Location & Population
Cyprus is located in the northeast corner of the Mediterranean, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. The island lies 71 km south of Turkey, 105 km west of Syria, and some 800 km east of Greece. Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean with 650km of coastline. Three-quarters of the population is concentrated in the five major cities of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta, thanks to the country’s mountainous interior and beautiful coast. Cypriots trace their origins to the descendants of the Achaean Greeks and later the Mycenaean Greeks. Turkish Cypriots are descendants of the Ottoman settlers. Religions has 78% of Greek Orthodox, 18% of Muslim and 4% of other (includes Maronite and Armenian Apostolic). As per some statistics, composition is: Greek Cypriot Community 71,8%, Turkish Cypriot Community 9,5%, Foreign Residents 18,7%. Official language is Greek, while English is widely spoken.
Beaches
Cyprus has a wide variety of beaches, and everyone can find an option that is suitable for them, urban and wild, with pebbles or sand. Most blue flag beaches per capita in the world, most dense population of blue flag beaches, most blue flag beaches per coastline. All the beaches on the island are municipal. This means that the entrance to any beach, including hotels’ beaches, are absolutely free. At the same time, there is the option to pay for additional services: deck chairs, umbrellas, towels (at beach hotels). Additional services at the beaches belonging to the hotels, as a rule, are free for guests. The beaches on the island can be divided into wild, city and hotel beaches. The wild beaches are usually located away from the tourist areas, and additional services are absent; you can enjoy the beauty of pristine nature, peace and quiet there. The most popular beach in the whole of Cyprus is Nissi Beach. It is a daytime clubbing hot spot.
Climate
Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with mild and rainy winters and hot and sunny summers, while in the inland plain of Nicosia the climate is hotter in summer. In the mountainous areas, the climate is obviously colder. Along the coast, the climate is typically Mediterranean, with average daily temperatures in January around 11/12 degrees Celsius (52/54 °F). Rainfall is not abundant, about 350/400 millimeters (14/16 inches) per year, and most of the rainfall occurs from November to March, with a peak in December and January. In winter, periods of bad weather, sometimes even a bit cold, alternate with periods of good weather, when the sun shines. Summer along the coast is long, since it runs from late May to early October, and it’s hot and sunny, a little muggy but also tempered by steady breezes. In general, along the coasts, it never rains for a long period, from June to September, during which the sun always shines.
English widely spoken
Because of the island’s colonial history, a large British expat community, and a strong educational system, almost everyone you meet in Cyprus will be able to communicate in English, even if just a few phrases. That isn’t to say that the locals won’t appreciate you studying the language once you arrive.
Relaxed lifestyle
In comparison to the rest of Europe, life in Cyprus moves at a glacial rate. If you’re tired of things moving at a breakneck speed an hour back home, prepare to be immersed in a blissfully comfortable Mediterranean lifestyle. It may take some time to adjust to this laissez-faire mentality, but you’ll soon find yourself becoming more zen.
Wine & dine
One of the big winners in living on Cyprus is the choice of food, bars, restaurants & tavernas. The quality of the food, given the input from a host of nationalities, means a fantastic choice from Middle Eastern, Oriental, Italian to Cypriot-Greek cousin.
Entertainment
The main clubbing spot in Cyprus is Ayia Napa which is known internationally for its nightlife, festive atmosphere and its countless bars, pubs, discos and nightclubs. Limassol follows second on the nightlife scale followed by Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras and Nicosia.
Cyprus bars and pubs tend to close around 2.00 am whilst nightclubs and discos tend to stay open till the early hours of the morning. Most people in Cyprus do not go out before 10.00 pm. As far as nightclubs are concerned they start filling up well after midnight. There is no specific dress code for Cyprus bars and clubs. Dress smart and you will be admitted everywhere. Cyprus is known for its carnival, main event takes place in Limassol, cultural shows in Kourion amphitheatre, opera at Paphos harbour castle and many other events threw out the year…..
Shopping
There is also a wider choice of shops all over Cyprus with fully air conditioned shopping malls and shopping district offering a wide variety of products for anyone’s pocket
Skiing opportunities
For many Cyprus and skiing does not go hand in hand however you can ski in Troodos mountains in the winter months with the peak 2000m above the Mediterranean. Troodos mountains offer a basic ski experience for all those snow lovers. In the morning you can go for a real winter experience and in the afternoon you can sit in the local cafe by the sea and enjoy the coffee in your t shirt. All this within an hours drive. There aren’t many places in Europe where you can ski in the morning and sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon.
WHY CYPRUS:
- English widely spoken
- One of the best climates in the world
- Safe place to live
- Crossroads to the EU Asia Africa Middle East
- Good legal system
- Cost effective Jurisdiction
- Beneficial tax system
- Strategic location
- Open market economy
- Easy to obtain permanent residency
- Excellent medical care
- Very good Private and public schools & universities
- Good rental return on your investment