Cyprus

Nicosia is the capital and largest city of Cyprus, home to the government, parliament, and central institutions. Uniquely, it’s the only divided capital in Europe: a UN-patrolled Green Line runs through the city, separating the Greek Cypriot south (Lefkosia) and the Turkish Cypriot north (Lefkoşa) since 1974. This political centrality—and its historic walled old town—cements Nicosia’s role as the island’s administrative heart. The other options are important cities but not the capital: Limassol is a major port and business hub, Larnaca hosts the main international airport, and Famagusta is a historic port in the island’s northeast. Memory tip: think “Nico-split-ia”—the capital famously split by the Green Line.