Settled for more than 10 millennia, Cyprus stands at a cultural, linguistic, and historic crossroads between Europe and Asia. Cyprus is a popular tourist destination for visitors from Europe, birdwatchers drawn by the island’s diversity of migratory species, and other vacationers. Cyprus imports all the petroleum needed to power vehicles as well as to generate electricity, which is produced by thermal power stations. The country also continues to be one of the world’s major producers of solar energy. The Central Bank of Cyprus issues the Cyprus pound, while Turkish lira are circulated in the Turkish-occupied area. Light manufactures, particularly clothing and footwear, and foodstuffs, including potatoes and citrus fruit, constitute the republic’s major exports. Petroleum, petroleum products, foodstuffs, and machinery are the chief imports. Cyprus has been a member of WTO since 30 July 1995 and a member of GATT since 15 July 1963. As of 1 May 2004, it is a member State of the European Union.