MEET THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS

Cyprus is the 3rd largest Mediterranean island -coverning 9,251 square kilometers, 240 km from west to east, and 96 km from north to south - with a population of approximately 700,000.

Being at the crossroads of three continents - Europe, Asia, and Africa - it has one of the oldest histories of the world, dating back 9000 years. Its strategic position, its wealth in forests and mineral deposits, as well as its skilled craftsmen, made it the prized possession of the powers of the day. Cultural influences came from all directions - all major regional civilizations left their mark on the island, contributing to the development of a very rich and diverse cultural heritage.

POLITICAL PROBLEM: In 1974 there has been a forceful turkish invasion in the island, which resulted in 37% of Cyprus to be still under turkish occupation. Since then 200,000 Cypriots are refugees, 1619 Greek Cypriots are still missing. For over 20 years now Turkey, in violation of numerous UN and Security Council resolutions, keeps the island divided.

CLIMATE: Temperate, Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, and cool, wet winters. The island provides a perfect climate for summer holidays. It is estimated that there are 300 sunny days each year!!

TERRAIN: Central plain with mountains to north and south.

NATURAL RESOURCES: Copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment.