Cyprus

CYPRUS
The Republic of Cyprus is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea and is part of the European Union. The capital is Nicosia. The official language is Greek.
Cyprus is a secular state headed by a president and governed by him with the help of the Council of Ministers. The highest legislative body is the unicameral parliament. There is a multi-party system in the republic.
The settlement of this territory began in the Stone Age. Throughout its history, like most of the Mediterranean islands, Cyprus has often changed owners, being alternately ruled by Ancient Greece, the Roman and Byzantine empires, Arabs, British, Templars, Venetians, Ottoman Turks. The state acquired sovereignty in the twentieth century.

Population
The population of the republic is about 1 million people. The main population is Greek Cypriots, and ethnic Turks have also lived here for many centuries. Moreover, about 15% of residents are foreign citizens.
Most of the citizens profess Orthodox Christianity, ethnic Turks – Islam, in addition, the Catholic Church, Judaism and other religions are represented.
Life expectancy on the island is one of the longest in the world. Despite the fact that winemaking is developed in Cyprus, most Cypriots are rather indifferent to alcohol.

Economy
Tourism is one of the main sectors of the Cypriot economy, contributing over 20% of GDP. The industrial sector accounts for about the same. The most developed are export-oriented industries, the main groups of goods supplied to other countries: beverages and foodstuffs, electronics, machinery and equipment, metals, chemical and pharmaceutical products. Industrial mining of copper ore, ferruginous pyrites, chromites, asbestos, salt, gypsum, marble is carried out. Handicraft production is developed (products made of ceramics, metal, etc.).
In agriculture, the leading role belongs to agriculture; cereals, legumes, melons and vegetables are cultivated, as well as grapes, citrus fruits, olives, walnuts. Cyprus is one of the world leaders in wine exports. Dairy and beef cattle breeding, silkworm breeding are developed in mountainous regions, and fishing is developed in coastal regions.
The main trading partner of Cyprus is the European Union. And doing business in Cyprus is one of the most popular tax planning mechanisms – over a thousand international companies have their offices here.

Transport
Cyprus has a well-developed road network, the total length of which is more than 14.5 thousand km. All cities on the island are connected by highways, and there are no toll roads. Road traffic is left-hand. The main public transport is buses and taxis. However, almost every adult resident has his own car. Car rental is widespread in the country, as well as bicycles and motorcycles. The republic has two international airports and two large seaports. The Cypriot fleet is one of the largest merchant fleets in the world, with almost 2,000 ships on its Register.

Interesting
Geographically, the island of Cyprus belongs to Asia.
More than 50 Cypriot beaches have been awarded the European Union Blue Flag for their cleanliness and safety. All beaches in Cyprus are municipal – admission is free.
The national currency is the euro.
GMT: +3 hours (summer), +2 (winter).