About Cyprus
Cyprus, once rich in copper deposits derived its name from the Latin word
"Cuprum" meaning copper. Situated in the North Eastern basin of the Mediterranean
Sea it was and still is a link between Europe, Asia and Africa. Measuring
9,251 sq. km Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and
is a popular financial and tourist centre. The major towns are: Nicosia,
which is situated roughly in the centre of the island, is the capital,
the seat of Government and main business centre. Limassol in the South
is the main commercial port. Larnaca in the Southeast has the main airport
and the second commercial port, and Paphos in the Southwest has the second
airport. The population of Cyprus is estimated to be 800.000 of which
approximately 77% are Greek Cypriots, 18% Turkish Cypriots and 5% being
British. Armenian, Maronites and others.
European Union Cyprus has now been invited to become a full member of the EU in 2004. Thereafter EU citizens will no longer require work permits and will be able to purchase property freely. However it has been proposed that candidate countries, wishing to, may limit the acquisition of agricultural land and secondary residences by other EU nationals for a period of 7 and 5 years respectively after their accession, with a review, regarding shortening the period or lifting the restriction, after 3 years. It is anticipated that after accession the demand for and price of property in Cyprus will increase sharply.
Arriving in Cyprus There are four main ports of entry at Larnaca and Paphos airports and Limassol and Larnaca harbours.
Accommodation There are many hotels and holiday apartments but Cyprus being a popular holiday destination it is recommended that you book well in advance.
Banking There are many modern and well-equipped International and Local Banks throughout the island offering an efficient service. Major credit cards are accepted island wide.
Car Hire and Driving Driving is on the left side of the road and visitors must possess valid driving licence for the class of vehicle they wish to drive. Immigrants must convert their licence to a Cypriot one within six months of taking up residence. This costs CY£35 for a lifetime. Ordinary car hire costs about CY£25-35 per day, which includes full insurance cover. Visitors may bring their cars to Cyprus providing they have valid registration in their country.
Churches Greek Orthodox is the main religion in Cyprus but there are churches representing many other denominations in the major towns.
Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife Cyprus has hot dry summers and usually mild winters. In early spring huge red carpets of poppies, patches of anemones, banks of bright yellow daisies, lilac gladioli and the little bee orchids to name but a few of the many wild flowers make their appearance transforming the countryside into a palette of colour. Cyclamen grows in profusion in the cooler mountain areas, which are also the home of the Moufflon (wild mountain sheep, which is the national animal of Cyprus) and the pine and cypress trees. Flocks of flamingos look like pink froth while feeding on the salt lakes.
Communication A good telephone system offers a large number of services and connects Cyprus to over 200 countries. There are six T.V. stations which air a high percentage of programmes in English and a British Force radio station as well as a number of local ones. Three English newspapers and a number of magazines are published in Cyprus and most, well-known national papers and international magazines are imported.
Crime The crime rate in Cyprus is very low in comparison with other countries.
Duties and Taxes Cyprus has progressively been abolishing customs duties on most imports from the EU, gradually adopting the Common Customs Tariff of the EU. EUROPEAN UNION It is expected that Cyprus will become a full member of the EU by 2003. Thereafter EU citizens who will no longer require work permits and will be able to purchase property freely. However it has been proposed that candidate countries, wishing to, may limit the acquisition of agricultural land and secondary residences by other EU nationals for a period of 7 and 5 years respectively after their accession, with a review, regarding shortening the period or lifting the restriction, after 3 years. It is anticipated that after accession the demand for and price of property in Cyprus will increase sharply.
Education There are Greek, English, Armenian and French junior and secondary schools, a Greek university and a number of private English colleges related to UK and USA universities.
Entertainment Numerous taverns and restaurants provide local food and international cuisine, excellent local and imported drinks. There are nightclubs, discos and bars in all major towns and tourist resorts.
Health No vaccination is required when entering the island there being no infectious diseases. Medical treatment is very cheap in the Government hospitals but there are a number of private clinics for those who prefer them. Private Medical Insurance is also available.
Language Greek and Turkish are the official languages and Greek the local language. However English is very widely spoken and legal documents can be drawn up in English if required.
Legal System The legal system is based on the British system.
Pets Prior to the pet's arrival an import permit from the Cyprus Veterinary Services must be obtained. There is a quarantine period of six months but the pet may be confined at home for this period if certain criteria are met prior to importation. Certain breeds of dog may not be brought into Cyprus. More information can be obtained from the Veterinary Services. (Tel: 00 357 22 805240/1, Fax: 00 357 22 332803)
Recreation The crystal clear Mediterranean Sea, lovely beaches and beautiful scenery make Cyprus an idyllic holiday and retirement location. The sports enthusiast can enjoy any of a number of water and winter sports and for golfers there are two international standard golf clubs in the Paphos/Limassol area and another four are programmed for Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and Paralimni. Associations and societies include Lions, Rotary, Round Table, Toastmasters International, the Armenian Centre, the British Council, French Cultural Centre and the Goethe Institute. Festivals, fairs and many other cultural activities take place throughout the year and are usually publicised in the newspapers.
Standard and Cost of Living Compared to many other countries, in Europe, Cyprus enjoys a high standard but low cost of living.
Sightseeing Cyprus is steeped in antiquity and is rich in legendary, archaeological, religious and historical sites, some of which have been date back 9000 years. The exquisite Mosaic Floors of 3rd Century noblemen's villas in Kato Paphos were declared by UNESCO a World Cultural Heritage site There are too many sites for us to mention them all here and we suggest that upon arrival one visits the Cyprus Tourist Organisation offices where pamphlets and maps are available.