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Figure 3. Topography and Drainage

The physical setting for life on the island is dominated by the mountain masses and the central plain they encompass, the Mesaoria (see fig. 3). The Troodos Mountains cover most of the southern and western portions of the island and account for roughly half its area. The narrow Kyrenia Range, extending along the northern coastline, occupies substantially less area, and elevations are lower. The two mountain systems run generally parallel to the Taurus Mountains on the Turkish mainland, whose silhouette is visible from northern Cyprus. Coastal lowlands, varying in width, surround the island.

Data as of January 1991