Global Focus Program

Cyprus is an island uniquely situated in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean, where Europe, Asia and Africa intersect. With a rich and visible cultural history, Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans, along with Crusaders, Byzantines, Franks and Ottomans have all contributed to a powerful legacy that, when combined with beautiful scenery and a warm welcome from the Cypriot people, make Cyprus a world-class tourist destination. Leonidas Malenis, the Greek Cypriot poet, has referred to Cyprus as a green-golden leaf thrown into the sea and speaks of the country’s hot wind and unjustified loss. Home to ~1.2 million inhabitants, Cyprus offers a diverse landscape, including the Troodos mountains—the largest mountain range in Cyprus located near the center of the island. At 6404 feet, Mount Olympus is the peak of the Troodos mountains and the highest point in Cyprus. With the unique combination of beautiful beaches, such as Ayia Napa and Paphos, island hospitality, nature preserves, and urban centers, Cyprus has one of the most developed tourism infrastructures in the world. Also, popular as a romantic destination, Cyprus is known as the island of love, where the legendary Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, ascended from the seafoam of waves crashing against Aphrodite’s Rock.

Cyprus, a crown colony since 1925, became independent from Britain and a Republic on August 16, 1960. A long-standing conflict between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority and an invasion of the island by Turkish troops in 1974 resulted in a partition of the island and led to the establishment in 1975 of a de facto Turkish Cypriot state in the northern third of the country. Covering ~36% of the island, the Turkish Cypriot state declared independence in 1983 and adopted the name Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Currently, the island is partitioned into two main parts, including the southwestern region under administration by the Republic of Cyprus (~59% of the island's area), and the northern area administered by the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The two parts are separated by the United Nations buffer zone that covers ~4% of the island’s area. Despite this, Cyprus has been referred to by the World Health Organization as one of the safest countries in the world, especially for people aged 15-29 years, making it a very popular destination for students to study abroad. The crime rate is low, and the Cypriot people are well known for their warm and friendly hospitality.

Cyprus is also considered an important financial/business center and maritime hub. The main industries in Cyprus include financial/professional services, banking, investment management, shipping, tourism and real estate. The island is considered the second largest ship management center in the world, responsible for maintaining and operating a large percentage of the world’s fleets. It also has the third largest merchant fleet in Europe.