Facts about Cyprus

·      The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia (Lefkosa).

·      Cyprus spans some 9,250 sq km of which 10 sq km is water.

·      Population is approximately 780,133.

·      Languages spoken on the island at Greek, Turkish and English.

·      Religion is made up of 71% Greek Orthodox, 26% Muslim and 3% Maronite, Armenian Apostolic and other.

·      Life expectancy is a long and healthy 80.13 years for women and 75.29 years for men.

·      Politically, only the southern part of Cyprus is internationally recognised.

·      The northern part of Cyprus was independently formed by the then president Rauf Denktas, in 1983 where it was declared the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” currently only recognised by Turkey.

·      The current President in the north is Mehmet Ali Talat.  In the south it is Tassos Papadopoulos.

·      The currency is the Cypriot pound (CYP) in the south and the Turkish Lira (TL) in the north.

·      Natural resources on the island are Copper, Pyrites, Asbestos, Gypsum, Timber, Salt, Marble, Clay Earth pigment.

In the summer temperatures can reach 40*c and can be very very hot.  Winters are mild with temperatures averaging 18*c during the day.