LocationEurope, eastern Mediterranean.
Area9,251 sq km (3,572 sq miles).
Population855,000 (including Turkish-occupied Cyprus) (UN estimate 2007).
Population Density86 per sq km.
CapitalNicosia (Lefkosia).
Population: 279,000 (2004, excluding Turkish-occupied portion).
GovernmentRepublic since 1960.
LanguageThe majority (approximately 80%) speaks Greek and approximately 11% 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 centers.
ReligionGreek Orthodox, and Islam in the north.
TimeGMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square 13-amp three-pin plugs (UK-type) are used.
Head of StatePresident Dimitris Christofias since 2008.
Recent HistoryThe majority of the international community recognizes the Greek-Cypriot administration in Nicosia as the legitimate government of the Republic of Cyprus. Until 2003, this had been led for a decade by Glafkos Clerides, who was then deposed by center-right Tassos Papadopoulos, and he in turn by Dimitris Christofias in February 2008.
The northern occupied part of the island is run by Mehmet Ali Talet, who was elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in 2005. President Papadopoulos oversaw the Republic of Cyprus’ entry into the European Union in 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 reunify the island.
The Republic adopted the Euro on 1 January 2008.
TelephoneCountry code: 357. Telecard or coin-operated public telephones are installed at various central locations in towns and villages. Call Direct (cheaper than ordinary collect calls) is available to most EU countries, as well as Australia, USA and Canada.
Mobile TelephoneRoaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
InternetInternet cafes are located in main towns and resorts, for instance, Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Pafos and Agia Napa.
MediaThe Cypriot media reflects the island’s political divide, with the Turkish-controlled zone in the north operating its own press and broadcasters. State-run services compete with a large number of private TV and radio stations. Relays of Greek and Turkish stations are available across the island. Newspapers on both sides of the divide are frequently critical of the authorities.
PostThere are daily airmail services to all developed countries. Service within Europe takes three to four days.
Post office hours: (District) Mon-Fri 0730-1330 and 1500-1800 except Wednesday, Sat 0830-1030 during the winter period (1 Sep to 30 Jun); Mon-Fri 0730-1330 and 1600-1900 except Wednesday, Sat 0830-1030 during the summer period (1 Jul to 31 Aug). Other post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1330, Thurs 1500-1800 at other times.
Press• Newspapers published in English include the
Cyprus Financial Mirror,
Cyprus Mail (daily),
Cyprus Today (Turkish Cypriot) and
Cyprus Weekly.
•
Simirini is in Greek, while
Kibris Gazette is in Turkish.
• Most English papers are available.
Radio•
Radio 1 (in Greek), Radio 2 (in English, Turkish and Armenian), Radio 3 (in Greek) and Love Radio are operated by CyBC.
• Commercial stations include
Radio Proto and
Astra 92.8.
• Bayrak Radio-TV operates
Bayrak Radio 1 (in Turkish),
Bayrak International (in English),
Bayrak FM and
Bayrak Klasik.
• In addition, the CTO sponsors programs for tourists Mon-Sat on 603kHz (498m) and FM94.8.
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009 to December 2010 period.
20091 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
2 Mar Green Monday.
25 Mar Greek Independence Day.
1 Apr Greek Cypriot National Day.
17 Apr Greek Orthodox Good Friday.
20 Apr Greek Orthodox Easter Monday.
1 May Labor Day.
8 Jun Pentecost (Kataklysmos).
15 Aug Assumption.
1 Oct Cyprus Independence Day.
28 Oct Greek National Day (Ochi Day).
24-26 Dec Christmas.
20101 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
15 Feb Green Monday.
25 Mar Greek Independence Day.
1 Apr Greek Cypriot National Day.
2 Apr Greek Orthodox Good Friday.
5 Apr Greek Orthodox Easter Monday.
1 May Labor Day.
24 May Pentecost (Kataklysmos).
15 Aug Assumption.
1 Oct Cyprus Independence Day.
28 Oct Greek National Day (Ochi Day).
24-26 Dec Christmas.
Contact Information:High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in the UK13 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LB
Tel: 0207 321 4100.
Website:
www.mfa.gov.cy/highcomlondonOpening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1700; 0930-1300 (consular section).
Cyprus Tourism Organization in the UK17 Hanover Street, London W1S 1YP, UK
Tel: (020) 7569 8800.
Website:
www.visitcyprus.org.cyEmbassy of the Republic of Cyprus in the USA2211 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 462 5772
or 0873.
Website:
www.cyprusembassy.net Cyprus Tourism Organization in the USA13 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
Tel: (212) 683 5280.
Website:
www.visitcyprus.org.cy
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