warrior."
Answer: carnival (απόκριες).
Question:
" -When do you celebrate, Alexandros?
-August 30. Don't you know? All Alexandros are celebrated on this day ..."
Answer: the Name Day (ονομαστική γιορτή).
The examination on the knowledge of the main elements of the current political and social reality of Cyprus is held 2 times a year.
It results in the issuance of a certificate, which must be presented to the Migration Department when applying for a Long Term Residence Permit.
The next one will be held on Saturday, February 3, in Nicosia. The exam will take the form of a test.
The questions were compiled by Olesya Sergeevna Boyko, a Greek language teacher at the Russian Cultural Center, for private lectures. You can sign up for classes with Olesya by calling (+357) 99960755 or using this link.
Read also:
