Interesting Cyprus Facts
“Some useful information about Cyprus”
A DIVIDED COUNTRY
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 after a brief war with Turkey. Political upheaval, as well as tensions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, on the island, directly led to the Turkish intervention that resulted in partition. Greek Cypriots were re-patriated to the south and Turkish Cypriots to the north. The occupation of the northern part of the island by Turkey followed and the two communities have lived apart ever since. The south of Cyprus today makes up the legally recognised Republic of Cyprus whilst the Turkish-controlled northern part of the island remains an occupied territory only recognised by Turkey. The capital city, Nicosia, also remains as the last divided city in the entire world.Â
A EUROPEAN COUNTRY
The Republic of Cyprus has been part of the EUROPEAN UNION since 2004. Although divided, the whole country is still regarded as a European Union territory, but as the Turkish-controlled northern part is unrecognised, its membership remains suspended. Cyprus currently enjoys all of the current European initiatives and has become a valued European partner since it joined the bloc. European Union citizens have the right to live and work in the Republic of Cyprus, and travelling to the island is generally straightforward. Visitors from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and the UK do not need a visa to visit, but a registration certificate is required to legally stay continuously for more than 90 days.Â
CURRENCY
Cyprus has employed the use of the EUROÂ as a currency since 2008. Several shops in the coastal tourist areas offer good rates for currency exchange. Cash and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and it is advised to always pay in local currency when using a card payments. Banks remain closed for the whole weekend, but there are numerous ATMs, which are always accessible. REVOLUT is also widely accepted across the island.
LANGUAGE
Cyprus’s official language is GREEK, but English is also widely spoken throughout the island, and most signage is also in English.
DRIVING
Vehicles in Cyprus are right-hand drive, meaning that they are driven on the left-hand side of the road. SPEED LIMITS in Cyprus are 100 km on motorways, 80 km on other dual carriageways and 50 km in built-up areas. Convenient and reliable CAR HIRE is readily available across the island.Â
SOCKETS & POWER PLUGS
Cyprus operates a standard 50 Hz 240V electric supply, and uses type G power plugs and sockets much the same as the UK. Adaptors and voltage converters may be required, but this is dependent on country of origin.Â
TEMPERATURES
Although Cyprus has mild winters and hot summers, with very low rainfall, TEMPERATURES do vary on the island. The time of year and area of the island both determine annual temperatures. Coastal areas generally receive warmer TEMPERATURES, whilst inland areas receive lower temperatures. The coolest place on the island is the summit of the Troodos Mountains. All areas leading up to this point generally receive a cooler climate all year round.
Winter: The mild winters generally see temperatures drop to between 15 to 20 degrees in most coastal areas. Inland temperatures are usually 5 degrees cooler than those of the coastal areas, but the summit of the Troodos Mountains often drops to below zero. This means that there is ample snowfall that provides for winter skiing. Temperatures usually drop a further 5 degrees over night.
Autumn: Temperatures generally peak between 25 to 30 degrees in most coastal areas. Inland temperatures are usually 5 degrees cooler than those of coastal areas. Temperatures usually drop a further 5 degrees during the night.
Spring: Temperatures are similar to the autumn periods and generally peak between 25 to 30 degrees in most coastal areas. Inland temperatures are usually 5 degrees cooler than those of coastal areas. Temperatures usually drop a further 5 degrees during the night.
Summer: Temperatures generally peak between 35 to 40 degrees in most coastal areas. Inland temperatures are usually 5 degrees cooler than those of coastal areas. Temperatures usually drop a further 5 degrees during the night.
