Cyprus lies at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean’s north-western basin and covers an area of 9,251 km2, measuring 240 km at its greatest reach and 100 km at its widest point. It lies 800 km from mainland Greece and just 380 km from Rhodes and Karpathos. North of Cyprus lies Turkey, which is just 75 km off its northern shores. To the east lies Syria some 105 km away, and to the south Egypt, just 380 km away.

On 20 July 1974, Turkey invaded and occupied 36.2% of the land of the Cypriot Republic in the north – an act which was internationally condemned as a clear violation of international law and of the UN Charter.



Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus: 16 August 1960

Capital: Nicosia

Form of Government: Presidential democracy

Member: European Union (1 May 2004), Eurozone (1 January 2008)

Currency: Euro

Population of Cyprus: The population of Cyprus in the area under State control was calculated as 789,300 at the end of 2007.

Entry Points: Entry points to the Republic of Cyprus are Larnaca and Paphos airports, and the ports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latchi and Paphos, which are under the control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.

Passports: Passports are not required for visitors from the European Union. For visitors from outside the European Union, a valid passport is required for entry to the country.

Visas: Residents of all countries (except the Member States of the European Union) including Canada, the United States of America, Australia etc, require a visa for entry to the country.

Animals: A health certificate is required for animals entering the country from all countries outside the European Union.

Alcohol: The legal age for consumption of alcohol is 17 years. For drivers, the maximum breath alcohol content is 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath.

Water: The water on Cyprus is safe to drink. The water in most tourist establishments is safe to drink, but you should always ask.

Electricity: The electrical current in Cyprus is 240 Volts, AC 50 Hz. Plugs are usually 13 amps, and square in most buildings.

Units of Measurement: Temperatures are measured in degrees Celsius; petrol is sold per litre; foodstuffs in grams and kilograms; fabric is measured in metres; and road speeds and distances are referred to in kilometres.

Employment: Employment of European citizens is regulated by the “Law on Free Movement and Residence of EU Citizens and their families”.