The flag of Cyprus consists of white with a copper-coloured silhouette of the island (the name
Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive
branches in the centre of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for peace
and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities
NOTE: the Turkish Cypriot flag has a horizontal red stripe at the top and
bottom between which is a red crescent and red star on a white field
The Emblem of the Republic of Cyprus
The
Emblem 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 colour 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.