About Cyprus

Cyprus, the island where, according to legend, Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of beauty and love, was born, is an idyllic tourist destination. This eastern Mediterranean island is rich in natural beauty, has a wide variety of rare endemic species both in flora and fauna, magnificent ancient sites, as well as a healthy climate. The traditional hospitality of the inhabitants and a high level of services all make it attractive to the visitor.

It is a land whose history and culture goes back 11.000 years so there is something for everyone - Neolithic settlements, ancient burial chambers, Greco-Roman temples and amphitheatres, Roman villas with mosaic floors, old Christian basilicas, Byzantine churches and monasteries with beautiful wall-paintings, mediaeval castles, Islamic monuments, to name but a few.

The tourist industry began to grow in Cyprus in 1960 with Independence. Cyprus has since become one of the main tourist centres of the Mediterranean with tourism as the mainstay of the island's economy.

Tourism in Cyprus suffered a major blow as a result of the Turkish invasion. The Turkish army occupied almost 36% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, an area that contained 70% of its natural resources. The towns of Kyrenia and Famagusta, the largest seaside resorts ended up in the northern Turkish-occupied part, thereby depriving the island of 65% of tourist beds and 87% of tourist units under construction. Many archaeological sites, such as Salamis, Enkomi - Alasia and Soloi, as well as the mediaeval castles of St. Hilarion and Kantara and many Byzantine churches, were left to the mercy of the ravages of time and Turkish lootings.

After much effort the tourist industry was revived. New hotels were built in the free areas of Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos and important infrastructural work was carried out. In the space of only five years after the Turkish invasion, tourist arrivals surpassed those of 1973.

In 2001 2,69 million tourists visited the free part of the Republic of Cyprus bringing in over CY£1.277m (€2.222m) in foreign exchange compared to 25.700 arrivals in 1960 and CY£1,8m (€3.132m) in foreign exchange.

Most tourists come from Europe (95%), the majority from the UK. Other important tourist markets for Cyprus are the Scandinavian countries, Germany, Russia and the countries of former USSR, Switzerland, Greece and Holland. There is also an influx of tourists from the Middle East, the Gulf and Israel.

Location

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia with an area of 9,251 sq. kilometres of which 1,733 are forested. It has a maximum length of 240 kms from east to west and a maximum width of 100 kms from north to south.

It is situated at the north-eastern end of the East Mediterranean basin at a distance of 380 kms north of Egypt, 105 kms west of Syria and 75kms south of Turkey. The Greek mainland is some 800 kms to the west. The nearest Greek islands are Rhodes and Carpathos, 380 kms to the west.

The latitude of Cyprus is 34 33' - 35 34' north and its longitude 32 16' - 34 37' east.

Population

793.100 (end of 2002)*
639.400 (80,7%)Greek Cypriots
87.600 (11%) Turkish Cypriots
66.100 8,3%) foreign residents and workers
Population density: 86 persons / sq km.
* The population does not include the 115.000 Turkish settlers illegally residing in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.

Natural Vegetation

Notwithstanding its small size, Cyprus has a variety of natural vegetation. This includes forests of hardwood, evergreen and broadleaved trees such as pinus latepensis, cedar, cypressus and oak. According to Eratosthenes (3rd Century BC), a Greek botanist, most of Cyprus, even Messaoria, was heavily forested in antiquity, and considerable remnants of these forests survive on the Troodos and Keryneia (Kyrenia) ranges, and locally at lower altitudes. About 17% of the whole island is being classified as woodland. Where the forest has been destroyed, tall shrub communities of arbutus and rachne, pistacia terebinthus, olea europea, quercus coccifera and styrax officinalis may survive, but such maquis is uncommon. Over most of the island untilled ground bears a grazed covering of garigue, largely composed of low bushes of cistus, genista sphacelata calycotoime villosa, lithospermum hispidulum, phaganalon rupestre and, locally, pistacia lentiscus. Where grazing is excessive this covering is soon reduced, and an impoverished batha remains, consisting principally of thymus capitatus, sarcopoterium spinosum, and a few stunted herbs.

Birds and Animals

Cyprus has been endowed with a rich fauna including a large number of endemic birds, reptiles and animals. Because of its position, Cyprus is also a vital stop-over for thousands of migratory birds which find the island an ideal place for both feeding and refuge. There are 365 species of birds but only 115 breed on the island. Among the animals the moufflon occupies an outstanding position and is considered as one of the natural treasures of the island. The moufflon belongs to the sheep family but this species is unique in the world. This animal, which is the symbol of the Cyprus Republic and is used on its coins, has long been in danger of extinction, but today is a fully protected species.

Climate

Cyprus has an intense Mediterranean climate with the typical seasonal rhythm strongly marked in respect of temperature, rainfall and weather generally. Hot, dry summers from mid-May to mid-September and rainy, rather changeable winters from late November to mid March are separated by short autumn and spring seasons.

In summer the island is mainly under the influence of a shallow trough of low pressure extending from the great continental depression centred over south west Asia. It is a season of high temperatures with almost cloudless skies.

In winter Cyprus is near the track of fairly frequent small depressions which cross the Mediterranean Sea from west to east between the continental anticyclone of Eurasia and the generally low pressure belt of North Africa. These depressions give periods of disturbed weather usually lasting for a day or so and produce most of the annual precipitation, the average rainfall from December to February being about 60% of the average annual total precipitation for the island as a whole, which is 500 mm.

Precipitation increases from 450 millimetres up the south-western windward slopes to nearly 1.100 millimetres at the top of the Troodos massif. On the leeward slopes amounts decrease steadily northwards and eastwards to between 300 and 400 millimetres in the central plain and the flat south-eastern parts of the island. Statistical analysis of rainfall in Cyprus reveals a decreasing trend of rainfall amounts in the last 30 years.

Rainfall in the warmer months contributes little or nothing to water resources and agriculture. Autumn and winter rainfall, on which agriculture and water supply generally depend, is somewhat variable from year to year.

Snow occurs rarely in the lowland and on the Northern Range but falls every winter on ground above 1,000 metres usually occurring by the first week in December and ending by the middle of April. Although snow cover is not continuous, during the coldest months it may lie to considerable depths for several weeks especially on the northern slopes of Troodos.

Temperatures are high in summer and the mean daily temperature in July and August ranges between 29 C on the central plain to 22 C on the Troodos mountains, while the average maximum temperature for these months ranges between 36 C and 27 C respectively. Winters are mild with a mean January temperature of 10 C on the central plain and 3 C on the higher parts of the Troodos mountains and with an average minimum temperature of 5 C and 0 C respectively.

Relative humidity of the air is on average between 60% and 80% in winter and between 40% and 60% in summer with even lower values over inland areas around midday. Fog is infrequent and visibility is generally very good. Sunshine is abundant during the whole year and particularly from April to September when the average duration of bright sunshine exceeds 11 hours per day. Winds are generally light to moderate and variable in direction. Strong winds may occur sometimes, but gales are infrequent over Cyprus and are mainly confined to exposed coastal areas as well as areas at high elevation.

Pafos and the West

Capital of the West and positively teeming with history is Pafos, site of the island's second international airport. The resort town has as its focal point a charming fishing harbour by the Pafos Fort, lined with open-air cafes and tavernas that serve a tempting menu of the day's catch.

It was on Pafos shoreline that the mythological Goddess Aphrodite was born, a legend that spawned a massive wave of cult worship from neighbouring countries that lasted several centuries. The large rock that juts from the sea is known as "Petra Tou Romiou"- The Venus Rock- while the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis also echo her apparent penchant for the island. At Palepafos, Kouklia lie the remains of the Goddess’ earliest Sanctuary.

Another "first" for Pafos was its early recognition of Christianity. Under Roman rule in 45 A.D. it was here that Saint Paul converted the first ruler to the faith.

The legacy from Pafos’ remarkable history adds up to nothing less than an open museum, so much so that UNESCO simply added the whole town to its World Cultural Heritage List. Among the treasures unearthed, are the remarkable mosaics in the House of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion, beautifully preserved after 16 centuries under the soil. Then there are the mysterious vaults and caves, The Tombs of the Kings, the Pillar to which Saint Paul was allegedly tied and whipped, the ancient Odeon Theatre and other places of interest including the Byzantine Museum and the District Archaeological Museum.

Geroskipou with its remarkable five-domed Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi and its Folk Art Museum is a village known for many years for its special delight ‘loukoumi’.

Agios Neofytos Monastery in Tala, famous for its 'Encleistra', Enclosure, carved out of the mountain by the hermit himself, boasts some of the finest Byzantine frescoes of the 12th and the 15th centuries. Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery makes its own range of wines using homegrown grapes. A small museum dedicated to Archbishop Makarios, is found at Pano Panagia. From here it is a rewarding drive to the majestic Cedar Valley. Home of the indigenous Cyprus horned sheep, the moufflon.

Lempa village can be singled out as one with particular historic significance. In its pretty setting near the sea, Lempa's link with prehistory is the site of a chalcolithic settlement. Today the faithful reconstruction of several dwellings gives an insight into chalcolithic life on the island.

Further north lies the resort-town of Polis, overlooking the beautiful Chrysochou Bay with its charming fishing refuge of Latsi. The relatively unspoilt state of the countryside and villages make the area a real delight for the walker and naturalist.

The low-lying scenery around Pafos, much of it cultivated with banana plantations and backed by the gentle foothills of the western Troodos range, has an attractively open quality to it. This is the gateway to the Peninsula of Akamas, a natural wilderness of incredible beauty with breathtaking gorges, spectacular coastlines and enjoyable nature trails.

Lefkosia (Nicosia)

Without a doubt, the 1000 year old capital should be on every visitor's agenda. It lies roughly in the centre of the island, within easy reach of the other towns and a day in Lefkosia will be a day well spent.

The old walled city is unique and definitely the place to head for first. Encircled by strong fortress walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the enchanting old city is scattered with buildings and monuments of historical interest as well as little shops, cafes and tavernas. The Lefkosia jewellery Museum, the Museum of the History of the Cypriot Coinage and the Municipal Arts Centre, are all worth a visit. The Leventis Municipal Museum of Lefkosia, with an imaginative presentation of the capital's history, was awarded the title "1991 European Museum of the Year".

To walk through the old city is to step backwards in time. Narrow streets and old houses with ornate balconies jut from weather-beaten sandstone walls, and craftsmen in small workshops practice trades unchanged for centuries. "Laiki Geitonia" - Folk Neighbourhood - is a pedestrian section which has been carefully renovated to evoke the atmosphere of past days. The two main streets of Old Nicosia, Lidra and Onasagorou, are lined with shops of every type, and both streets are for pedestrians only.

Not to be missed, is the unique Cyprus Museum, housing the island's most important collection of Cypriot antiquities and treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period. In contrast to these ancient finds in the State Collection of Contemporary Art, and on the other side of town, just off the main Lemesos (Limassol) road, is the Cyprus Handicraft Centre.

Another award winner is the renovated "Pyli Ammochostou" - Famagusta Gate - one of the original entrances to the old city, which won the Europa nostra award for its restoration. Many old churches are to be found in this part of the town, and other places of interest are the Folk Art and Byzantine Museums, the Archbishopric, the Cathedral of Agios Ioannis with its beautiful frescoes, the National Struggle Museum and the intriguing house of Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios- a fine example of 18th century architecture- which houses the Ethnological Museum.

Not far from these monuments is the infamous "Green Line" that divides the Republic from the illegally occupied area to the north. It has been in existence since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the island and claimed 37% of Cyprus as a breakaway pseudo-state that has since been recognised by no nation, other than Turkey.

The modern city has developed outside the walls in a cosmopolitan centre of business and culture. Lefkosia is regarded as the shopping heart of Cyprus, with a variety of restaurants, discos and bars.

Within easy reach of the capital are such historic gems as the 12th century painted churches of Asinou and Agioi Apostoloi at Pera Chorio Nisou, the regal tombs at Tamassos, the ancient city-kingdom of Idalion and the enchanting villages of Fikardou and Kakopetria.

Troodos

Nothing could be more dramatically different from Mediterranean beach life than the impressive mountain range that stretches across the centre of Cyprus and reaches up to 1952 metres at Chionistra, the highest point of Mount Olympos. Admiring the panoramic vistas and breathing the cool pine-scented air makes a heady change from the coasts and plains which are only a relatively short drive away.

There is plenty to see in these mountains. Nine of the many Byzantine churches are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the exquisite art depicted in their icons, frescoes and architecture. Moufflon have been protected for a number of years in a huge natural reserve in the magnificent Cedar Valley, and nowadays these timid creatures can often be seen by visitors.

There are scenic walks to take, a great variety of interesting birds and flora to be seen, waterfalls and special picnic sites, and above all, there are villages of immeasurable charm to wander round, or simply to dally in and observe the unhurried rustic country life. The mountain villages are absolutely charming and the people friendly and hospitable. Each village has a special crop, craft or product for which it is known.  Fruits such as cherries, apples or peaches, sweet specialities like soujouko and palouze, wines, zivania - a highly alcoholic vine by-product, rosewater, pottery ... the list is endless.

A stay in the mountains is definitely recommended. There you will enjoy the morning mist on the mountain peaks, cool air and breathtaking views that makes staying at one of the 'hillside' hotels a welcome break.

The higher slopes are thronged with sports enthusiasts throughout the year, so much for skiing as for hiking along the nature trails, which have clearly marked environmental features of interest.

A number of interesting monasteries are scattered in the Troodos range. The largest and most famous is Kykko monastery, with a golden icon of the Virgin Mary, allegedly painted by Saint Luke. Other monasteries are Machairas and Trooditissa with its distinctive steeply sloped roof.

Lemesos (Limassol)

Combining its roles at the second largest city, the island's main port, the centre of the wine industry and a bustling holiday resort, Lemesos emerges as a spirited and cosmopolitan seaside town

Lemesos is a lively town largely due to the character of Lemesolians, a fun-loving people! No wonder it holds the island's two top festivals, the pre-lenten Carnival with fancy dress balls, parades and festivities and the Wine Festival in September, a wine extravaganza where wine flows freely for everyone to enjoy, courtesy of the local wineries.

Lemesos emerged out of the two most important ancient city kingdoms, Amathous, to the east of the town, and Kourion to the west, both of which are being extensively excavated. The magnificent setting of the ancient Kourion Theatre is used for summer concerts and theatrical productions.

In the middle Ages, Lemesos hosted the marriage of Richard the Lionheart with Berengaria of Navarre from whom he crowned Queen of England. Thereafter the Crusaders made their headquarters at the Square Keep west of the city, known as Kolossi Mediaeval Castle, where they fostered the making of wines, particularly the sweet dessert wine "Commandaria", the oldest named wine in the world.

Today Lemesos, is a resort with a ten mile coastline, a busy shopping centre, countless tavernas and restaurants and a night life to suit tastes ranging from modest to sophisticated.

Places to visit are the Cyprus Mediaeval Museum, the District Archaeological museum, the Folk Art Museum, the Lemesos Municipal Art Gallery, and the Municipal Gardens.

Also in the vicinity is the placid Germasogeia dam, frequented by keen anglers, and the Salt Lake of Akrotiri, home of thousands migrating birds in winter, and a stop-over point for millions more as they wend their way to different climes in spring and autumn. In nearby foothills, delightful villages continue the gentle pace of rural life.

Larnaca

Larnaca seafront is vaguely reminiscent of the Continental promenade, with its line of mature palms and its languid air of sleepy charm. Cafes and tavernas line the area near the sea, making this a popular spot with visitors and Cypriots alike during the long summer. Nearby is the Marina, frequented by yachtsmen from all over the world. All the western end of the promenade is the town's 17th century fort, which now houses the Larnaca mediaeval Museum.

As the home of the island's main International airport, Larnaca offers many visitors their first taste of Cyprus. One of the first sights is the beautiful Salt Lake, home in the cooler months to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds. Beside the Lake, in a tranquil setting crowned by lush palms, is the Hala Sultan Tekesi, built to the memory of Prophet Mohammed's aunt.

Larnaca's links with Christianity go back to the very beginning, for the town's first bishop was none other than Agios Lazaros, who chose to live his 'second life' there after Jesus had raised him from the dead and a church built in his name exists on the spot where his remains were said to be found.

Larnaca's District Archaeological Museum and the Pierides Foundation Museum exhibit particularly interesting antiquities. The town's marble bust of Zenon, after the philosopher who founded the famous Stoic School, bears testimony to another famous son. Also of interest is the ancient city- Kingdom of Kition established by Mycenean Greeks in the 13th century B.C., the Church of Agia Faneromeni, built over a rock cave dating from the 8th century B.C. and the 18th century aqueduct on the outskirts of town.

Stavrovouni, one of the oldest and most dramatically sited monasteries in Cyprus, founded by Saint Helena, is within reach of Larnaka. Perched atop a mountain it has stunning views in all directions. In accordance with the strict monastic tradition observed with this particular order, women are not allowed inside Stavrovouni Monastery.

Again within striking distance of Larnaka, is the Church of Panagia Angeloktisti which houses the 6th century life-size Byzantine mosaic of the Virgin Mary- one of the finest in the world from this period.

A visit to the village of Lefkara, famed for the lace-like embroidery known as 'Lefkaritika' that was said to captivate Leonardo da Vinci, is also a treat. Further south, is the remarkable site of Choirokoitia, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, where excavations have yielded one of the most important Neolithic settlements found anywhere in the world.

Famagusta

With its superb golden sandy beaches, this area has become a big draw for sun seekers. But this part of the island traditionally remains the market garden of Cyprus, with the well-known Cyprus potato being the prominent crop.

Agia Napa, once a small fishing village, boasts a superb Venetian period decorated monastery with a central octagonal fountain. It lends character and substance to a village that's better known to holidaymakers for its colourful shops, tavernas, discos and bars. A small Marina Life Museum presents exhibits of past and present marine fauna. The focal point of the resort is the small harbour, where the tavernas specialise in fresh fish harvested by colourful fishing vessels.

Life in the south eastern corner mostly revolves around the sea, and water sports of all kinds are readily enjoyed- from scuba diving to paragliding.

Protaras has built up a deserving reputation for its windmills and glorious beaches. The small, white-washed town of Paralimni, slightly inland, has a number of open-air, unspoilt tavernas known for their delicious local cuisine.

Cape Greko, on the very tip, has its own share of beaches and coves. With its contrasting rugged countryside, the dramatic fiery glow of sunsets from this spot has to be seen to be believed.

Small churches dating from the 13th and 16th centuries are found in Sotira and in nearby villages. The skilful craft of basket-making still carries on at Liopetri. The fishing shelter at Potamos Liopetriou, just east of the village of Xylofagou, is a photogenic inlet where fishermen mend their nets by day, before setting sail in the evening to farm the sea.

Brief History

Cyprus' civilisation according to archaeological evidence goes back 11.000 years to the 9th millennium BC (Early Neolithic period or Stone Age).  The island acquired its Greek character after it was colonised by the Mycenaean Achaean Greeks between the 13th century and 11th century BC. In the mid-9th century BC Phoenician settlers began to arrive, concentrating mainly in the coastal city of Kition. Subsequently Cyprus came, in turn, under Assyrian, Egyptian and Persian domination (8th – 4th century BC). It became part of the Roman Empire between 30 BC and 330 AD. However, it retained its Greek identity and, as part of the Hellenistic state of the Ptolemies (310-30 BC) and of the Greek-speaking world of Byzantium (330 AD-1191), its ethnic heritage was kept alive.

The Greek language and culture also prevailed throughout the centuries that followed even though Cyprus came under the rule of successive foreign powers – King Richard I (the Lionheart) of England and the Knights Templar (1191-1192), the Franks (Lusignans) (1192-1489), Venetians (1489-1571), Ottoman Turks (1571-1878) and British (1878-1960).

The Greek Cypriots mounted a liberation struggle against British rule from 1955 to 1959 and in 1960 Cyprus gained its independence. Greece, Turkey and Britain were to stand as guarantors of the country's independence under the Zurich-London agreements and Britain would have two sovereign base areas.

Power would be shared between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots on a 7:3 ratio. This gave the 18% Turkish Cypriot minority – the descendants of the Ottoman Turks who occupied the island from 1571 to 1878 – 30% representation in the Government and all state institutions. In addition it was granted veto rights.

Relations between the two communities had for centuries been peaceful and amicable. But a conflict of aims after independence with the Greek Cypriot side determined to preserve the unity of the state and the Turkish Cypriot leadership, at the strong urging of Turkey, seeking partition – led to brief intercommunal clashes in 1963, 1964 and 1967 and the withdrawal in December 1963 of the Turkish Cypriots from the administration and legislature. On 15 July 1974 the ruling military junta of Greece staged a coup to overthrow the democratically elected Government of Cyprus.  On 20 July Turkey, in violation of international codes of conduct established under treaties to which it is a signatory, invaded Cyprus, purportedly to restore constitutional order. Instead it seized almost 36% of the territory of Cyprus in the north – an act universally condemned as a gross infringement of international law and the UN Charter. Turkey, only 75 Kms (47 miles) away, had repeatedly claimed for decades before the invasion and frequently afterwards that Cyprus was of vital strategic importance to it and has defied a multitude of UN resolutions demanding the withdrawal of its occupying troops from the island.

In April 2003 the borders were re-opened and talks are still taking place in an effort to reunite the island.

Economy

Whereas the political problem remains unresolved the economy, based on the free enterprise system, has made a remarkable recovery, exceeding the pre-invasion levels. Cyprus is today a major tourist destination, a services centre – mainly banking and shipping – and telecommunications node. It has a standard of living that is even higher than some European Union member-states and the performance of the economy compares favourably with that of most EU countries. According to the World Development Indicators 1999 published by the World Bank, Cyprus holds 19th place worldwide in terms of per capita income. The average annual rate of growth in the past five years was about 4,2%, while inflation stood at 2,6% and unemployment at 3,3% over that period.

International Business and Shipping

Cyprus has developed into an international banking and business centre with 26 foreign banks, two administered banking units and over 1.000 fully-fledged overseas companies operating on the island. It has also become an important shipping centre and currently ranks sixth in the world as a maritime nation.

The central geographical location of the island, British modelled legal system, availability of wide-ranging professional services, excellent infrastructural facilities, advanced telecommunications network and widespread knowledge of English are some of the factors that have helped create an ideal business environment for foreign firms.

High Technology Industry

The Government is currently promoting the establishment of high technology industry through the creation of incubators and a research and technological development centre.

Services

The services sector is the fastest growing area and today accounts for about 75,7% of GDP and 70,7% of the gainfully employed population. The sector includes tourism, transport and communications, trade, banking, insurance, accounting, real estate, public administration, health, education, and business and legal services.

Tourism

In 2002 over 2,4 million tourists visited Cyprus, mainly from the UK (51,1%), Scandinavian countries (10,1%), Russia and former Soviet Union countries (9,9%), Germany (7,9%), Greece (3,3%) and Switzerland (2,8%).

Cyprus' role as a regional services centre is being enhanced and plans are also underway to promote the island as an international information centre.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing accounts for 10% of GDP and provides employment to 12% of the workforce. The main industries are food, beverages, tobacco, textiles, clothing, footwear, leather goods, metal products, chemicals and plastic products.

Imports

Chief imports are raw materials, consumer and capital goods, transport equipment and fuels. In 2001, 51% of total imports come from the EU, mainly Greece (8,9 %), the UK (8,8%), Italy (8,8%), Germany (6,8%) and France (5%). The USA accounted for 10% of imports and Japan 6 %.

Exports

Major exports are clothing, footwear, pharmaceutical products, cement, cigarettes, furniture, paper goods, wines, potatoes and citrus fruit. In 2001, 49,5% of domestic exports went to EU countries, mainly to the UK (16,4%), Greece (10,7%) and Germany (6%). Also 22,5 % of exports went to Arab and 7,8% to Eastern European countries.

Transhipment

On account of its geographical location Cyprus has developed into an important transhipment centre with a large volume of re-exports going to the emerging markets of the Middle East and Central Europe.

Agriculture

Agriculture contributed about 4,1% to GDP in 2002 and gave employment to 7,4% of the working population.

Principal crops are potatoes, other vegetables, cereals, citrus, grapes and olives.

Livestock farming is mainly in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry. Fish production is derived from inshore and trawl fishing and marine aquaculture.

Natural Resources

The island's natural resources are copper, gypsum, timber, marble, bentonite and earth pigment, but none exist in significant quantities.

Water is a scarce resource in Cyprus. The problem has been met by the construction of dams and desalination plants.

Environment

The protection of the environment is an essential element in the country's economic and social development policies and environmental legislation has been harmonised with the relevant EU laws and directives.

Health and Social Welfare

Free medical care in government hospitals and health centres is available for low-income families, refugees and public servants. There are also 107 private clinics with 1.637 beds and a large number of practices offering a wide range of medical services. The ratio of persons per doctor was 381.1 in 2001.

A comprehensive social insurance scheme covers every working male and female and their dependants. Benefits and pensions from the scheme cover unemployment, sickness, maternity, widows, injury at work, old age and death.

There is also a broad range of welfare services provided by the Government, including children's day care centres, old people's homes, facilities for the disabled, free housing for refugees, rent subsidies and financial assistance to community organisations.

Education

Education is compulsory up to the age of 15. Primary and secondary education is free. Cyprus has one university and 30 colleges and institutions of further education.

Cyprus ranks high in terms of third level education with 63% of secondary school leavers in 2001 continuing their studies. More than half the students study abroad, mainly in Greece (55,4%), the UK (21,5%) and the USA (12,5%).

In 2000-2001, 54,6% of students studying abroad and 58% enrolled on third level education courses in Cyprus were women.

Culture

Cultural life finds expression through the creative arts. Literature, poetry, music, opera, drama, dance, painting and sculpture are some of its manifestations.
There are also a number of museums and art galleries.

Media

Freedom of expression and media pluralism are safeguarded by the Constitution and the relevant press and radio and television station laws.

Currently there are:

7 dailies and a large number of weeklies and periodicals in circulation.
7 island-wide and 6 local TV channels
12 island-wide and 38 local radio stations.
1 news agency (Cyprus News Agency).

GOLF IN CYPRUS
One of the first new golf courses planned for Cyprus will soon be taking shape a few kilometres outside Larnaca, in the valley of a small village known as Tersefanou. This spectacular project will be developed around an 18 hole signature golf course designed and backed by the European Golf Federation. At present, there are only three golf courses in the whole of Cyprus, and all are located in the surrounding area of Pafos. By offering a resort catering for high quality hospitality services to foreign and Cypriot citizens, this new course is aimed at increasing the Cyprus tourism market and to make a positive contribution to the Cypriot economy.

The resort will feature a hotel, club house with multiple restaurants and bars, a state of the art business centre, equestrian facilities, a retail village complex, entertainment area and spa, a number of villas, 1,000+ apartments and a 6,000m golf course - All lying in a scenic valley with beautiful natural rock formations and grand trees adding maturity to a relatively new course. With the apartments and villas being built over four phases, some of them are situated on the hills around the course and will have magnificent views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The resort is designed to be a comprehensive and integrated golf and leisure resort that combines the advantages and privileges of living in Cyprus.

There are currently three major golf courses in Cyprus and with the golf craze sweeping the Island, plans are underway for the development of four or five more within the next five years. The present three are situated very much in the same region of Pafos, with the three new 18-hole golf courses ones planned in the districts of Limassol (Pentakomo), Larnaca (Oroklini) and Famagusta (Agia Napa) by the consortia of local authorities and hoteliers.  In the cases of Oroklini and Agia Napa, the government has decided to offer public land to the consortia on a long-term lease. The relevant environmental impact studies have already been completed.

The Cyprus Golf Federation, which was elected as a new member of the European Golf Federation in 2001, has joined 31 other countries in promoting the sport in Europe. It has been active in organising local golf tournaments and matches with British golf societies, and the PGA has been to Cyprus to inspect the golf courses.  For the last two years, the Federation has organised the first and second annual Cyprus Amateur Golf Open Championship Tournaments which took place at the golf clubs of Tsada and Secret Valley and attracted golfers from 15 countries in Europe and the US.

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INTERCONTINENTAL APHRODITE HILLS RESORT HOTEL:  Taking inspiration from the traditional villages of Cyprus, Aphrodite Hills offers residents and their guests the feeling of a real community.  Radiating out from the Village Square are leafy walkways and quiet roads leading to cluster-style townhouses, apartments and lavish individual villas, all with delightful views over the golf course, the valley or the Mediterranean (or in some cases all three).  On entry to the Resort is the five-star InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel, a symbol of luxurious accommodation and extensive facilities.  The hotel offers 290 elegant and stylish rooms with breathtaking views across the golf course and the Mediterranean, while a number of the superior rooms and deluxe suites have their own private swimming pools.  The InterContinental combines its world-class reputation with the enchanting beauty of the Resort’s unique location.  Dining options will delight the cosmopolitan traveller, offering a choice of menus from the Mediterranean specialities to international gourmet cuisine.  Professional banqueting and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities make the hotel a venue of choice for business travellers as well as corporate or social event organisers.

SPA and TENNIS ACADEMY:  A personal journey of relaxation and well-being of body and mind are integral at The Retreat.  Inspired by Greco-Roman bathing rituals of cleansing and relaxation, The Retreat features monastic interiors with galleried hallways, fragrant gardens with outdoor massage temples, a thermae and an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean.  A perfect antidote to our fast-paced contemporary lifestyle, it offers vitality through an essential inner balance.  From top to toe and inside and out, á la carte face and body treatments and complete packages are designed to relieve stress and indulge the spirit.

VILLAGE SQUARE RESTAURANTS:  The traditionally styled Village Square forms the focal point of the Aphrodite Hills Resort.  Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and right next to the InterContinental Hotel, the Village Square offers an array of restaurants and bars that serve everything from Italian cuisine to local specialities and popular British pub food, while the spacious open-air area is the stage of events such as bazaars and other festivities.

VILLAGE SQUARE SHOPS:  The Village Square is also lined with numerous shops, including an ATM, a pharmacy, a mini-market, a flower shop, a travel agency, an electronics shop, a gallery shop, an optician and luxury fashion and jewellery boutiques.  With the finest retail outlets all gathered within the beautiful surroundings of the Aphrodite Hills Resort shopping takes on new heights of luxury.