Following regional hostilities in 1974, Cyprus, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, was split into the Greek-Cypriot Republic of Cyprus in the south and Turkish-Cypriot North Cyprus, recognised internationally only by Turkey. A UN plan to reunite the island failed in 2004 when Greek Cypriots rejected it in a referendum. The capital, Nicosia (Lefkosa to the Turks), remains as the world's only divided capital.
Despite the ongoing tensions, the island is a popular holiday destination, combining the flavour of the Mediterranean and the Middle East with ancient ruins and fabulous beaches. Most tourists go to the republic, and some parts of the coast are horribly overcrowded during summer.
Other attractions include Paphos on the west coast, with its remarkable Roman mosaics; the monasteries, walking trails and wineries of the mountainous Troodos region in the south; and the beaches of Kyrenia in the north. Of major environmental concern is water; with no natural reservoir, the island is drought-prone. Degradation and pollution of coastal areas due to overdevelopment is also a problem. The UN has peacekeepers in Cyprus, mainly along the buffer zone.
News and current affairs
Cyprus' online publications from the world news guide.
Language
Greek and Turkish; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Climate
The Cypriot climate is typically Mediterranean, with long summers and short mild winters. The annual median temperature is 19C (66F), but it can soar to around 41C (105F) in July and August. Dry most of the year; unpredictable rainfall in December, January and February. Drought years are common.
Health
Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended to protect against food and water-borne diseases. Hepatitis B and typhoid vaccinations may be necessary, depending on itinerary and length of stay.
Food
Unsurprisingly, the north is dominated by Turkish and the south by Greek cuisine, though the two are similar. Seafood is popular throughout the island, as is lamb kebab. Many places offer a meze, or a mix, of several small dishes served all at once; typically including dips, olives, bread and some grilled meat. Traditional dishes make good use of the abundant fruit and vegetables, and vegetarians can do quite well on stuffed tomatoes or peppers, dolma (vine leaves stuffed with rice), fried haloumi cheese and salads. Other dishes are moussaka, meatballs, marinated fish and octopus, and for dessert, super-sweet baklava. In tourist areas, all manner of international restaurants offer everything from Chinese to French cuisine.
Events
June to July: Kourion: Cyprus' ancient theatre hosts its annual Shakespeare production.
August to September: Paphos: Festival of Ancient Greek Drama. Limassol: Wine Festival with buffets and wine tastings to celebrate harvest.
What to buy
Pottery, woodwork, leather, Lefkaritica lace, embroidery, jewellery, copper vessels.
Embassies and visas
UK: Cyprus High Commission, 93 Park Street, London W1Y 4ET (020 7499 8272, consular section 7629 5350).
Representative of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in London 29 Bedford Square, London WCIB 3EG (020 7631 1920/30).
Cyprus: British High Commission Alexander Pallis St, PO Box 1978, Nicosia (357 2 861100, consular section 357 2 861200).
Visa requirements: EU and US citizens do not need a visa to visit the republic for tourist visits of up to three months. You cannot cross into the republic if you enter Cyprus from the north (ie Turkey). You can travel from the republic to the north, but only on a day-trip.
Currency
£1 buys approx. 0.8 Cyprus pounds (CYP) or 1,770 Turkish lira (TRL).
Timezone
GMT +2. Daylight saving time (GMT +3) from March to October.
Getting there
Flights from the UK land at Larnaca and Paphos in the south, and Ercan in the north. Cyprus Airways (020 8359 1333) has direct flights from the UK to the (Greek-Cypriot) republic, but Cyprus Turkish Airlines (020 7930 4851) only flies to Ercan via Turkey. Boat connections are abundant: from Lemessos you can get to Greece, Israel and Rhodes; from Famagusta and Kyrenia to Turkey.
Related literature
Journey Into Cyprus, Colin Thubron: Travel writing on the country.
Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, Lawrence Durrell: Written in the 1950s, this book blends Durrell's own story of starting a new life in Cyprus with an account of the beginnings of the conflict.
