Other useful information
Cyprus, within sight of Asia Minor, is halfway to the Orient, yet it looks more and more to the West. The majority of its visitors are from Europe and in 2004 it joined the European Union. English is spoken island-wide, a legacy of British colonial rule. Nevertheless, in many respects Cyprus remains different and retains its own culture. This complex mixture stems from its location and history. Over the centuries Cyprus has been controlled by most great Mediterranean powers and its people have a diverse, if not exotic, ancestry.
Languages:
Greek and Turkish are the main languages spoken by the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities. English is widely spoken. French and German are also well spoken within the tourist industry.
Geography
The island has two significant mountain ranges. Troodos in the centre reaches 1,951m (6,399ft), high enough to ensure snow cover in winter; the Pentadaktylos (Besparmak) Mountains at 1,046m (3,431ft), are in the Turkish controlled district.
There are approximately 3,350 hours on sunshine a year, with little chance of rain between May and October.
The sheep cope with the shortage of grazing in the dry summer by storing fat in their tails.
Population
The first sign of human habitation dates from 11,000 years ago.
The island’s population is estimated at 985,000, of whom about 640,000 are Greek Cypriots, 180,000 Turkish Cypriots, 8,000 Americans and Maronites, the rest foreign residents.
Cypriots have the highest marriage rate in Europe.
Tourism
The island attracts about 2.75 million visitors a year and tourism provides employment for around 40,000 people or 15% of the work force, many of them immigrants.
Telephones
In the Republic public telephones are found in town centers. They take coins or telecards.
Electricity
The power supply is 240 volts.
Type of socket: Square, taking three-square-pin plugs (as UK); in older buildings, round two-pin sockets taking two-round-pin (continental-style) plugs.
Sun advice
Cyprus enjoys almost constant sunshine all year. Wear a hat and drink plenty of fluids during the hot months (particularly July and August). A high-protection sunscreen is also recommended.
Health advice:
Tourists get free emergency medical treatment at all state run hospitals. For UK nationals benefits are available in the Republic by arrangement with the Department of Health before departure. Medical insurance is advised for all. Dental treatment must be paid for by all visitors.
Drugs
Minor ailments can be dealt with at pharmacies (Farmakio in the south). Pharmacies sell all branded medicines. Some drugs available on prescription elsewhere are available over the counter.
Safe water
Tap water in hotels, restaurants and public places is generally safe to drink though not very palatable in the north, particularly around Famagusta.
Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.
Personal safety
The police are relaxed and helpful and English is wisely spoke. In tourist areas in the south, Cyprus Tourism Organization representatives can provide and degree of assistance. However, crime in Cyprus is at a reassuringly low level. Take the usual precautions with regards to handbags and valuable lefts in cars. Any thefts of offences should be reported to the police, if only for insurance purposes.
Do not try to cross the Green Line (the dividing line between the two parts) except at official crossing points.
Keep away from military zones (north or south).
Do not use roads marked as blocked-off on a map (they encroach on military zones).
Photography
It is forbidden to photograph in both north and south near military camps or other military installations, in museums and in churches with mural paintings and icons where a flashlight is required.
Television
There are T.V. (5 national channels) stations and numerous national and local radio stations. Approximately 50% of the T.V. programmers are British and American and all foreign films are broadcast in their original language. Availability of satellite dishes can provide international television connections. The radio broadcasts programs are mainly in Greek or English. In addition there is a British Force Radio in Cyprus, which broadcasts on a 24-hours basis.
Newspapers & Magazines
There are three local English newspapers, a number of local magazines, which are printed in English and almost all main international papers and well known magazines are available on the island.
Legal system
The legal system in Cyprus is mainly based on the Anglo-Saxon legal system.
The Land Registry Department in Cyprus is one of the most advanced and reliable systems in the world. All contracts and other paper work is in English, which is the most widely spoken language besides Greek among Cypriots. Purchasers of property in Cyprus will therefore be far more secure with regard to their title deeds, than they might be in another country.
Furthermore legal fees/costs are reasonable and much lower than in other European countries.