GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Cyprus.
Capital
Nicosia.
Geography
According to programingplease, Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean, the northern part of the island (Northern Cyprus) is under Turkish control. The island has rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills, and forested mountains. The Troodos Mountains in the center of the country rise to over 1950 m and offer excellent ski slopes in winter. The fertile Messaoria plain stretches between this mountain range and the hills of the north coast that run in an easterly direction and the land tip in the east. The Morphou Plain on the coast of the bay of the same name is located in the west of the island.
Government
Presidential republic (in the Commonwealth) since 1960. Constitution of 1960. Parliament (Vouli ton Antiprosopon) with 80 seats; the 24 seats reserved for the Turkish Cypriots remain vacant. Independence since 1960 (former British colony). Only the government in the Greek Cypriot area is recognized internationally; only Turkey recognizes the unilaterally proclaimed “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” in the northern part of the island. Cyprus is a member of the EU.
Head of state
Nikos Anastasiades, since February 2013.
Head of government
Nikos Anastasiades, since February 2013.
Electricity
240 V, 50 Hz. Adapter required.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
The Cypriot capital Nicosia and most of the coastal towns and cities have a lively nightlife for every taste. There is a large selection of international restaurants, including Indian, Italian, French and Chinese specialties. There are also numerous wine bars, lively bars with frequent live entertainment, cinemas and nightclubs. The promenades of Larnaka, Paphos, Limassol and Kyrenia are also lined with restaurants, night clubs and bars.
The port town of Agia Napa in the southeast of the island is known as the party capital of Cyprus. Here, especially the young people turn night into day, even if more and more restaurants and dignified nightclubs are opening in the holiday destination. Many hotels and holiday complexes have their own restaurants, bars and nightspots, and you can often see shows and live demonstrations here.
Most cities host regular evening cultural events and festivals. The most famous events include the Aphrodite Opera Festival, which takes place every year in front of the medieval castle in the port of Paphos, and the Shakespeare Festival in the amphitheater of Kourion. Classical plays are often performed in local theaters.
The nightlife in the rural areas mainly takes place in and around the local taverns, where you can enjoy an entertaining evening with a glass of Cypriot wine and traditional music and dancing.
CULINARY
Regional specialities
- Afelia(braised pork with red wine and coriander)
- Kelftiko(braised lamb with herbs)
- Imam Bayildi(eggplant stuffed with tomatoes and onions)
- Adana(skewer with lamb and red pepper)
- Stifado(stew made from beef or hare with wine, vinegar, onions and spices)
- Kebabs(lamb or other pieces of meat grilled on a skewer on charcoal)
- Dolmas(grape leaves filled with minced meat and rice)
- Tava(stew with meat, herbs and onions)
Tip
Service charges are often included in the bills, and a small tip is expected.
Regional drinks
The excellent Cypriot wines, spirits and good beer are only sold in the southern part of the island. Greek coffee (strong and unfiltered), cappuccino and tea are offered in most bars and restaurants. The highlight of the wine year is the annual wine festival (September) in Lemesos, where you can try the local wine and culinary specialties of the country.
Minimum age for consuming alcoholic beverages
In Cyprus you can drink alcohol from the age of 17.
CULTURE
Religion
78% Greek Orthodox; 18% Muslims (Sunnis); Minority of Armenian Christians, Maronites, Catholics and Anglicans.
Social rules of conduct
General: The family, including distant relatives, is at the center of Cypriot society. Older people are always treated with great respect. Often you see great grandparents holding small babies, especially at family celebrations and other festivities. Faith also has its firm place in society, regular church attendance is expected from all family members.
Manners: The religious customs and habits of the islanders should be respected. Anyone who goes to the more remote regions can count on a warm welcome. You shake hands to greet you, and the usual forms of courtesy also apply here. Declining a Greek coffee or a soft drink is perceived as impolite. In the event of invitations, the hosts look forward to a small gift.
Clothing: Well-kept casual clothing is accepted everywhere. Formal attire is expected for social occasions, in exclusive restaurants and at business meetings. In monasteries and churches, knees and shoulders should be covered. Swimwear belongs on the beach or in the swimming pool.
Taking photos: Taking photos in the vicinity of military installations and facilities as well as the buffer zone is strictly prohibited. Photography bans should be strictly observed, even if they are not always well signposted. Artifacts in museums can only be photographed with an official permit, which can sometimes be bought at the entrance of the museum. In churches with wall paintings and icons, photos may only be taken without a flash.
Smoking: Smoking has been banned in bars, cafes, discos and restaurants since 2010. Some restaurants have a separate smoking area. Smoking is still allowed outside the restaurants.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Warm Mediterranean climate. Hot and dry summers inland, warm and humid on the coast. Mild winters with rainfall. The best time to travel is from April to October. One should keep in mind that the high summer months of July and August are very hot.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +357 Area (sqkm) 9251 Population 1189197 Population density (per sqkm) 129 Population in 2015 Member of the EU Yes main emergency number 199