Cyprus : Country overview

Geography

• Full country name: Republic of Cyprus
• Population: 1.2 million
• Border countries: Cyprus is an island in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, with Turkey to the north, Syria to the east and Egypt to the South.
• Climate: sunshine all year round with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
• Terrain: mountain regions run from the northwest almost to the coast at the east, mountains descend to costal plains along the island.
• Natural hazards: droughts and extreme water shortages, occasional mild earthquake activity. 

Living in Cyprus

• Cost of living: in general the cost of living in Cyprus is quite high, although it is a bit cheaper than the UK. The estimated monthly living cost (in Nicosia) for the average student is €700-€1000, including the cost of rent. Restaurants charge around €14 to €25 per person for a meal. There are plenty of properties available for rent in the large towns and cities at rates that compare reasonably with properties in the UK. As a guide, the rent for a three-bedroom furnished house may range from €400 to €1200 depending on area and degree of luxury. 2 bed apartments range from €400 to €850 per month. If you intend to purchase a property, ensure you gain professional legal advice as many British nationals have encountered serious problems regarding property. Advice about buying property is available from the British High Commission in Cyprus . More information about living in Cyprus is available from The United Kingdom Citizens Association (Paphos) Ltd.
• Utilities: water and electricity are metered in Cyprus and charged on a monthly or two monthly basis. The cost of utilities is very low compared with the UK and many properties have solar water heating systems. Cyprus has no piped gas but bottled gas is widely available. 
• Internet domain: cy
• Health: health standards are similar to those in developed countries. Medical care is provided by government services (free or at reduced costs) and by the private medical sector. Cyprus (not including Northern Cyprus) allows access to free medical help via the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) system to EU citizens who are visiting, employed by a UK company or self-employed within the UK. See the EHIC website for details. This does not apply to people moving to Cyprus or working for a foreign employer or to any non-EU nationals. Further information about healthcare provisions for permanent residents is available from the Ministry of Health (Cyprus). 
• Laws and customs: Cyprus enforces a strict zero tolerance policy on drugs. As Cyprus is divided, ensure you do not cause any misunderstandings and are sensitive to military and political issues. For example, do not photograph or loiter near command posts or barracks. Same-sex relationships are tolerated and in many cases accepted, especially by the younger generation, but public displays of affection by same-sex couples are not as common as in the UK. 

Economy and finance

• Currency: Euro (€), Turkish lira used in the north.
• Type of economy: Cyprus is a divided island, the southern area controlled by the Cyprus Government and the northern Turkish Cypriot administered area which calls itself. Both north and south have an open free-market and service based economy.
• Health of economy: the economy of the southern Republic of Cyprus is dominated by the service sector; predominantly tourism, financial services and real estate. The economic performance of these sectors is subject to economic conditions in Western Europe. It is generally a stable and prosperous economy. The northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is partially reliant on Turkish economic support due to the trade embargo on its ports.
• Unemployment rate: 6%
• Main exports: citrus fruits, cheese and potatoes, pharmaceutical products.

Culture

• People: Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, others 5%
• Major religion: Most Cypriots in the south are Greek Orthodox Christians, along with a small percentage of other Christian minorities. In the north most Cypriots are Muslims.
• History: See BBC Timeline: Cyprus.
• Local etiquette: when meeting, shake hands and smile. Many Turkish Cypriots lower their eyes when greeting as a sign of respect and very religious Muslim men do not shake hands with women. If invited to a Cypriot’s house, bring a consumable gift, such as pastries, but do not give white lilies as these are used at funerals.

Politics

• Type of government: Republic. The southern part of Cyprus, headed by a Greek Cypriot president, is a full member of the EU. The northern Turkish Republic of Northern CyprusTurkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is led by a Turkish Cypriot president and is only recognised by Turkey.
• Major political parties: southern area under government control: Democratic Party; Democratic Rally; European Party; Fighting Democratic Movement; Green Party of Cyprus. Northern area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Communal Democracy Party; Cyprus Socialist Party; Democratic Party; Freedom and Reform Party; National Unity Party.

Travel advice

Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.