It is called the Island of Venus, birthplace of the goddess of love Aphrodite, and home of warm hospitality and friendliness. With a history of over 9,000 years, Cyprus combines the old and the new. It is on the doorstep of Europe and still maintains its distinct uniqueness.
The island is situated in the middle of three continents and with an area of 9,250 square kilometers (3,570 sq. miles) (of which 3,355 sq km (1,295 sq. m) are in north Cyprus) and a costline of 648 kilometers (402 miles), it is the third larges island following Sicily and Sardinia.
It’s higest point is the summit of mount Olympus (Chionistra), which its height is 1951 meters (6594 ft.).

With a population of about 800.000 – 77% of them Greek Cypriots – Cyprus has six main towns: Lefkosia, Lemesos, Larnaka, Pafos, Ammochostos and Kyrenia. The last two are now occupied by the Turks since 1974. The main language spokien in Cyprus is Greek. English is also spoken almost everywhere on the island. French and German are spoken, however not at the extent the English language is.

It enjoys a long dry summer, which begins from                   mid-May until mid-October. During this time there is no rain due to the fact that the rainfall takes place in the winter months which are mild. These begin from December up to February. On average, the sun shines 330 days each year.

Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic and it has a presidential system of government. The Parliament has a single chamber, the House of Representatives and the President is elected in a separate election directly by the people.