The Republic of Cyprus became an independent sovereign state on 16 August 1960. Soon after independence the Republic became a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Council of Europe. Cyprus subsequently became a member of other international organisations, including the Organisation on Security and Cooperation in Europe, formally the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. In 1974, Turkey, in violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, invaded Cyprus and since then continues to illegally occupy by the use of military f... [read more]

Social provisions aim primarily to provide financial assistance to susceptible social groups and to people in need in order to promote social cohesion and to prevent social closure. However, there are benefits which are addressed to the general public e.g. child benefit. Entitlement to social provisions normally requires beneficiaries having their habitual residence in Cyprus and entitlement may be universal or restricted to citizens of the European Union only. In any case special rules govern the administration of each particular provision and normally beneficiaries need to claim by filling i... [read more]

Qualitative imbalances and the shortage of jobs are the result of numerous factors, such as the small size of the workforce in Cyprus, the quantum leap made by the economy of Cyprus over recent years and the new challenges faced by the Cypriot job market by reason of its imminent entry into the single European market, together with spiralling technological progress throughout the world and the gradual changeover from traditional to new, knowledge based economies. In order to anticipate and meet these challenges efficiently, the job market needs to adapt by creating a flexible and adaptable... [read more]

Flavours of Cyprus French, Italian, and international menus from all over the world can be found in the tavernas, restaurants and hotels in Cyprus. However, the Cypriots take particular pride in preparing their own traditional foods and specialities. Cypriot cuisine includes a mouth watering array of dishes which have been influenced from countries all over the world, in particular Greece and the Middle East. The Cypriot diet is a very healthy one in general. They use very little oil and everything is cooked fresh, daily and to a high standard Mezes A Meze is a collection of up to... [read more]

Local Climate Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with plentiful sunshine all year round. The summers are long and dry, the winters are mild and autumn and spring seasons are shot. The highest temperatures are during the summer months when there is normally not a cloud in the sky. During the mild winters there is some rain and also snow can be found in the Troodos Mountains. Cyprus, in fact, has the ideal climate. Very rarely will extreme temperatures be reached. Summer Summer begins in May and goes through to October. You will find high temperatures, cloudless skies ... [read more]

El-De Holidays - Presenting Cyprus at a Glance Passion, dedication and expertise are all factors contributing to the success of El-De Holidays. We provide information based on personal knowledge and experience, and offer our guests the professional and honest service they deserve. The combination of these components makes us confident in our ability to ensure that visitors to the enchanting island of Cyprus will enjoy a memorable holiday. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is an island steeped with history, natural beauty and friendly natives. Visitors ... [read more]

The health standards compare favourably with those of developed countries. As shown by demographic data, life expectancy is similar to that of developed countries, maternal mortality is almost zero, and the infant mortality rate is slightly higher. The achievement of a high level of health is attributed to the improvement of healthcare services and the high standard of living. Cyprus enjoys excellent living conditions. Appropriate treatment of drinking water, excellent weather conditions and a good transport network are some of the factors that have contributed to the achievement of high l... [read more]

Cyprus is one of the few countries in the world where its geological structure played an important role in the historical, cultural and socioeconomic development of the island, both in antiquity and modern times. The genesis of the Troodos Range and in particular its impressive topography, as a result of various geological processes, such as the movement of the lithospheric plates, affected directly and indirectly the natural environment. The Troodos Ophiolite Complex has been endowed by nature, among others, with mineral wealth, mainly copper, and other natural resources such as water and for... [read more]

Bringing a car with you to Cyprus The implementation of the principle of free movement of people, is one of the cornerstones of our European construction, has meant the introduction a series of practical rules to ensure that citizens can travel freely and easily to any Member State of the European Union. Travelling across the EU with one's car has become a lot less problematic. The European Commission has set a series of common regulations governing the mutual recognition of driving licences, the validity of car insurance, and the possibility of registering your car in a host coun... [read more]

Finding school The Republic of Cyprus wishes to ensure that children who come to live in Cyprus from other EU countries are able to continue their education. The Ministry of Education and Culture is the competent body to approach for help about finding a school (telephone +357 22 800 600 and email moec@moec.gov.cy). You will be able to speak to the competent individuals in the directorates for each level of education at the Ministry (e.g. the Directorate for Primary Education). You can find approved nursery schools, primary schools and lower and upper secondary schools through the Mi... [read more]