Cyprus is the largest island in the eastern Mediterranean and is situated south of Turkey. The two main mountain ranges are the Pentadactylos in the north and the Troodos in central and south-western part of the island. Between them is the fertile plain of Messaoria.
Cyprus has long been a crossing point between Europe, Asia and Africa and still has many traces of successive civilisations – Roman theatres and villas, Byzantine churches and monasteries, Crusader castles and pre-historic habitats.
The island’s main economic activities are tourism, clothing and craft exports and merchant shipping. Traditional crafts include embroidery, pottery and copperwork.
Traditional local dishes include the meze – a selection of appetizers served as a main dish, halloumi cheese and the zivania schnapps.
Since Turkey occupied the north of the island in 1974, the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities have been separated by the so-called Green Line.
Cyprus is well known as the island of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, who, according to legend, was born here.
In modern literature, names such as Costas Montis (poet and writer) and Demetris Gotsis (writer) stand out, while Evagoras Karageorgis and Marios Tokas are well known for their musical compositions.
USEFUL LINKS:
National public administration portal
The website of the press and information service of the www.cyprus.gov.cy gives a general overview of the country and its institutional system, including the profiles of the President and the members of the Government. A large part of the site is focused on the issues raised by the partition of the island. A daily news service provides visitors with information on current events in Cyprus.
Introduction to the country
The official website of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation provides general information about Cyprus, including its main attractions, activities, accommodation and downloadable pictures. The “Cyprus facts” section offers a wide range of practical information on life in Cyprus. The site also contains a “What’s on” section with the latest news and upcoming events.
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Traditional local dishes include the meze – a selection of appetizers served as a main dish, halloumi cheese and the zivania schnapps.
