About Cyprus | Facts On Cyprus

Cyprus, an island in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, at the cross-roads of three continents- Europe, Asia and Africa- has one of the oldest histories of the world, dating back 9000 years. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia also the largest city in Cyprus. Cyprus is divided into 6 administrative districts namely Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca. Limassol, Nicosia and Pafos. A buffer zone occupied by the United Nations Forces separates the divided island into a northern, Turkish Cypriot sector and a southern, Greek Cypriot sector.

Location

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia. Situated in the eastern Mediterranean, south of the Anatolian Peninsula of the Asia mainland, Cyprus is commonly included in the Middle East. 75 km to the north you find Turkey, with Syria and Lebanon to the east, Israel to the southeast, Egypt to the South and Greece to the West-North-West.

Politically and culturally however Cyprus is closely aligned with Europe.

The Capital City, Nicosia, is located to the north-east of the centre of the island. All other major cities are situated on the coast.

Economy

Cyprus economy is growing at the satisfactory rate underpinned by long-term macroeconomic stability. The Grows Domestic Product in 2005 reached 13.6 billion euros and the projected growth for 2006 is 4 per centum.

Cyprus per capita income is one of the highest in the region.

The country enjoys full employment conditions, with the current unemployment rate standing at 3.8 per centum while inflation stands at 2 per centum.

Being as prosperous as it is, the Cypriot economy has diversified in recent years. Cyprus has been sought as a basis for several offshore businesses, due to its highly developed infrastructure.

Having discovered oil in the sea South of Cyprus talks have been ongoing with Egypt to reach agreement between the two countries as to the exploitation of these resources.

All countries joining the European Union need to eventually adopt the euro currency and the Cyprus government intends to adopt the currency on 1 January 2008.

Weather and climate

Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate - warm and dry with little rainfall between November and March. The island experiences mild wet winters and dry hot summers. The high mountain areas are cooler and moister than the remainder of the island.

Cyprus Traffic

In Cyprus traffic circulates on the left similar to the U.K. Traffic sings are international.

Education

Cyprus has a well- developed system of primary and secondary education offering both public and private education. Unlike in other countries, state schools are generally seen as equivalent or better in quality of education than private sector institutions.

Private College and State supported universities have been developed.

Some other facts on Cyprus that may interest you:

Area : 9250 59 km
Coastline : 648 km
Climate : temperate: hot, dry summers and cool winters
Languages : Greek, Turkish & English
Accession to E.U : May 1, 2004
Population - 2005 : 784301
Currency : Cyprus pound
Natural resources : Copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment
Life expectancy at birth : total population - 77.82 years
male - 75.44 years
female - 80.31 years
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1%
Religions : Greek orthodox 78%
Muslim 18%
others 4%
Literacy : total population 97.6%
male 98.9%
female 96.3%

GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $16.85 billion - Republic
GDP (official exchange rate) : $15.43 billion
GDP - real growth rate : 3.7%
GDP - per capita : $21.600
Exports : $1.237 billion f.o.b
Exports partners : U.K 27.2%
Greece 11.9%
Germany 5%
UAE 4.8%