About Cyprus
Situated in the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, Cyprus is the third-largest island in the area and one of its most popular holiday destinations, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year. A former British colony, it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960 and became a Commonwealth republic in 1961.
In 1974, Turkey invaded and occupied the northern part of Cyprus. This led to the displacement of thousands of Cypriots and the establishment of a separate Turkish Cypriot political entity in the north. This event and its resulting political situation is a matter of ongoing dispute, and of the international community only Turkey recognises the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; a UN Green Line separates the two, and it is now possible to take a day trip into the North. The Republic of Cyprus in the south is a developed country and has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004
The major cities in Cyprus are the capital Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, The biggest towns in the North are Famagusta and Kyrenia. The central plain, the Mesaoria, is bordered by the Kyrenia and Pentadactylos mountains to the north and the Troödos mountain range to the south and west. There are also scattered, but significant, plains along the southern coast. The island's highest point is at the summit of Mount Olympus 1,952 metres (6,404 ft), in the heart of the Troödos range
The climate is temperate and Mediterranean with dry summers and variably rainy winters. Summer temperatures range from warm at higher elevations in the Tröodos mountains to hot in the lowlands. Winter temperatures are mild at lower elevations, where snow rarely occurs, but are significantly colder in the mountains, where there is sufficient snow for a seasonal ski facility. Dust storms are frequent throughout the year.
The Cypriot economy is prosperous and has diversified in recent years. Its GDP per-capita is slightly lower than that of France, Germany, Italy and the UK, but slightly higher than the EU average. Cyprus has been sought as a base for several offshore businesses, due to its highly developed infrastructure. Economic policy of the Cyprus government has focused on meeting the criteria for admission to the European Union. Adoption of the Euro as a national currency is required of all new countries joining the European Union, and the Cypriot government adopted the currency on 1 January 2008.
Most Greek Cypriots, and thus the majority of the population of Cyprus, are members of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Cyprus (Cypriot Orthodox Church), whereas most Turkish Cypriots are Muslim. Church attendance among Greek Cypriots is relatively high, making the Republic of Cyprus one of the most religious countries in the Eurpean Union/