Nestled in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is a stunningly beautiful island nation. With a history spanning thousands of years, from ancient Egyptian empires to modern-day independence, Cyprus has witnessed some of the most significant moments in European history. Today, Cyprus is a member of the European Union and the Commonwealth, and its modern economy serves as an essential pillar in the region. As the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus enjoys a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters. The vast majority of the population is Greek-Cypriot, with a second significant ethnic group being Turkish-Cypriot, and the official languages are Greek and Turkish. English is widely spoken, and Cyprus is considered the most English-speaking nation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus has a strong history in science, philosophy, and athletics. Modern-day Cyprus has a highly developed service economy, with the banking and finance industry as the cornerstone. Shipping and tourism are also essential components, boosting the economy considerably. Cyprus offers a high standard of living, world-class healthcare, and excellent educational opportunities. Expats settling in Cyprus will have remarkable opportunities and a rich and vibrant culture to explore.
Expat destinations in Cyprus
Demographics of Cyprus:
Ethnic groups
Greek (~78%), Turkish (~18%), and other (~4%)
Languages
Greek (~78%), Turkish (~18%), and English (widely spoken)
Religion Overview
Cyprus enjoys a benevolent faith community, with Christianity and Islam as the major religions. Under Byzantine and Ottoman rule, the island changed hands multiple times, resulting in a unique blend of religious heritage. This blend can be seen in the myriad churches, mosques, and cathedrals dotting the landscapes.
Major Religions
Climate
Cyprus boasts a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and minimal rainfall. Summer temperatures average between 22-28°C (~72-82°F), with the winter average hovering around 13-17°C (~55-63°F). Weather conditions rarely fall below freezing, or much above 33°C (~91°F).
Economy Overview
The economy of Cyprus is robust and advanced, with a relatively high standard of living for the region. The service sector dominates the economy, with finance and banking as the cornerstone, followed by tourism and shipping. The government has recently been working to diversify the economy to include manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.
Key Industries
- Finance and Banking
- Tourism
- Shipping
- Manufacturing
- Technology
- Renewable Energy
Major Companies
- Bank of Cyprus
- Chalaris Group
- LOELIA Group
- ELPIDA JOURNORS LTD
- Vassiliko Cement Works Ltd
Culture and Language Overview
The rich and complex heritage of Cyprus, spanning thousands of years, is evident in its culture, with a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. The cuisine of Cyprus is well known for its Mediterranean flair, with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and seafood representing essential ingredients. Festivals and celebrations take place throughout the year, with Easter being the most significant. The intersection of ancient Greek and Turkish empires blended together to create some fascinating folklore and folk tales that are still practiced today. Music, dance, and theatre form an essential component of the culture.
Cultural Highlights
- Cyprus Folk Festival
- Fasoulada (Bean Stew) Cooking Classes
- Traditional Greek and Turkish Dancing Classes
- Mathos Trikomia Street Theatre
- Katharados (His-Cleaning) Festival
Geography and Landmarks Overview
Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, characterized by rolling hills, verdant forests, and mesmerizing beaches. Cyprus' stunning natural beauty, coupled with mythological intrigue, has earned it a unique position in history, as the birthplace of the legendary goddess Aphrodite. The Troodos Mountains form the backbone of Cyprus, with lush forests and hiking trails dotted all over the mountains.
Notable Landmarks
- Aphrodite's Rock
- Kyrenia Harbour
- Kakopetria Mountain Village
- Troodos Mountain Range
- Paphos Castle
- Paphos Archaeological Site
National Holidays
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Epiphany
- Green Monday
- Clean Monday
- Independence Day (April 1)
- Labors Day (May 1)
- Whitsunday
- Assumption Day (August 15)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Boxing Day (December 26)
Political Stability
Cyprus enjoys relative political stability, with a presidential system of government and a bicameral parliament. The presidential elections take place every five years, and the last general elections took place in February 2023. The current president is Nikos Anastasiades. The Republic of Cyprus recognizes the independence and sovereignty of the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. However, the international community regards Northern Cyprus as a disputed region and continues to recognize Cyprus as a single, unified nation.
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