Cyprus is a small European island country located in the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea. The geography of Cyprus includes the central plain, the Mesaoria Plain, which is bordered by the Kyrenia and Pentadactylos mountains to the north, and the Troodos mountain range to the south and west. There are also scattered, but significant, plains along the southern coast.

Cyprus is endowed with golden beaches boasting clear blue waters, pine-scented forests and a superb climate. It is the sunniest country in Europe with over 300 days of sun annually. The environment is one of the healthiest in the world according to the World Health Organization and is relatively unspoiled by industrialization.

The Cyprus economy is booming and political stability has been firmly established for over thirty years. In May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the European Union (EU). As one of the region’s leading business centres, the island enjoys advantages in tourism, consultancy, shipping, telecommunications, banking, and insurance. Crime and violence are rare by US and European standards.

Cypriots have been famous since antiquity for their hospitality and the warm and friendly welcome they extend to visitors. Due to the geographic separation of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities following the Turkish invasion in 1974, the Greek language now predominates in the south and Turkish in the occupied north. However, English is widely understood on both sides of the island, especially among the younger generations.

Cyprus is known for the vast amount of foreigners from all over the world that travel here to live, as well as, for vacation. This has also contributed to the continuation of English as a semi-official language.

Reflecting the two dominant populations, Cypriot cuisine has evolved as a fusion of Greek and Turkish cuisine with local twists to well known dishes. Further influences are evident from neighbouring countries, namely Arabic and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Cyprus also has intriguing historical locations such as the legendary site of Aphrodite’s birthplace which is close to the coastal cliffs near Paphos. She was the goddess of beauty and love. The ruins of ancient Salamis near Famagusta, the Kourion theatre outside the city of Limassol, the Kolossi Castle, and the Centaur floor mosaic in Paphos are just a few other examples of great places to see.

Since the dawn of recorded history, Cyprus has been one of the most sought-after areas of the region. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans, along with Crusaders, Byzantines, Franks and Ottomans, have all left a remarkable legacy for the modern visitor to explore.

Where is Cyprus?

The island nation of Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean sea just off the coast of Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon in the Middle East. Looking at an image of Cyprus country for the sky, it is visible the island is quite small (third largest in the Mediterranean sea), arid and has a pointy tail towards its North East.

How many districts are there in Cyprus today?

On top of that, the country is divided into six districts (Kyrenia, Famagusta, Nicosia, Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca), with two of them overlapping the Buffer Zone, which makes Cyprus political geography even trickier.

Is Cyprus safe?

Don’t be fooled: Cyprus crime rate is very low, which makes it very safe and a perfect tourist destination in the sunny Mediterranean sea.

How many people live in Cyprus?

The country population is a bit over a million people.

What’s the capital city of Cyprus?

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus for both its northern and southern parts. However, given that Nicosia’s airport was abandoned; if you want to fly to Cyprus today, you can use Ercan airport for Northern Cyprus or Larnaca and Paphos airports in Southern Cyprus.

Why is Cyprus so diverse?

Known as the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite – love and beauty goddess – Cyprus has many interesting things to do and see as it was populated and influenced by Greeks, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, French, Italians, Ottomans, and British (which ultimately left most of Cyprus population speaking English pretty nicely on top of Greek and Turkish).

Today, Cyprus has two main religions: Islam on the north and Greek Orthodox in the south.

How is Cyprus climate?

Cyprus enjoys a warm and dry Mediterranean climate with only some rain in the winter months, which leaves rivers dry in summer.