Welcome to Cyprus FactsHere are some useful Cyprus facts to introduce you to the island. Its nearest neighbours are Turkey, 65km to the North, Syria, 105km to the East and Egypt which lies 340km to the South.
Satellite map image courtesy of Google Earth Cyprus LanguageLANGUAGE: Contrary to what many people believe, Cyprus is NOT part of Greece though Greek is the main language spoken in the south of the island. In the northern part of the island, known as the TRNC, Turkish is the official language, due to the fact that, since 1974, the island has been divided. There is a long and complex history behind the "Cyprus problem" which continues to occupy both governments of the island to this day. Thankfully, this does not get in the way of enjoying this beautiful country. English is spoken by 90% of the people in both Northern and Southern Cyprus. Newspapers are available in both Greek and English in the south of the island. Radio stations are also available in both languages in the south. Each side of the island has a different flag. SIZE: Cyprus occupies an area of 9,250 sq km or 3,500 sq miles with a coastline that is around 400 miles long, all the way round. The island is 225km long at it's largest point and 97km wide at it's widest point. The divided area of the north occupies some 3500 sq km. To give you an idea of it's size, the whole island is about the same size as Puerto Rico, just under half the size of Wales, one tenth the size of Portugal and around 1% the size of Chile. POPULATION: 780,000 TIMEZONE: Cyprus is in the Eastern European Time Zone; Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2) and Daylight Saving Time is observed in Cyprus, so the clocks go forward at the end of March and go back again at the end of October. Currency in CyprusCURRENCY: (South of the island) The Euro. Cyprus converted to the Euro on January 1st 2008 having joined the European Union in May 2004 - read more about the Cyprus euro; (North of the island) Turkish Lira. CLIMATE: One of the more well known Cyprus facts is that the island is blessed with sunshine for over 300 days per year. Summers are hot and dry (temperatures up to 40 degrees C) and the winters pleasantly warm (daytime temperatures around 18 degrees C), unless you live in the higher mountain regions where it can get very cold. Get the latest forecast and seasonal weather variations here. What is NOT well known, however, is that it can get cold even in the lower coastal regions, especially when it rains and the water makes the traditional concrete white villa feel very damp. Make sure your accommodation has some form of heating if you are planning to visit in the cooler winter months (Dec-Feb). Even more important if you are planning to live here! GEOGRAPHY: Cyprus is best known for its sunshine packed coastal beaches, but the island is also blessed with some stunning mountain ranges, the Troodos massif in the south west and the limestone range of Kyrenia in the north. Many visitors remain ignorant of the rolling hills, pine forests and mountain villages which are a paradise for outdoor and nature lovers and, of course, for the inhabitants of the island who know secret Cyprus facts like where to go to avoid the crowds in the busy summer months. Discover the secret of how the island got its forests back after centuries of indiscriminate wood chopping.
ELECTRICITY: 240 volts AC with 5-amp and 13-amp 3 pin plugs (like the UK) Cyprus LawTHE LAW: In Cyprus, the law is based on the British legal system. Many Cypriots also train and work in the UK before setting up practices in Cyprus which is useful for British people and other foreigners looking to buy property on the island. For all property purchases, we advise using a well respected Cyprus lawyer backed by references who can advise on all aspects of the law. Best Cyprus HolidaysHOLIDAYS: Cyprus facts: The sunshine beach holiday enjoyed by some 2 million visitors to the island every year is losing popularity.The active visitor is now seeing Cyprus as a cycling and trekking destination and some specialist companies on the island offer tailor made packages to truly discover the most unspoilt parts of the island.
Whatever your reason for coming to the island, you can be sure of a WARM welcome especially in the quiet mountain villages where time seems to have stood still and your coffee will most likely be paid for by one of the locals. Even more so, if you use a few words of Greek to say hello - it is ALWAYS appreciated so take a few minutes to learn a few CYPRIOT Greek words... Don't miss our unusual Cyprus facts page. You are bound to discover something you didn't know! And for culture vultures, check out our potted history page to discover ancient Cyprus facts. Kopiaste! Related Pages: What Cyprus WEATHER is really like Geology and geography of Cyprus Olive oil - a staple part of the Cyprus diet
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