GENERAL INFORMATION OF CYPRUS
Cyprus is situated at the Northeast end of the Mediterranean basis, is the third largest island with an area of 9,251 square kilometers (3,572 square miles).
DEMOGRAPHY
The Population of Cyprus is approximately 812.200 of whom 79.1% (646.900) are members of the Christian Greek Cypriot community and speak Greek. 10.7% belong to the Muslim Turkish Cypriot community and speak Turkish, and 10.2% are foreign workers and expatriates residing in Cyprus. English is widely spoken in Cyprus and regularly used.
HISTORY
Cyprus has a rich and varied history. Many invaders, settlers and immigrants have come here and the island has seen Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans, Genoese, Venetians, Ottomans, British and Turks. In July 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus and since this 36.7% of the island, the so-called Northern Cyprus is occupied. Since 2004 Cyprus is a full member of the European Union.
GOVERNMENT
Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system of government. Under the 1960 Constitution, executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic, elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term of office.
LANGUAGES
Greek and Turkish are the official languages. English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism industry.
RELIGION
Cyprus has seen many empires and cultural influences over the centuries. While the majority of Cypriots are Greek orthodox Christian (85%), other religious faiths are represented on the island as well, including Armenians, Maronites, Roman Catholics and Muslims.
CLIMATE
Cyprus is the warmest island in the Mediterranean with more than 300 days of sunshine every year and mild winters. The mean daily temperature in July and August ranges between 29°C on the central plain to 22°C on the Troodos mountains. Climatic conditions in Cyprus can be termed as excellent from a health point of view. Therefore the climate is ideal for holiday travellers throughout the year.
FLORA & FAUNA
In Cyprus you can find about 1800 species of plants and beautiful wild flowers. The island is home for local and exotic birds, everywhere you can find lizards and Cyprus is known to host an endangered species, the moufflon.
CULTURAL LIFE / EVENTS
Cyprus is a country where the 20th century still rubs shoulders with history, where one may enjoy customs, festivals and religious fairs, whose origins stretch back into antiquity and at the same time enjoy performances of modern dance or theatres as all art forms continue to flourish on the island.
The visitor's participation in such events is warmly encouraged.
In Cyprus the following Public Holidays are celebrated:
January 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Epiphany Day
Variable:Green Monday (50 days before Greek Orthodox Easter), 2000 - 13 of March, 2001 - 26 of February, 2002 - 18 of March, 2003 - 10 of March.
March 25: Greek National Day
April 1: Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable:Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church). 2000-28 of April, 2001 - 13 of April, 2002 - 3 of May, 2003 - 25 of April
Variable:Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church).2000- 1 of May,2001-16 of April, 2002 - 6 of May, 2003 - 28 of April
May 1: Labor Day
Variable:Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festivalof the Flood). 2000 - 19 of June, 2001 - 4 of June, 2002 - 24 of June, 2003 - 16 of June
August 15: Assumption
October 1: Cyprus Independence Day
October 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Notes:
- All public services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on Public Holidays. In resort and coastal areas, however, shops and certain services remain open.
MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
There is a big selection of taverns with friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Some may have traditional bouzouki live music and you are welcome to enjoy the traditional way of eating, drinking, singing and dancing. The nightlife on the island is suitable to every mood and age: romantic restaurants and cafes, trendy discos and modern nightclubs.
