About Cyprus

Cyprus today enjoys the wealth of all it's resources from it's prime location to its' magnificent weather. As a full member of the European Union it has made tremendous advances leading to vast improvements in communications, transportation, trade and shows growth in all the economy indicators. The EU constitutes more than 50% of import and export and over 70% of the 2.4 million tourists in 2006. Cyprus also maintains strong political ties with the Middle East, Africa and Russia.

Many tourists visit Cyprus every year and the majority are visiting during the summer between June and September which is the hottest season.  A large portion of the population are citizens from other European countries, mostly from the U.K. who prefer the great year round climate, lower cost of living and the slower way of life. 

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Cyprus in History

Just like today, Cyprus has always been the gateway of the world where continents and travelers come together. There is evidence that the first settlements were on Cyprus dating back to the 2nd millenium B.C.   Ever since man set sail on the seas, they have been landing on Cyprus some for short stays and just like today some on more permement.  Cyprus has seen invaders, occupiers, and rulers throughout it's history dating back to the Assyrian in 7th century B.C.  The Greeks and Alexander the Great left the greatest influence as many Cypriots consider themselvses Greeks. Other's that have had control of the island are Egyptian's, Persian's, Venetians and Ottomans. The Ottomans invaded the island in 1570 and maintained control until the British took over in the late 1800's early 1900's until they took complete control in 1914. Cyprus served the British empire well being the eastern most island in the Mediterranean sea. After years of turmoil the British Empire, Cyprus attained independence on the 16th of August 1960. The United Kingdom still has two Sovereign Base Areas ( which are military bases ) Akrotiri and Dhekelia on opposite ends of the island.

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A Divided Cyprus

After gaining independence  Archbishop Makarios became the first president  and in 1963 proposed some amendments to constitution in order to fix problems between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities.  After the Turkish Cypriots rejected the amendments violence escalated between the two groups and continued for years to come. In 1974 Turkish troops invaded the island and  Since the Turkish invasion in 1974 Cyprus has been a divided island.  The capital Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world.  The issues around the include religion as well as