About Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, with an area of 9.251 sq.km. It is situated in the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, at a distance of 402km north of Egypt's Nile Delta, 103km west of Syria and 71km south of Turkey. It is a member of the European Union and Commonwealth.
In December 2002 Cyprus took part in EU accession negotiations with nine other countries (the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia). The Accession Treaty was signed on 16 April 2003 and on 1 May 2004 Cyprus joined the EU.
BRIEF HISTORY
A former British colony, Cyprus received independence in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule.
Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued.
In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon?occupied more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," but it is recognized only by Turkey.
The latest two-year round of UN-brokered direct talks - between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to reach an agreement to reunite the divided island - ended when the Greek Cypriots rejected the UN settlement plan in an April 2004 referendum.
The entire island entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis - the body of common rights and obligations - applies only to the areas under direct Republic of Cyprus control.
At present, every Cypriot carrying a Cyprus passport has the status of a European citizen; however, EU laws do not apply to north Cyprus. Nicosia continues to oppose EU efforts to establish direct trade and economic links to north Cyprus as a way of encouraging the Turkish Cypriot community to continue to support reunification.
ADMINISTRATION
Administratively, Cyprus is divided into six districts. Nicosia, Famagusta, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Kyrenia. The towns of Famagusta and Kyrenia were captured by the Turkish troops during their invasion of Cyprus in July-August, 1974, and are still under occupation.
POPULATION
The official population of the island is 780,133 (July 2005 est.), of which approximately 84% are Greek Cypriots, 12% Turkish Cypriots, 1% are small minorities (Maronites, Armenians, Latins) and 3% foreign residents and workers. Greek and Turkish are the official languages. English is widely spoken, French and German are also spoken though not as widely as English.
GOVERMENT
Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system of government. The island's capital and seat of Government is Nicosia, with a population of 180.000 including suburbs.
Chief of state: The president is both the chief of state and head of government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot. The president elected by popular vote for a five-year term.
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and vice president.
Parliament: House of Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon. Composed of 80 members, 56 elected by the Greek community and 24 by the Turkish community. note - only those assigned to Greek Cypriots are filled; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms.
CAPITAL CITY
Nicosia is a friendly, cosmopolitan and culturally rich city. The historic past brilliantly blends into? the modern-day city. The old city is enclosed by the 16th century Venetian walls and contains museums, ancient churches, medieval buildings, and a pedestrian shopping centre. The modern city has grown around the old walled city, and here, luxury hotels and restaurants, conference centres, modern shops and wide streets, give the capital a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
CLIMATE
Cyprus enjoys one of the healthiest climates in the world with pollution free atmosphere and plenty of sunshine. Mean temperatures range from 8C (42F) in December to 35C (96F)
in August.
CURRENCY
The legal unit of currency is the Euro (EU). Travellers cheques may be cashed at any bank, at the official rate. Foreign currency (notes, travellers cheques, etc.) can be imported with no restrictions.
