Full country name:
Republic of Cyprus
Area: 9,250 sq km
Population: 772,000
Capital City: Nicosia
People: Cypriot (Greek 78%, Turkish 18% -
including 141,000 in North Cyprus)
Language: Greek, Turkish, English
Religion: Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%,
Maronite, Armenian Apostolic and Christian 4%
Government: Republic
Head of Government: President Tassos Papadopoulos
GDP: US$10 billion
GDP per capita: US$15,000
Annual Growth: 3%
Inflation: 1.7%
Major Industries: Tourism, fruit & vegetables,
wine, cement, clothing, shoes
Major Trading Partners: Russian, Bulgaria,
UK, Greece, Japan, Germany, Turkey (North only)
Member of EU: Yes
Cyprus is the 3rd largest Mediterranean island - covering
9,251 square kilometers, 240 km from west to east and 96 km
from north to south - with a population of approximately 700,000.
Being at the cross-roads of three continents - Europe, Asia
and Africa - it has one of the oldest histories of the world,
dating back 9000 years. Its strategic position, its wealth
in forests and mineral deposits, as well as its skilled craftsmen,
made it the prized possession of the powers of the day. Cultural
influences came from all directions - all major regional civilizations
left their mark on the island, contributing to the development
of a very rich and diverse cultural heritage.
COMMUNICATIONS - The island is served by
approximately 30 major airlines, linking it to the four corners
of the world through its international airports at Larnaca
and Paphos. Driving is on the left in Cyprus and distances
between towns are relatively short, covered by a good network
of modern roads. Cyprus telecommunications are among the best
in the world - an important factor in establishing the island
as an offshore business centre.
CLIMATE - Excellent weather with more than
340 days of sunshine
| Town |
Winter |
Summer |
| Nicosia |
7-16
C / 44-61 F |
24-39
C / 76-102 F |
| Limassol
|
9-18
C / 48-64 F |
23-34
C / 73-93 F |
| Larnaca |
7-17
C / 45-62 F |
23-33
C / 73-92 F |
| Famagusta |
7-17
C / 45-62 F |
21-30
C / 72-90 F |
| Paphos |
8-17
C / 46-62 F |
21-29
C / 69-86 F |
| Mountains |
1-7
C / 34-44 F |
20-29
C / 67-84 F |
GOVERNMENT - Cyprus is an independent sovereign
republic with a presidential system of government. Its fully
democratic system retains the respect of individual rights and
encourages private initiative.
COST OF LIVING - The relatively low cost of
living in Cyprus has an added appeal for the potential buyer,
offering a full, but comparatively inexpensive lifestyle.
CRIME RATE - Cyprus enjoys a remarkably low
crime rate, 1/6 of the European average.
BANKING - Banking practice, the range of services
offered and the methods of management and control closely follow
the British pattern.
EDUCATION - There are both junior and secondary
schools of a high standard catering for English, French and
Italian speaking pupils.
LANGUAGE - Greek is the mother tongue of the
Republic, however English is readily spoken and understood almost
everywhere.
PETS - Cats and dogs are permitted to be brought
into Cyprus provided a license has been obtained in advance.
Cyprus Major Cities
Nicosia Cyprus (around 200,000 population)
- Nicosia lies at the center of Cyprus, no more than one and
a half hours from any mountain or coastal resort. As the administrative
center and the seat of Government, the city is dotted with the
various ministries and diplomatic missions. Over the last decade,
the capital has experienced impressive progress, as Cyprus approaches
accession to Europe.
Sophisticated facilities, professional services, regular trade
fairs and exhibitions have made Nicosia a favorable canter for
both local as well as offshore businesses. Alongside its importance
as a commercial center, the city boasts a number of sights and
events of cultural as well as historical interest. Overall,
Nicosia is known for its successful union of business and pleasure,
of the functional and the beautiful. It is unmistakably the
cosmopolitan capital of our island.
Limassol Cyprus (around 160,000 population)
- Limassol, on the south coast of Cyprus, is the country's second
largest city. It lies between the sites of two important historic
city kingdoms that dominated the island in antiquity: Amathus
to the east and Curium a few miles to the west. Both have yielded
some of the most remarkable archaeological finds in the eastern
Mediterranean.
With its modern Cyprus properties, villas, apartments, shops
and restaurants, high standard of medical services and reputable
schools, Limassol offers its visitors and residents a high standard
of living. And there's no shortage of culture in this south
coast town with its museums, castles, theaters and galleries.
Within easy reach are some of the island's most celebrated historical
monuments.
Larnaca Cyprus (around 70,000 population) -
The graceful row of majestic palms lining Larnaca’s seafront
are a reminder of the 17th century, when Larnaca was the diplomatic
and trading capital of Cyprus. But Larnaca sits on foundations
of great antiquity. It was once an important city-kingdom known
as Kition, allegedly founded by Noah’s son Khittim who
is mentioned in the Bible.
Nowadays Larnaca is a thriving modern seaside town with excellent
Cyprus property, villa, apartment, shops and restaurants, several
museums, a large harbour, a cosmopolitan yacht marina with 200
berths and a number of luxury hotels on the golden sands stretching
away to the east. It is also the home of the island’s
main international airport. Larnaca Cyprus is standing on the
shore of a nearby tranquil salt lake is one of the world’s
most historic mosque, while the lake itself - home to tens of
thousands of migrating birds every year - is a bird lover's
paradise. Also within the area is one of the finest Byzantine
mosaics in the eastern Mediterranean.
Paphos / Pafos Cyprus (around 45,000 population)
- The mild, healthy climate and beautiful countryside surrounding
this south-western coastal town have attracted visitors to Paphos
throughout history. Legend has it that the Goddess Aphrodite
was born in its warm, translucent waters.
Over the centuries, countless civilizations have left their
mark, rendering Paphos as a veritable treasure trove of antiquity,
much of it still to be unearthed.
The special colors of the Pafos landscape, lush scenery and
a magical coastline give the area a unique charm of its own.
Admirably suitable for sports, recreation and relaxing lifestyle,
the west coast enjoys long summers, mild winters and sensational
beauty in springtime. In addition to the wealth of historical
interest in and around Paphos itself, the unspoiled Akamas peninsula
provides endless opportunities for swimming, boating, walking,
observing bird and wildlife.
Furthermore, one can experience the complete contrast of majestic
cedars in the mountains, or visit impressive hillside monasteries
and painted churches.
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