PROFILE OF CYPRUS

Cyprus is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean lying at the hub of three continents.
Cyprus, along with nine other countries, has recently has its application to join the European Union accepted.
The formal accession of Cyprus as a full member of the European Union will take place in May 2004.

Flying times from Cyprus are: London just over four hours, Moscow three and Athens one and a half. Cyprus enjoys an advanced telecommunications system linking the whole world at the lowest rates in Europe.

The people of Cyprus owe their individuality and warmth to the fact that they are the product of an amazingly colourful history. This sun-drenched island has been at the crossroads of world events for centuries. Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Frankish and British influences (to name just a few) have all had a bearing on life in Cyprus.

The island has proved irresistible to many famous historical personalities, such as Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, Leonard da Vinci and Richard the Lionheart. When Richard freed his imprisoned bride-to-be, Berengaria of Navarre, in 1191.