Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. It is at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, and one of its roles is to build bridges between these continents. The island’s main economic activities are banking, tourism, craft exports and merchant shipping. Over the years, the economy has gradually developed into a modern one with dynamic services, industrial and agricultural sectors, and an advanced physical and social infrastructure. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia (Lefkosia). The official languages of the Republic of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. English is widely spoken.