16
C Y P R U S
GENERAL INFORMATION
Republic of Cyprus
Area
: 9251
sq. km. ((3,572 sq.
mi.); coordinates at 35 N and 33
E, lies at the crossroads of Europe,
Africa and Asia, at the crux of
the busy shipping and air routes
linking the three continents.
Terrain:
Central plain, with
mountain ranges to the north
and south.
Official languages
:
Greek, Turkish,
English iswidely spoken.
Regime:
Presidential Democracy
Government type
:
Cyprus is a Presidential Democratic state. The Executive authority is vested
in the President who is elected for a five year term by universal vote, and exercised by a Council
of Ministers appointed by the President. The Legislative authority of the Republic is exercised by
the House of Representatives. House Members are elected by universal vote every five years. The
administration of Justice is exercised by the Judiciary, which is a separate and independent body.
The Members of the Cyprus Supreme Court are appointed by the President of the Republic of
Cyprus.
Currency:
Euro (EUR)
Location & Population
:
The population is about 838,000 people. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia
situated in the heart of the island with a population of approximately 326,000. The second largest
city is Limassol on the south coast with a population of approximately 235,000 and the island’s
major port. Larnaca and Paphos are the third and fourth largest cities, each with a new airport,
situated on the south west and south east coasts respectively.
Economically active population
:
According to Eurostat’s Labour Force Survey, Cyprus exhibits
an employment rate of 68,5% for the age class 15-64; the rate is the highest among the new ten EU
member states and above the average employment rate of the EU 15 (65,2%). The tertiary sector