The Republic of Cyprus ratified the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1975 and committed together with other States for the protection of the world heritage. Its strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, contributed in the development of an important civilization that is reflected in its archaeological monuments and sites. Cyprus was one of the first countries to inscribe monuments on the World Heritage List. The first inscription of monuments from the island on the aforementioned List was in 1980 and until today the List includes three inscriptions from Cyprus: Paphos, Painted churches in the Troodos region and Choirokoitia. In addition to that, a Tentative List has been created, which is an inventory of other monuments and sites that may be considered for future inscription on the World Heritage List.