Cyprus

Life is meant to be enjoyed in Cyprus.

Geography

Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and lies at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa. Cyprus known as the ‘Jewel of the Mediterranean’ is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of love and beauty.

 

Cyprus describes itself as the year-round island, where each season brings something new and wonderful for visitors to discover, from swimming in the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, to taking a walk in pine-scented forests, skiing on the snowy mountain peaks, cycling through the countryside and wandering around the ancient Greek temples and magnificent Byzantine churches.

Lifestyle

Life is meant to be enjoyed in Cyprus. The country is renowned for its excellent quality of life and offers real European lifestyle, culture and amenities. Cafe culture predominates, with both business and social meetings taking place over a leisurely frappe (iced coffee) in the numerous cafes in every city.

 

As with most Mediterranean cultures, food, both the preparation and the eating, plays a vital role. Meze is a delicious way to acquaint yourself with the local cuisine. Heavily influenced by Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisine, Cypriot food includes some culinary stars exclusive to the island, including halloumi cheese, sheftalia, and kebabs. The desserts, ranging from creamy rice puddings to splendidly sticky baklava are irresistible.

History

It is an island whose rich dramatic history can be traced back over nine thousand years; an island so coveted over the centuries that it has been invaded and claimed by a fascinating mixture of civilizations from near and far all of which have left their culture and shaped its character.

 

Cyprus won independence from Britain in 1960, however a Greek-sponsored coup d’état in 1974 was swiftly followed by an invasion of Turkish forces which occupied the northern part of the island.

Language and Religion

Cypriots are highly educated and multilingual. The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish, however English is widely spoken and written and is the language of international business. German, French and Russian are also widely spoken in commerce, due both to the number of Cypriot graduates from overseas universities and the island’s commercial ties with the global business community.

 

Christians make up 78% of the Cypriot population. Religious freedom is written into the Cypriot constitution and Catholics, Jews, Armenians and Maronites co-exist peacefully on the island.

Economy

The structure of the Greek Cypriot economy has changed dramatically since the division of the island in 1974. From an agricultural base in the 1960s, the economy shifted to manufacturing in the 1970s and mid-1980s and thereafter to services, which account for four-fifths of the GDP.

 

Tourism, financial services, and real estate are the most important sectors. The economy has grown at a rate well above the EU average since 2000. Cyprus joined the EU on 1 May 2004 and adopted the euro as its national currency on 1 January 2008.

 

The economic prosperity came under pressure in 2013, as construction and tourism slowed in the face of reduced foreign demand triggered by the ongoing global financial crisis.

 

Exceeding international expectations with a return to growth in 2015, Cyprus is making steady progress in restructuring its economy and regaining investor confidence