Key Facts

  • Strategic location: at the crossroads of 3 continents – Europe, Asia and Africa
  • Lifestyle: Safe Mediterranean lifestyle
  • High standards of healthcare and education
  • Modern airports with connections to all major destinations
  • Lowest crime rate in Europe – 5th safest in the world
  • Capital: Nicosia
  • Area: 9,251 sq. kms. (3572 sq. mi.)
  • Independence: 1st October, 1960
  • Government: Unitary Presidential Constitutional Republic
  • Major Cities: Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Famagousta, Kyrenia
  • Population: 1.2 million (2016 estimate)
  • Major Religion: Christianity, Islam
  • Official Language: Greek, Turkish, English widely spoken, and the preferred language for business
  • Legal System: English Common Law. However, administrative and family law follows the Greek system.
  • Literacy: One of the highest literacy rates in the world-99.1%
  • Currency: EURO
  • Time Zone: GMT+2
  • Calling Code: +357
  • Memberships: UN (1960), EU (2004), Eurozone (2008), WTO (1995), IMF (1962), World Bank (1962), Commonwealth (1961).
  • One of only TWO countries in Europe which offer both a Permanent Residency & Citizenship Program

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