Cyprus Information
Why Cyprus
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is located in the geographically advantageous position at the crossroads of three continents:
Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Its unique offering of almost year-round sunshine, unspoiled natural beauty, and a high quality of life attracts a number of foreign nationals who wish to relocate or conduct business on the island. In fact, Cyprus has recently been ranked as the 5th best relocation destination in the world by an international lifestyle review publication, particularly due to its favourable tax regime for new residents.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy the best of both worlds;
from vibrant business centers to picturesque villages, traditional family values to cosmopolitan vibes, crystal clear Blue Flag beaches to beautiful valleys and snow-covered peaks.
Cyprus Fast Facts:
- The Cyprus legal system is based on English Law
- Cyprus has a stable economy and an excellent banking sector with worldwide networks
- Cyprus enjoys a relatively low cost of living
- Crime rates in Cyprus are among the lowest in Europe

Cyprus has six geographical districts. Nicosia, the island’s capital, is located in the centre of the island. Limassol, home to the island’s main seaport and most populated city, is situated on the south coast. The cities and resorts of Larnaca and Paphos, which are home to the island’s two airports, are also located on the south coast.
The smaller district of Ammochostos (Famagusta), on the south-eastern part of the island, is where the popular tourist resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras are located. This area is famous across the world for its spectacular golden-sand beaches, and a laidback, island vibe.
Cyprus enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate that’s characterised by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures generally range from winter lows of 17°C to warm highs of 33°C in the summer. The warmest month is August, but it is usually very warm from early May until October. Winter is quite mild during the day with slightly cooler nights.
Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system of government.
In May of 2004, the Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the EU. Accession to the EU was a natural choice for Cyprus, dictated by its culture, civilisation, history, its European outlook, and adherence to the ideals of democracy, freedom, and justice. EU accession helped launch a new era of challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities for Cyprus.
The history of Cyprus is one of the oldest recorded in the world. The first signs of civilisation date back to the ninth millennium B.C. The earliest known foreign settlements on the island were mainly of Phoenicians and Greeks. As a strategic location in the Middle East, it was subsequently occupied by several major powers, until 333 BC when the island was seized by Alexander the Great and at which point Greek culture began to dominate.
Subsequent rule by Ptolemaic Egypt, the Roman Empire, the Byzantines, Arab caliphates for a short period, the French Lusignan dynasty, and the Venetians, was followed by more than three centuries of Ottoman control. Cyprus was placed under British administration in 1878 until it was granted independence in 1960.
Cyprus occupies an important role in Greek mythology being the birthplace of Aphrodite and Adonis, and home to King Cinyras, Teucer and Pygmalion.
The food of Cyprus reflects its rich and turbulent history, and includes tastes influenced by the Middle East, Asia Minor and the Venetians.
Food is prepared using fresh local ingredients, herbs and spices and olive oil. The Mediterranean diet, with its grains and pulses, sun-ripened fresh fruit and
vegetables, high-protein fish, lean meat and poultry and wine is a popular, healthy option. A particularly popular option when dining out is Cypriot Meze, which is made up of a variety of small dishes ranging from salads and dips to grilled meats or seafood, allowing diners to sample the best of what the island’s cuisine has to offer.
Cyprus has a long tradition in winemaking that goes back over 4,000 years. Its local wine is Commandaria, a dessert wine with a taste not unlike sweet sherry, which is acknowledged to be the oldest wine in the world. Legend says that Commandaria was originally made for Richard the Lionheart and the Crusaders. It has been made using the same method for hundreds of years.