Everything you need to know about Cyprus: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Cyprus: Mediterranean Vacation Spot with Greek History

Cyprus, the birthplace of the Greece love goddess Aphrodite is one of the oldest Mediterranean civilisations. Cyprus Island was subjected to the rule of Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans successively. The Cypriot capital Nicosia has many marvellous beaches with white sands, no wonder Cyprus is one of biggest Mediterranean tourist hot spot. The country was colonised by Britain in 1914 till 1960 when it gained freedom. However ethnic conflict between the Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking people is rife right from independence that finally led to the partition of Cyprus into the Turkish Cyprus and the Greek Cyprus in 1974. Although many reunification attempts have been since made, they have turned out to be futile.

Cyprus Facts and Stats:

· National Name: Republic of Cyprus
· Capital: Nicosia
· Total area: 3,571 sq mi
· Population: 792,604 (2008 est.)
· Currency: Euro
· Languages: Greek, Turkish (both official); English
· Ethnicity/ Races: Greek 77%, Turkish 18% (each concentrated almost exclusively in separate areas); other 5% (2001)
· Religion: Greek Orthodox 78%, Islam 18%, Maronite, other (includes Maronite and Armenian Apostolic) 4%
· GDP (Per Capita): $ 27,100 (2007 est.)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 74.6 Yrs, Female: 79.3 Yrs (2001 est.)
· Literacy: 98% (2003)

Cypriots enjoy warm, dry Mediterranean climate with rainfall between November and March. The mountainous areas are cooler and more moisture laden than the rest of the island. Cyprus witnesses a mild winter with temperatures falling to 10 °C in January.

Cyprus Economy and Culture:
The Cypriot culture is a balanced fusion of Greek and Turkish cultures. Both languages are officially recognised, although most people communicate in Greek. Vegetables are preferred in the Cypriot cuisine accompanied by fresh salad and plain yoghurt. When the people eat out they go for the meze, a big collection of dishes that ends with grilled meat or fish.

The Greek Cyprus is a booming economy as compared to the Turkish Cyprus owing to official recognition from international bodies. Although tourism is a major foreign exchange earner, the service sector has made its mark thanks to the open economy model pursued by the Cypriot dispensation. While the Turkish Cyprus is mostly dependent on grants from Turkey, the Greek Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the Euro as its currency in 2008. These developments have given a boost to the Cypriot economy.

Tourist Attractions of Cyprus:
Cyprus being a Island country offers many resplendent beaches surrounded by enchanting scenery in all its coastal towns, whether Nicosia, Paphos or Limassol. Mount Olympus offers a not-to-be-missed opportunity for mountain biking and hiking. The ancient Greek heritage can be experienced in the temples, medieval frescoes and the Roman mosaics.

Other Cyprus Places to Visit include:

· Famagusta
· Larnaca
· Limassol
· Nicosia
· Paphos
· Paralimni
· Polis tis Chrysochou
· Troodos Village