About Cyprus

Location
Cyprus is strategically situated in the south eastern Mediterranean at the cross-roads of Europe, Africa and Middle East and covers an area of 9.251 sq. km. (3568 sq. mi)

Cyprus has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild winters.

Cyprus time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Population
The population in the government controlled area of Cyprus is about 800.000 with the vast majority being Greek - Cypriots.

Cyprus is considered to have one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, which together with its climate and infrastructure make it an ideal place to live and work.

Languages
English language is widely spoken and used both in business and government sectors. Greek, Turkish and English are the official languages and as a consequence government documents are also published in English.

Legal system
Cyprus has a well-functioning common law legal system which has its origins in the English legal system.

Political System / EU
Cyprus gained in independence in 1960 and joined the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Council of Europe.

Cyprus, is a member country of European Union since 2004 and a Euro zone country since 2008.

European Union citizens are able to work, conduct business, travel to, and live in Cyprus without any restrictions. In addition Cyprus participates in the European Union’s internal market where there is free movement of goods, services and capital.

It has a well functioning presidential government system under which human rights, political freedom and private property are respected and safeguarded.
Cyprus maintains excellent diplomatic and economic relationships with other European countries as well as Russia, India, US, countries of Commonwealth and Middle East.

Infrastructure
The island has advanced infrastructure to support businesses, excellent telecommunications, air and port connections.

There are two international airports, one in Larnaca and one in Paphos serving over 35 international airlines with daily flights to European and other international destinations.

Excellent banking facilities are also available with a number of onshore banks with international presence offering internet banking as one of their services. Offshore banking units (OBU's) and specialised financial institutions also operate on the island.