Property In Cyprus

The strategic position of Cyprus at the crossroads of three continents has probably been the main reason for its turbulent history throughout the ages. Many different races have occupied the island and each one of these conquerors left their mark on the Island but the Greek identity has been preserved. In 1960, Cyprus gained its independence under the London-Zurich agreement, but freedom was short-lived. In 1974, after an abortive coup d'etat, Turkey invaded and occupied 38% of the island's territory in the north. Although, Cyprus' problem has not yet been resolved, political and economic stability were fully restored soon after the invasion.

Cyprus, a European country, is situated in the eastern region of the Mediterranean at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. The island's total area is 9251 square kilometres and the island time zone is exactly 2 hours ahead of London and 7 hours behind Tokyo. The Cyprus landscape is one of infinite contrasts, from its fertile central plain to the cool, vine clad foothills; the majesty of the cedar valley in which wild indigenous moufflon roam; mile after mile of sandy shores with secluded beaches and hundreds of villages to explore, each with its own tradition and charm.

The island's population is about 706.000 of which 81.6% are Greek Cypriots and 18.4% are Turkish Cypriots. The official languages are; Greek and Turkish but almost everyone speaks English as a second language. English is widely used in commerce, courts and government. Cyprus enjoys perhaps the best type of Mediterranean climate with about 340 warm and sunny days. Summer is the season of constant sunshine and cloudless skies.Winters are mild with some rain, and snowfall on Troodos Mountains. Maximum mean temperatures range from 14C (57F) in January to 37C (99F) in July and August.

The structure of the government is similar to other western democracies. The Republic's Constitution is largely modelled on the American Constitution. As a result there is a complete separation of executive, legislative and judicial powers.The legal system is based on the same principles applicable in U.K. and all statutes regulating business matters and procedures are based on English law. Since independence in 1960, Cyprus has endeavoured to establish diplomatic relations with most developed and developing countries.

Cyprus is a member of the United Nations, Commonwealth, Non-aligned Movement, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and many other international organizations. In May of 2004 Cyprus became a full status member of the European Union. Cyprus enjoys a fairly high European standard of living, while at the same time remains a relatively inexpensive country. According to a survey conducted by the Union Bank of Switzerland Cyprus ranked as the 10th least expensive business center in the world and the least expensive in the whole of Europe. The Cyprus currency is the Pound, which is sub-divided into 100 cents and is approximately 20% more than the British pound in value.

Cyprus is an epidemic free country with first class medical and health care facilities. The majority of doctors have qualified in either the U.K. or U.S.A. If you need to see a Doctor for whatever reason the fees range from CY5 to CYl5 but emergency hospital treatment is free of charge. It is recommended that you obtain Form E101 from the Department of Health as Cyprus has some reciprocal health arrangements with the U.K. Some medical centres offer regular health checks and consultation particularly to those who have retired to Cyprus from the U.K. Health insurance is available locally but overseas policies may be arranged with a European company such as B.U.P.A.