Cyprus

Cyprus is the 3rd largest island of the eastern Mediterranean, attracting 2.4 million tourists annually.  Situated south of Turkey and west of Syria, Lebanon and Israel, east of Greece and Europe, it is in a strategic location and has attracted many invaders over the years.  A variety of nationalities flock here as it is the gateway between Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  Cyprus has two international airports and a seaport and excellent connections with the rest of the world.  With relics from its colonial days it feels very familiar to the many expatriates that live here.

Cyprus has been conquered by the Persians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and British.  Such is its beauty that at one stage Mark Anthony gave Cyprus as a gift to his lover Cleopatra.  A former British colony, it became an independent republic in 1960 but many colonial remnants remain such as the banking and legal systems and the convenient fact that we drive on the left side of the road.  Many people here speak English, especially in the tourist areas, and all road signs are displayed in Greek and English.  We have been a member of the European Union since 1st May, 2004 and we use the Euro currency.