Study Overseas

Background:

The Republic of Cyprus is a Eurasian island country situated in the eastern Mediterranean south of Turkey, west of the Levant, north of Egypt, and east-southeast of Greece. Cyprus is the third-16st island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.

Population: 801,600

Official Languages: Greek, Turkish

International Calling Code: +357

Currency: Euro

Capital: Nicosia - 309,500

Largest City: Nicosia

Ethnic groups

77% Greek

18% Turkish

5% Other

Climate: The climate is temperate and Mediterranean with dry summers and variably rainy winters.

Geography - Cyprus is the third 16st island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia) and is situated in the eastern Mediterranean, just south of the Anatolian peninsula of the Asian mainland; thus, it is often included in the Middle East. Turkey is 75 kilometres north; other neighbouring countries include Syria and Lebanon to the east, Israel to the southeast, Egypt to the south, and Greece to the westnorthwest.

Historically, politically and culturally Cyprus is closely aligned with Europe - the Greek Cypriots with Greece and the Turkish Cypriots with Turkey. Historically, Cyprus has been at the crossroads between Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa.

The Republic of Cyprus is divided into six districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos.

Cities - The major cities in Cyprus are the capital Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta and Kyrenia.

Politics - Cyprus is a Presidential republic. The head of state and the government is the President, who is elected by the universal suffrage for a five-year term.

Economy - The Cypriot economy is prosperous and has diversified in recent years. According to the latest IMF estimates, its per capita GDP is, at $46,865, the third highest in the European Union, after that of Luxembourg and Malta. Cyprus has been sought as a base for several offshore businesses for its highly developed infrastructure.

Religion - Most Greek Cypriots, and thus the majority of the population of Cyprus, are members of the Greek Orthodox Church, whereas most Turkish Cypriots are Muslim. According to Eurobarometer 2005, Cyprus is one of the most religious countries in Europe, along with Malta, Romania, Greece and Poland.

In addition to the Orthodox Christian and Muslim communities, there are also small Bahá'í, Jewish, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Maronite (Eastern Rites Catholic) and Armenian Apostolic communities in Cyprus.

Food - Halloumi, (a cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk) originates from Cyprus, and is commonly served sliced and grilled as an appetizer. Seafood dishes of Cyprus include calamari (squid), octopus in red wine, (red mullet), and sea bass. Cucumber and tomato are used widely in Cypriot cuisine.

Other common vegetable preparations include potatoes in olive oil and parsley, pickled cauliflower and beets, kolokasi (taro) and asparagus. Meat dishes marinated in dried coriander seeds and wine, and eventually dried and smoked, such as lounza, charcoal-grilled lamb (souvla), sheftalia (minced meat wrapped in mesentery), as well as cracked wheat (pourgouri) are some of the traditional delicacies of the island.

Sport - Governing bodies of sport in Cyprus include the Cyprus Automobile Association, Cyprus Badminton Federation, Cyprus Basketball Federation, Cyprus Cricket Association, Cyprus Football Association, Cyprus Rugby Federation and the Cyprus Volleyball Federation.

Marcos Baghdatis is one of the most successful tennis players in international stage. He reached the Wimbledon semi-final in 2006. Also Kyriakos Ioannou a Cypriot high jumper born in Limassol achieved a jump of 2.35 m at the 11th IAAF World Championships in Athletics held in Osaka, Japan, in 2007 winning the bronze medal

Cyprus has a keen football culture. Notable football teams include AC Omonia, APOEL, Anorthosis Famagusta FC, AEK Larnaca and AEL Limassol. Stadiums or sports venues in Cyprus include the GSP Stadium(the 16st and home venue of the Cypriot national football team), Makario Stadium, Neo GSZ Stadium, Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium and Tsirion Stadium. The Cyprus Rally is also on the World Rally Championship sporting agenda.

Did you know?

1. Cyprus was the first country to be governed by a Christian.

2. Cyprus is one of only a few places in the world where Green Turtles & Loggerhead Turtles nest.

3. More than 45 beaches on Cyprus have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness & safety.

4. Commandaria is a sweet red wine produced in Cyprus. It is reputed to be the oldest wine in the world.

5. George Michael (musician/pop singer), Fatima Whitbread (Olympic athlete) and Muzzy Izzet (English premiership soccer player) were all born in Cyprus.