ABOUT CYPRUS

LOCATION
Cyprus is situated in the eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. This location has been a major factor in its development into an international business and professional centre in recent years.
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia, with a total area of 3,572 sq.m. (9,25259 km).

MAIN CITIES AND CLIMATE
The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, has an estimated population of 200.000. Situated roughly in the centre of the island it is the seat of government and the main business centre. All the major cities are situated on the coast. Limassol is the second largest city and has the biggest port. Larnaca and Paphos both have International Airports.
Cyprus enjoys one of the best climates in the region with dry summers and mild winters. In a normal year, there are 300 warm and sunny days. The winter's light, rainy season is confirmed to the period between November and March. January and February are the coldest months with an average temperature of 5 - 15 degrees Celsius, while July and August are the hottest with an average temperature of 25 - 35 degrees Celsius.

THE ENVIRONMENT
Cyprus, which is considered part of Europe, provides a high standard of living, while, at the same time, it remains a reasonably inexpensive country.
In its combination of scenic beauty and rich cultural and historical tradition it holds a unique position among islands of the Mediterranean. Cyprus is ideal for capturing the atmosphere of the past as well as for simply enjoying peace and relaxation on its sandy beaches or among its pine-clad forests.
Settlements from Neolithic times, remains from classical cities renovated by the Romans, innumerable Byzantine churches with exquisite mural paintings and mosaics, monasteries, medieval castles, Gothic cathedrals and churches, and impressive Venetian wall defenses can be found all over the island.
There are many hotels, nearly all of which have an international star rating, offering excellent accommodation to travelers all over the island. There is also a large number of restaurants and tavernas offering European-style food, as well as excellent local dishes. Prices of both hotels and restaurants are reasonable.
Moreover, there are many discos, night-clubs and pubs and a number of sports clubs providing facilities for swimming, tennis, squash, horse-riding, wind-surfing, water-skiing, yachting, etc. Winter sports can be enjoyed on Troodos from mid-January to mid-March.
Cyprus is also renowned for its hospitality, which is a way of life on the island. Its unique combination of features has made Cyprus a major tourist resort.

GOVERNMENT
The Republic of Cyprus was established as an independent Republic in 1960, when British rule came to an end.
The official language is Greek. English is widely spoken and used in business.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Since 1 May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus is a full member of the European Union.
Cyprus maintains world-wide diplomatic relations with missions in all major countries.

LEGAL SYSTEM
The Cyprus legal system is based on its English counterpart. English case-law is closely followed and all statutes regulating business matters and procedure are based essentially on English laws.
A major difference between the English and the Cypriot legal system is that under the latter, there is a written Constitution which is the Supreme law of the country.
The human rights aspect of the Constitution is based on the European Convention of Human Rights and its application is based on U.S. and European Constitutional Law Principles.
The Supreme Court, which pronounces final judgment on administrative law matters, follows the French Droit Administratif principles.
Most laws are officially translated into English.
The Republic is a signatory to many international treaties and conventions.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telecommunication connections in Cyprus are excellent.

NEWSPAPERS
Besides its daily Greek newspapers, there are daily and weekly English newspapers published in Cyprus.
Most European, including most U.K., as well as Russian, Arabic and other newspapers are sold in Cyprus, usually one day after issue.

AIR CONNECTIONS
Cyprus is well served by a large number of international airlines which operate from Cyprus to Europe, Africa and Asia. There are two international airports, situated near Larnaca and Paphos, about 30 and 100 miles respectively from the capital Nicosia.
There are direct flights to all major European and Middle East cities.

HEALTH REGULATIONS
Cyprus is free from any epidemic diseases and no vaccination is required before entering the island.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The educational level of the population of Cyprus is very high and as a result, all types of professional services are highly developed. In particular, Cypriot lawyers, accountants and other business consultants have a wide knowledge and experience in advising international clients on matters of their expertise.
Many Cypriot lawyers are members of the United Kingdom Inns of Court or graduates of British Universities.
Most professional accountants are either Chartered or Certified Accountants and members of the respective United Kingdom Institutes. They are thus subject to those bodies' standards of professional etiquette. Most international firms of accountants have offices or representatives in Cyprus.
Cyprus also provides excellent secretarial services. There is a considerable number of multi-lingual secretaries, of very high standards, providing excellent services.