Cyprus may look tiny on the world map, but Cyprus is the third largest island covering 9,250 sq km (about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut, USA) and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, 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. The Republic of Cyprus is a developed country and has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004. It adopted the Euro on the 1st of January 2008.
Climate is temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters. With an average of 326 sunny days each year, the weather in Cyprus can be counted amongst the finest anywhere in the Mediterranean. Annual rainfall ranges from 350 to 400 mm in the central plains to 1200 mm at the peaks of the Troodos Massif, where rain is a much more common occurrence than at lower altitudes. The average annual rainfall for Cyprus as a whole is about 500 mm.
Cypriot cuisine is the cuisine encountered on the island of Cyprus located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Cypriot cuisine is shaped by the island's Mediterranean climate, its geography and history. Reflecting the two dominant populations, Cypriot cuisine has evolved as a fusion of Greek and Turkish cuisine with local twists to well known dishes. Further influences are evident from neibouring countries namely Arabic and Middle Eastern cuisine. There are remnants too of French, Italian and Anglo-Saxon influences stemming from the island's occupation by the Luisignan Franks, the Venetians and the British. Modern western cuisine (especially fast food) has an ever increasing influence on the day-to-day diet followed on the island.
Cyprus has many anciet landmarks, Including Kolossi Castle and Paphos Castle.
Paphos Castle is located on the edge of Paphos harbour. It was originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour.
The Kolossi Castle is a stronghold a few kilometres outside the city of Limassol on the island of Cyprus.
According to the last census carried out by the Republic in 1960, Greek Cypriots comprise 77% of the island's population, Turkish Cypriots 18%, while the remaining 5% are of other ethnicities. However, after the Turkish invasion of 1974, about 150,000 Turks from Anatolia were transferred or decided to settle in the north. This has changed the actual demographic structure of the island. Northern Cyprus now claims 265,100 inhabitants,[40] closer to 30% of the population of the island. The TRNC has granted citizenship to these immigrants: however, as the TRNC is not recognised by the Republic or the international community (with the exception of Turkey), its power to create new citizens is not recognised and the newcomers retain Turkish passports. The result of this situation is that percentage population estimates vary widely.
Visiting Cyprus
With over 2.4 million tourists per year, Cyprus is a paradise for the sports enthusiast. Sports include angling, sea sports, golf, cycling, sailing/yachting, swimming, hiking/nature trails, and water sports. It attracts many sun-seekers from all over the world and is also a great romantic destination for honeymooners. Choosing a place to stay should be easy once you have worked out your budget, as Cyprus house hundreds of hotels, from the most luxurious to back-packer accomodation. We have listed a small number from several groups in pages following on this site.
Cyprus is served by several major international airlines from European gateway cities. From North America, travellers can break up the journey in the European city of their choice or elect to keep connection time to a minimum. Popular gateways include the following:
The major international airport in Cyprus is Larnaca International (LCA); a smaller international airport is located in Pafos (PFO).