17
for the provision of services accounts for the largest percentage of the workforce (71.2%), while
the secondary and primary sectors account for a percentage of 24.1% and 4.7% respectively.
Birth rate:
11.44
births/1,000 population (2011 est.)
Administration:
District Administration
Cyprus is divided into six administrative districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca
and Kyrenia. Each district is headed by a District Officer, who is a senior civil servant appointed
by the Government. District Officers are responsible for the coordination of all Ministries in their
districts and is accountable to the Ministry of Interior.
Municipalities
Municipalities are a form of local government for urban and larger tourist areas. Local policy is
devised by the Municipal council (a body elected by the citizens to a term of five years) led by a
Mayor who is the legal representative (also elected by the citizens to a five year term).
Communities
Communities (or Village Authorities) are broadly equivalent to municipalities, providing the
local structure in rural areas. Any community may become a municipality by local referendum
(
subject to approval) provided it has a population of over 5,000, or has the economic resources
to function as a municipality. A community is led by a President (elected by the community to a
five year term) and may receive financial, administrative and technical support from the District
Office or from Central Government.
Climate:
Pleasant Mediterranean climate, enjoying 300 days of sunshine, with mild, wet winters
(
meaning daily minimum 5°C and maximum 13°C) and hot, dry summers (meaning daily
minimum and maximum temperatures are 21°C and 36°C respectively).
Standard time zone
:
UTC/GMT +2 hours
Working hours:
Hours of working vary according to sector and profession. Private sector office
hours are generally 08.00 a.m. to 05.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, with a break from 01:00 p.m. to
02.30
p.m. In many cases one afternoon (usually Wednesday) is free, and on that day work stops
at 13.00 hours.
Shop opening hours are subject to legislation. Generally speaking, shops stay open until 07:30
p.m. in the winter months (November to March) and until 08.00 p.m. in the summer. Wednesday
is half-closing day; shops close at 03.00 p.m. Adherence to the custom of the siesta from 02.00
p.m. to 05.00 p.m. is optional and applies only in the summer.
Banking hours for the public are:
September: Monday-Friday 08:15 - 13:00 and Monday 03:15 p.m. - 04:45 pm
October to April: Monday-Friday 08:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Monday 03:15 pm - 04:45 pm.
May to August: Monday-Friday 08:15 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.