Cyprus was a former British Colony and received independence in 1960. Turkey invaded the island in 1974 and it has remained a divided island since, with the northern third dominated by Turkish Cypriots and the remaining two thirds by Greek Cypriots. A UN buffer zone separates the two communities.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus declared independence in 1983, but it is only recognised by Turkey.

Only the internationally recognised Republic Of Cyprus is a member state of the European Union, although all Cypriots. EU laws therefore do not apply to the Northern Cyprus.

The two currencies are the Cypriot pound and the Turkish lira.


Above: Castle of Kyrenia, Cyprus

Greek is the most widely spoken language, followed by Turkish. English is also very widely spoken.

The telephone country code is +357. The emergency number 199 for all services.

Climate

Cyprus enjoys hot dry summers from May to September and mild winters from November to March. It can boast of up to 340 days of sunny warm weather every year.

Education is free and compulsory from primary school to the age of 15.

60% of all Cypriot tourism comes from the UK. British Nationals do not require a visa, but a holder of a passport bearing a stamp of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will NOT gain entry.

Driving is on the left as in the UK with international road signs on roads and highways. Roads are generally good.

Buying Property

All non resident EU citizens wishing to acquire a property in the Republic Of Cyprus require permission from the Council of Ministry before its title can be registered in their name.

Purchase is also restricted to an apartment, a house, a building plot or land up to 4,014sqm. This is because there is a five year transition period with regards to secondary properties, although it's likely such restrictions will be lifted in 2009 when the transition period ends.

It can take up to nine months for permission to be granted, but you can take possession of your property while the case is under review.

Property in the Turkish controlled area of Northern Cyprus is cheaper, but under international law the Greek Cypriots forced to flee following the 1974 invasion are still the legal owners of much of the land that has been built on in recent years.

Embassies

Cyprus High Commission, 93 Park Street, London. W1K 7ET (Telephone 020 7499 8272)
British High Commission, Alexander Pallis Street (PO Box 21978), 1587 Nicosia (00 357 22 86 11 00)