About Cyprus

Government and international relations

Cyprus is an independent sovereign republic with a democratic president system of government. Cyprus is a member of the Nations and the Commonwealth and became a full member of the European Union as from 1st May 2004.

Legal framework

Cyprus is a former British colony which became independent in 1960. The legal framework therefore is well established and is founded on English law, and is therefore familiar to most international financiers.

Infrastructure

Cyprus has an excellent modern infrastructure with 2 international airports. It also has an ideal transhipment center, with two major ports in Larnaca and Limassol.

Health care

Medical services in Cyprus are of a very high standard, and relatively affordable. Most doctors have been educated and trained in Europe or the USA. Medical treatment and assistance in Cyprus is offered free of charge to international tourists in cases of emergency at the Accident and Emergency Department of Government Hospitals and Health Institutions. Private consultations cost around €50. With the accession to the European Union, EU citizens can enjoy the same health care benefits as in any European country.

Education

Cyprus is in the top ten countries within the EU with the lowest pupil per teacher ratio of 11 pupils per teacher. There are 341 public and 29 private primary schools; and 127 public and 38 private secondary schools. There are 3 public, including one Open University, and 4 private Universities. Cyprus has more than 30 colleges and 200 accredited study programmes

Crime rate

Cyprus has the lowest crime rate in Europe, being 1/6 of the European average.

Religion

Cyprus enjoys exceedingly high level of freedom of worship. The majority of Greek-Cypriots are Greek-Orthodox Christians