GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION
Cyprus is situated in the north – eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea and lies at the meeting point of Europe, Asia and Africa. With an area of 9.251sq kilometres it is the largest island after Sicily and Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea and the world’s 81st largest. Cyprus measures 240 kilometers latitudinally and 100 km longitudinally. The physical setting for life on the island is dominated by the mountain masses and Mesaoria plain which is the main central plain they encompass. The Troodos Mountains cover most of the southern and western portions of the island and account for roughly half its area. Coastal lowlands, with variations in width, surround the island.
Coastline: 648km
Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m / Highest point: Olympus 1,952 m (Troodos Mountain).
DISTANCES BETWEEN CITIES (KM)
| CYPRUS DISTANCE CHART in kilometers | ||||||||||
| Nicosia | ||||||||||
| Limassol |
80
|
Limassol | ||||||||
| Paphos |
152
|
72
|
Paphos | |||||||
| Larnaca |
47
|
70
|
142
|
Larnaca | ||||||
| Troodos |
80
|
51
|
123
|
121
|
Troodos | |||||
| Ayia Napa |
81
|
107
|
184
|
41
|
163
|
Ayia Napa | ||||
| Polis |
188
|
108
|
37
|
177
|
160
|
220
|
Polis | |||
| Paralimni (Protaras) |
85
|
111
|
178
|
44
|
158
|
5
|
219
|
Paralimni (Protaras) |
||
CLIMATE
Cyprus has one of the finest climates in the Mediterranean with winters milder than either Greece or Sicily, regular sunshine and dry summers. Statistics show that there are an average of 340 days of sunshine with some of the warmest coastal temperatures in the Mediterranean basin. These temperatures range from a mean average sea temperature in excess of 21oC from May to November. Such conditions ensure an eight – month sea-side vacation season, a factor which is considered very favorable towards the operation of resort hotels. 17% of Cyprus surface is covered by vegetation, including forests of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and flowers. The flora comprises about 1800 indigenous species, subspecies and varieties.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
The population of Cyprus is approximately 1.155.000 divided as follows:
Greek Cypriots: 77%
Turkish Cypriots: 18%
Others: 5%
The official languages are Greek and Turkish, with English and other European languages being very widely spoken. The strategic significance of the island’s location has successfully attracted people who have regarded possession of it as a step towards the solution of their own diverse problems and the achievement of their ambitions. The strategic position has been the subject of conflict amongst great powers in antiquity Greeks, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and latter Ottomans and finally British up to 1960. Each of these races left their mark. Nevertheless, most of the Island’s character, history and culture remained predominantly Greek to this day. Its cultural heritage is truly impressive with ruins of ancient settlements, Greek temples and Roman theatres virtually everywhere. There are also Byzantine monasteries, medieval castles, fortresses, picturesque churches and mosques as well as a wealth of relics and treasures brought to light by archaeological excavations.
Cyprus has joined the EU on 1st May 2004 and is a member of the Eurozone since 1st January 2008. Cyprus already exports 50% of its products to the E.U. and can expect to be transformed into a regional business center due to its democratic government system, its free market economy, its excellent communications with direct dialing to over 200 countries, its favourable tax regime, its bilateral investment agreements, double tax treaties and its strategic location at the crossroads of three continents.
PURCHASING PROPERTY IN THE OCCUPIED PART OF NORTHERN CYPRUS
Foreign citizens are kindly warned against the purchase of Greek Cypriot owned property, in the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus which has been under Turkish military control and occupation since July 1974.
As a result of the Turkish invasion and the subsequent occupation of 36.4% of the northern part of Cyprus, 170.000 Greek Cypriots, who constituted 2/3 of the inhabitants of the occupied areas, were forced to flee from their homes. According to the Land Registry Office Records, Greek Cypriots own approximately 60% of the land in the territory now under Turkish occupation, 22% is owned by the state while Turkish Cypriots own approximately 16%.
The displaced persons are to this day prevented by the Turkish armed forces from returning to their homes and peacefully enjoying their properties. However, under Human Rights Conventions and Decisions by the European Court of Human Rights as well as international and national laws they retain the ownership of their properties through their title deeds issued by the various District Land Registry Offices of the Republic of Cyprus prior to 1974.
