About Cyprus

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island which was backed by the Athens government.
The island was effectively partitioned with the northern third inhabited by Turkish Cypriots and the southern two-thirds by Greek Cypriots.
A "Green Line" - dividing the two parts from Morphou through Nicosia to Famagusta - is patrolled by United Nations troops.

Population: 807,000 (combined)
Capital: Nicosia (Lefkosia to Greek Cypriots, Lefkosa to Turkish Cypriots)

Major languages: Greek & Turkish
Major religions: Christianity & Islam

Currency:
Northern Cyprus: Turkish Lira
Southern Cyprus: Cyprus Pound

Internet domain: .cy
International dialling code: +357

Currency

Northern Cyprus: Turkish Lira
Southern Cyprus: CYPRUS Pound

Getting around

The best method of travelling around both areas of Cyprus is to use a Rental Car or motor bike which are widely available. Just remember, if you enter Cyprus from Turkey, the customs officials from the South are authorised to issue a fine to you for entering through an illegal port. Fortunately, this policy is rarely enforced, but is always possible.
For alternative cheap travel, there is a regular Bus service which provides a route that runs to and from towns Monday to Saturday only. Bus routes between larger cities in the south are fairly cheap, frequent and usually on time. If you need to travel on a Sunday, try and find a service taxi, they are ideal for journeys to most places in the Republic but they may take a longer route. In North Cyprus, there are mini-buses that operate between Kyrenia and Nicosia that you will find are frequent. Service taxis are willing to travel across the border from South to North, if you can locate one.

Weather

The climate in Cyprus is generally that of the Mediterranean, with long dry periods and hot summers from late June through to August. The inland temperatures can reach more than 40°C sometimes, more than 104°F. In the high mountains and along the coast it can be slightly cooler and more refreshing or comfortable. The winters in Cyprus can be reasonably wet with temperatures ranging from around 5°C to15°C. Although Cyprus has plenty of sunshine throughout the year, it has ideal weather, sunny days and fine temperatures just about every day.
The best of summer lasts from early May to the end of October but there is often plenty of sunny days well up to Christmas and generally with good temperatures. There are cloudless skies for much of the year, yet often with cool breezes from the sea, ideal for both swimming and sunbathing.