Cyprus
Cyprus officially the Republic of Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, and a member state of the European Union.
The flag of the Republic of Cyprus was defined in 1960 when Cyprus became an independent sovereign state. The background is white with a copper-coloured map of Cyprus in the centre of the flag, above two crossed olive-green-coloured olive branches. The olive branches are symbols of peace.
The official languages of the Republic of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. English is widely spoken. French and German are also well spoken within the tourist industry.
Capital of Cyprus is Nicosia which is located in the centre of the island. Nicosia is a busy modern commercial and business centre.
Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Autumn and Spring are very short seasons. Sunshine is abundant during the whole year, winds are on the whole light to moderate. Gales are very infrequent and heavy storms rare.
Snow hardly falls in the lowlands and on the northern range, but is a frequent feature every winter on ground above 1.000 metres in the Troodos range.
With a wealth of beaches to choose from, you're bound to find one that suits your taste. From the quiet backwaters of the western peninsula, to the lively resorts in the east, the island has something for everyone.
The eastern coast is famous for its fine white sandy beaches with shallow turquoise waters. Deep water bays with rocky outcrops are perfect for snorkelling or diving. The long finely packed grey sand of the southern coast lend themselves to long winter walks or jogging, while the secluded coves of the western coast beckon when you want to be alone.
There's more to Cyprus than sea and sand. In the Troodos mountains you can discover cool resorts and picturesque villages, Byzantine monasteries and churches perched on rocky peaks or hiding away in fragrant valleys.
Dozens of vineyards dot the foothills of the range producing some the finest wines you could care to taste. You will find a warm welcome in the small taverns in any of the hundreds of villages on the island.
