About Cyprus

Cyprus is an permanently surprising island with all opportunities to enjoy your time there, from a week-end to a life time residence.

The Republic of Cyprus occupies the southern part of the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. The island (and the capital city Nicosia) is divided with Turkey to the North. Known for beaches, it also has a rugged interior with wine regions. Coastal Paphos is famed for its archaeological sites relating to the cult of Aphrodite, including ruins of palaces, tombs and mosaic-tiled villas.

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Cyprus - An island with a thousand faces !

Let's start with a discover of the island itself !

Geography

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia (both in terms of area and population). It is also the world's 80th largest island by area and world's 51st largest by population. It is 240 kilometres (149 mi) long from end to end and 100 kilometres (62 mi) wide at its widest point, with Turkey 75 kilometres (47 mi) to the North.

History

History of Cyprus goes back at least 10,000 years. Archaeological remains from this period include the well-preserved Neolithic village of Khirokitia, and Cyprus is home to some of the oldest water wells in the world.

Currency & Population

Cyprus uses Euro (€) since 2008 and has a population of approximately 1.2 million

Climate

Cyprus has a subtropical climate – Mediterranean and semi-arid type (in the north-eastern part of the island) – Köppen climate classifications Csa and BSh, with very mild winters (on the coast) and warm to hot summers. Snow is possible only in the Troodos Mountains in the central part of island. Rain occurs mainly in winter, with summer being generally dry

Transport

Available modes of transport are by road, sea and air. Cyprus is the one of only four EU nations in which vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road, a remnant of British colonisation (the others being Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom). A series of motorways runs along the coast from Paphos east to Ayia Napa, with two motorways running inland to Nicosia, one from Limassol and one from Larnaca.

Religion

The majority of Greek Cypriots identifies as Greek Orthodox, whereas most Turkish Cypriots are adherents of Sunni Islam. According to Eurobarometer 2005, Cyprus was the second most religious state in the European Union at that time, after Malta

Living everyday life in Cyprus

Whatever the season, Cyprus provides ample opportunity to experience something new, interesting and exciting, including activities, events, customs and places that are unique and special.

Languages

Cyprus has two official languages, Greek and Turkish. Although without official status, English is widely spoken and it features widely on road signs, public notices, and in advertisements, etc. English was the sole official language during British colonial rule and the lingua franca until 1960.

Education

Professionals

Cyprus has a large database of local professionals and experts in the service industry (lawyers / accountants / auditors)

Culture

Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots share a lot in common in their culture but also have differences. Several traditional food (such as souvla and halloumi) and beverages are similar, as well as expressions and ways of life.

Cuisine

Halloumi cheese originated in Cyprus and was initially made during the Medieval Byzantine period. Seafood and fish dishes include squid, octopus, red mullet, and sea bass. Cucumber and tomato are used widely in salads. Common vegetable preparations include potatoes in olive oil and parsley, pickled cauliflower and beets, asparagus and taro.

Timezone

Eastern European Time Zone - UTC+02:00
Time difference with other countries: France:-1, Germany:-1 Greece:0, Russian Fed.:+1, Saudi Arabia:+1, UAE:+2, UK:-2, U.S.A:-7