Cyprus is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean at the cross roads of three continents. The island's strategic location has shaped its history and civilization throughout the centuries. Its excellent infrastructure, high quality of life, low cost of living and generous tax incentives attracts people to the island from all over the world. Cyprus is an island of tradition, charm, romance and a quality of life beyond any imagination.With 9000 years of legend and history there is much to enchant you. Mountainous villages, crystal clear waters to tempt you, sandy beaches, green valleys and beautiful landscapes, all bathed in sunshine for 340 days each year. Most important of all is the all-embracing warm hospitality of the Cypriot people - Kalosorisate - welcome to our island!

The People

Cypriots are a mixture of many trading nations on the Mediterranean. The people are open, frank and friendly to foreigners while being astute businessmen. They are among the most hospitable people on earth, always making you feel at home on the island. Cyprus enjoys a very low crime rate in comparison with other competitive Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Cyprus crime rate is only one tenth of the average rate of the other European countries. (6% of United Kingdom) One will find that in residential areas, people rarely lock their cars, many times leave houses, windows or even doors open. This is all due to friendliness and honesty of the local population and the reason people return year after year.

Quality of life

Cyprus has come in 25th out of 175 countries in the UN's annual Human Development Index measuring quality of life across the world. In working out the best place to live, the report seeks to go beyond per-capita-income, and includes factors such as educational levels, health care, and life expectancy in order to measure a nation's well being.Cyprus rank has risen steadily over the last two decades since it was first included in the study in 1980.A worldwide advisory network of leaders in academia, government, and civil society contributed data, ideas, and best practices to support the analysis and proposals included in this year's report.Countries with the lowest development rankings were all in Africa. Roughly half the countries in Latin America recorded either a decline or a plateau in income during the last decade, while per-capita income also fell in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, especially in Russia, Moldova, Tajikistan, and the Ukraine.The top 10 ranked nations considered to have the best quality of life according to this year's report are: Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, United States, Canada, Japan, and Switzerland.Great Britain finished 13th in the overall index.

Climate and Temperature

Cyprus enjoys the best Mediterranean climate with approximately 340 days of sunshine per year. Pafos has the finest climate on the island with cooler summers and short mild winters. The swimming season practically starts from April and does not end until November. Pine forests are close to the coast and it is possible to ski in the mountains and swim in the blue Mediterranean all in the same day. 

International Relations

Cyprus is a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the British Commonwealth and also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement. Cyprus is an Associate Member of the European Union that has accepted the Cyprus application to become a full member. Cyprus has been linked to the European Union since 1972 by an association agreement. Furthermore in 1990 Cyprus submitted an application for full membership of the E.U and accession negotiations started in 1998, Cyprus seems to be the best prepared candidate country and is anticipated to join the Union in the next enlargement sometime in the year 2003. The E.U is Cyprus main trading partner accounting for approximately 50% of total trade, the United Kingdom being Cyprus' main export destination.