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About Us > Cyprus
> The
Republic of Cyprus
 Cyprus,
an island-republic in the Eastern Mediterranean, stands at the
crossroads of three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa. Its
history and culture is living proof of its age-long function as
a bridge between peoples and civilizations of Southeast Europe
and the Middle East. The Syllabic-script-b, for example, found
in Cyprus, is believed to be the link between the Phoenician and
the Greek alphabets.
Today Cyprus is a modern state enjoying a democratic system of
government with an executive president and a house of
representatives where pluralistic expression is in full bloom.
Despite suffering an invasion by neighbouring Turkey in 1974,
which still occupies about 37% of its territory, Cyprus has
managed to develop its economy to such an extent that it now
constitutes a significant regional financial hub.
In addition to its role as a regional financial and services
centre, Cyprus plays a significant role in acting as a bridge
between the peoples of the Middle East. It enjoys good relations
with both Arab countries and Israel and it could act as a
catalyst for cementing the ongoing Peace Process among Middle
East nations.
Cyprus is in quest of peace. It wishes to see an end to the
tragic division of the island with the conclusion of a
negotiated settlement between its two major communities - the
Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots - with the establishment
of a federal republic, the withdrawal of foreign troops and
settlers brought in from Turkey and the demilitarization of the
island. Politically Cyprus has moved towards Europe and aspires
to become the next member of the European Union. It is, however,
still a member of the family of non-aligned nations and the
Commonwealth and links with Third World Countries are expected
to remain strong.
Small in area (9,250 sq km) and population (746,100 in 1997) it
enjoys a high standard of living (about 6,700 CYP Pounds), low
unemployment (3% in 1997) and inflation (3.1% in 1997). It has
excellent communications and telecommunications infrastructure
and has developed into a major off-shore banking centre. The
island enjoys a very high educational and health services
standard. Its ethnic composition is about 84,5% Greek Cypriots
(including Maronites, Armenians and Latins) and 12,5% Turkish
Cypriots and 3% others. Major religions include Orthodox
Christianity (84%) and Islam (13%) while the official languages
of the state are Greek and Turkish. English is widely spoken and
used in business transactions.
Despite its small size, Cyprus's beauty is indeed unique. The
island offers a rare variety of scenery consisting of an
indented coastline with long, sandy beaches in numerous coves
and a broad plain stretching between two mountain ranges which
are mostly covered with forests of pine and cedar.
The climate is also quite diverse and according to Fador's Guide
to Europe "one of the best climates in the world". Intense
Mediterranean climate prevails at sea-level with hot, dry
summers and mild, wet winters, low humidities inland during
summer and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The mountains
(highest peak Mount Olympus 1951m), on the other hand, enjoy
cooler weather during the summer and the highest elevations are
snow- clad for most of the winter. In addition to scenic beauty
and a healthy climate the island possesses a wide variety of
wild life - rare and endemic species of flora and fauna.
Cyprus is one of the richest open air museums of the world. Here
to be found are neolithic settlements, ancient Greek temples,
Roman theatres, villas, early Christian basilicas, Byzantine
churches, impressive medieval monasteries, Crusader Castles,
Gothic churches, Venetian fortifications, Ottoman mosques and
aqueducts and British colonial buildings.
Yet, Cyprus's greatest asset is the friendliness and hospitality
of the locals. In some villages old customs die hard. Young
girls still engage in lace-making in the beautiful village of
Lefkara and elsewhere, potters still create wondrous shapes to
decorate their earthenware vessels, the sound of handlooms can
still be heard in distant Pafos villages and old men congregate
in the coffee shops for a game of backgammon or to listen to and
discuss the day's interest news.
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