Europe, eastern Mediterranean.

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

9251 sq km (3572 sq miles)

807,000 (2004)

87.2 per sq km

Nicosia (Lefkosia). Population: 208,900 (2001, excluding Turkish-occupied portion).

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean. The landscape varies between rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and forest-covered mountains. The Troodos Mountains in the centre of the island rise to almost 1952m (6400ft) and provide skiing during the winter. Between these and the range of hills which run eastward along the north coast and the ‘panhandle’ is the fertile Messaoria Plain. The Morphou Basin runs around the coast of Morphou Bay in the west.

The 1960 constitution, which allowed for a population-determined sharing of power between the Turkish and Greek communities, officially remains in force. However, in practice, the state organs that it established are duplicated in the two zones. Thus executive power in the Republic of Cyprus is vested in a President, elected by universal adult suffrage every five years. He is assisted by a Council of Ministers. A 56-seat parliament (Vouli Antiprosopon) is also elected by universal adult suffrage every five years. A similar system also operates in the northern occupied part of Cyprus. The legislative assembly (Temsilciler Mecsili) has 50 members elected by proportional representation to serve a five-year term. The executive President is also elected for a five-year term.

Republic since 1960. Head of State and Government: President Tassos Papadopoulos since 2003. Recent history: The majority of the international community recognises the Greek-Cypriot administration in Nicosia as the legitimate Government of the Republic of Cyprus (Kipriaki Demokratia). Until February 2003, this had been led for a decade by President Glafkos Clerides. That month, he was deposed at the most recent Presidential election by Tassos Papadopoulos, candidate of the centre-right Komma Dimokratiko (Democratic Party). The present Government is a coalition of DIKO, AKEL – the Communist Party which has long been the single largest force in Greek-Cypriot politics – and the smaller KISOS party.
The northern occupied part of the island was run by Rauf Denktash, who was the dominant political figure in the enclave for almost 30 years. However, in 2005, Mehmet Ali Talet was elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.
President Papadopoulos oversaw the Republic of Cyprus’ entry, along with nine others, into the European Union in May 2004 despite the absence of a political settlement between the two parts of the island. (This had previously been a precondition of Cypriot entry).
The principal issue for the Greek-Cypriot government remains the same; how to normalise relations with the northern occupied part of the island and reunify the island.

The majority (approximately 80 per cent) speak Greek and approximately 11 per cent speak Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect is different from mainland Greek. Turkish is spoken by Turkish Cypriots. English, German and French are also spoken in tourist centres.

Greek Orthodox.

Respect should be shown for religious beliefs. It is customary to shake hands and other normal courtesies should be observed. It is viewed as impolite to refuse an offer of Greek coffee or a cold drink. It is acceptable to bring a small gift of wine or confectionery, particularly when invited for a meal. For most occasions, casual attire is acceptable. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. More formal wear is required for business and in more exclusive dining rooms, social functions, etc. Photography: Photography is forbidden near military camps or installations. A licence from the appropriate authorities is required to photograph museum artefacts - this can sometimes be purchased from the museum’s ticket desk. No flash photography is allowed in churches with murals or icons.

240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square 13-amp three-pin plugs (UK-type) are used.