Cyprus: An island, A world of Choices
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Its 9,251 square km (3,572 square miles) encompass citrus and olive groves, pine forested mountains, and some of Europe's cleanest beaches. Also the easternmost island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is approximately 105 km (60 miles) west of Syria, 75 km (47 miles) south of Turkey and 380 km (200 miles) north of Egypt. The nearest Greek point is the Greek island of Rhodes which is 380 km (200 miles) to the west.
The island has a mild, typically Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine even in winter and little rainfall. Prominent geographic features include the Troodos massif that occupies most of the southwestern part of the country, the Pentadaktylos range in the north around Kyrenia and the Messaoria Plain in between them. It is here that the capital city, Lefkosia, is located.
Cyprus is a member of the United Nations and U.N. Agencies. It is also a member of the EU, the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Commonwealth and many other international Organisations.
Official name: Kypriaki Dimokratia [Greek], Kibris Cumhuriyeti [Turkish], Republic of Cyprus [English]
Form of government: Unitary Multiparty Republic with a unicameral legislature [House of Representatives]
Head of state and government: President
Capital: Lefkosia [Nicosia]
Official languages: Greek; Turkish
Population [2000]: 754,8 thousand [end of 1999]
Currency: The currency of the Republic is the EURO, which is divided into 100 cents.
The city of Nicosia: Modern and Traditional, Dynamic and Calm
Lefkosia (Nicosia) lies roughly at the centre of the island, with a rich history that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. It only became Capital of the island in the 11th century AD. The Lousignians turned it into a magnificent city with a Royal Palace and over fifty churches.
Today it blends its historic past brilliantly with the bustle of a modern city. The heart of the city, enclosed by 16th century Venetian walls, is dotted with museums, ancient churches and mediaeval buildings preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years past. Yet this old heart is split in two, leaving Nicosia the only Capital city to remain divided by Turkish force since 1974.
The new Nicosia developed outside the walls, and became a contemporary and cosmopolitan business and cultural centre. The atmosphere is modern and traditional, dynamic and calm at the same time. It is without any doubt the most interesting city on the island and very different from the tranquility of the rest of the islands towns and villages. Nicosia is the seat of government and home to all major business. Being about 30 minutes away from the closest beach it is also the least touristic of the island's cities.
A small, mostly touristic section has already undergone restoration: Laiki Yitonia, “neighbourhood of the people”, impresses with its narrow alleys, small shops and restaurants and it gives an impression of what Nicosia looked like three centuries ago. The new city spreads southward, with only an occasional high rise in its center. The main business center is also located there – between the triangle of Stasinos, Makarios and Evagoras Streets. The suburbs are wide residential quarters, with small cottages and private villas.
More Information About Cyprus
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