Cyprus’ strategic location, natural beauty and wealth have rendered the island a jewel in the Eastern Mediterranean through the ages. Since the settlement of the first Greek Mycenaeans in 1400-1300 BC, Cyprus has developed a unique character, harmoniously blending influences from different civilisations.
The rich historical and cultural landscape is reflected in the hundreds of archaeological sites scattered throughout the country, representing various historical periods in the island’s evolution. This beautiful island offers visitors a wonderful living experience that combines a comfortable and stress-free way of life with a modern and sophisticated environment, ideal for people seeking the perfect balance between business and pleasure.
Form of government – a unitary presidential representative republic
Area – 9251 km²
Population – 1 186 523 (aprox.)
Member of the European Union since 2004
National currency – Euro
Cyprus has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with year-round sunshine. Stunning coastlines, golden sandy beaches and clear blue waters, coexist harmoniously with glorious mountains of wild natural beauty and peaceful, picturesque villages. Cyprus’ famous beaches have been awarded with 57 Blue Flags in 2015, ranking the island first in the EU for the tenth consecutive year, including three records.
High quality of life is without a doubt one of Cyprus’ most compelling advantages. Indicatively, the island was ranked as the 5th best relocation destination worldwide by the 2013 Knight Frank Global Lifestyle Review, while Limassol, the second biggest city in Cyprus has been ranked 4th best retirement destination globally by the 2016 Knight Frank Global Lifestyle Review.
Besides its natural beauty, Cyprus offers a very safe environment, with low stress levels and crime rates, ideal for a peaceful family life. Acknowledging the island’s safety and security standards, Value Penguin has ranked Cyprus 5th worldwide and 1st among smaller Countries in its Safest Countries in the World Study.
Third country nationals relocating to Cyprus do not have to worry about language and education. English is widely spoken in Cyprus, while most people are bilingual. The country offers excellent multilingual educational institutions, where courses are taught in English, French, German, Russian, Italian, Armenian and other languages.
The island benefits from a well-advanced and modern infrastructure, that makes day-to-day life easy, cost-effective and efficient. Commutes are minimal in Cyprus. One can drive from the capital, Nicosia, to the beach in Larnaka, in about 30 minutes.
Cypriots are known worldwide for their genuine and sincere hospitality and friendliness, but also for the famous Cypriot cuisine, based on the healthy Mediterranean diet. Recipes dating back hundreds of years offer delicious gastronomical experiences, particularly the “Cyprus Meze” which consists of a large number of different cold and hot “hors d’oeuvres” such as assorted dips, salads, meats, vegetables, as well as various fresh fish delicacies.
With a buzzing cosmopolitan environment, arts and culture are flourishing with museum nights, local and international festivals, exhibitions and concerts taking place at both modern and ancient venues, such as historical open-air amphitheatres. With pleasant weather throughout the year, sports enthusiasts can ski in February, swim and kite surf until December, bike and play tennis and golf all year round. A vibrant nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs, theaters and concerts caters to all tastes and lifestyles.