Cyprus is a mosaic of nature and culture, a whole magical world concentrated in a small, warm and hospitable island in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.

The capital city, Nicosia, is located to the north-east of the centre of the island. All the other major cities; Limassol, Famagusta, Paphos, Larnaca and Kyrenia are situated on the coast.

Your experience of Cyprus can be as varied and rewarding as the geography of the island itself. The island is endowed with virgin green forests, beautiful beaches and other natural wonders.

In recent years the Cyprus government has acted proactively to limit over-development on the island which explains why the environment here is one of the healthiest in the world, free from pollution and the other ill-effects of industrialized countries and the crime rate on the island is also extremely low.

Cyprus enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate. The sun is a resilient force in Cyprus, shining high and bright enough to keep the sea warm for comfortable swimming from early May all the way through October. It helps give the island its quintessential Mediterranean atmosphere. Even during the light rainy season in the colder winter months, Cyprus is still sunny on most days. Temperatures range from 8oC (42oF) during the coldest months, to around 35oC (96oF) in the summer.

As a Mediterranean island with a varied and sometimes rugged terrain, Cyprus can offer adventure activities as diverse as hiking, mountain biking, jeep excursions and bird watching or you can also get involved in the various aviation sports available such as gliding, parachute jumping, hang-gliding and aeromodelling.

The favourable climate conditions on the island also provide ample diversity in sea-sports enjoyment such as sub-aqua diving, water skiing, wind-surfing, sailing, canoeing, parachuting, yachting, etc.

Cyprus has many choices for a night out ranging from traditional entertainment such as folk music and dancing at a tavern or restaurant, to the international club scene of Ayia Napa, widely recognized for its British House/Garage sounds, up-and-coming DJs and festive atmosphere. The action usually gets started late – towards midnight, unless the club also doubles as a restaurant or bar.

Location: Mediterranean island in South East Europe

Area: 9,250 sq km   Population: 850,000   Capital: Nicosia

Climate: Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Since May 2004, Cyprus has become a member of the European Union thus bridging Europe to the Middle East and the rest of the world. Having emerged as one of the region’s leading business and financial centers, the island enjoys competitive advantages in areas such as tourism, consultancy, telecommunications, realty, property development, shipping, banking, and insurance.

Cyprus provides an ideal setting for higher learning, it is no wonder that it has become a major international education centre, attracting scholars and students from all over the world. This cultural diversity makes it a forum for international understanding and peace.