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Immerse yourself in a culture that draws on Europe, the Middle East, and 9000 years of constant invasion. Crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards, and sandy, sun-soaked feet tread Roman mosaic floors.

If you could sneak your way past the Green Line, Cyprus would be two countries for the price of one. Unfortunately, this really is a country divided - since 1974, visitors have had to choose between the Turkish experience of the north and the Greek experience of the south.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean (9.251 sq. km), situated in its eastern part. It is at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa and plays a bridge building role.

The island's main economic activities are banking, tourism, craft exports and merchant shipping. Over the years the economy gradually developed into a modern economy, with dynamic services, industrial and agricultural sectors and advanced physical and social infrastructure.

The Republic of Cyprus gained its independence from Britain in 1960 foreseeing a bi-communal structure i.e. peaceful existence of both communities side by side. In 1963, however, political crisis and inter-communal violence broke out, which resulted in 1974 in a de facto partition of the island. Although efforts have been made to settle the Cyprus issue under the auspices of the UN until now, the country still remains divided. However the ban on crossing to and from the south has been lifted on 23 April 2003 for both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. In the first eight days thereafter approximately 90.000 Greek Cypriots and 30.000 Turkish Cypriots took advantage of this situation crossing the line between the north and the south in a general sentiment of joy. No incidents were reported, on the contrary a warm welcome was given to the visiting Greek Cypriots by Turkish Cypriots and to the visiting Turkish Cypriots by the Greek Cypriots.

The Accession negotiations were opened with Cyprus in 1998. They were concluded in December 2002.

After ratification of the Accession Treaty, Cyprus will become a member of the European Union.

Cypriots are very proud of their cultural heritage, which stretches back more than 9000 years. However, you'll probably find that Cyprus today is more concerned with the events of the last 20 years than those of a millennium ago. The north of the island is busy re-creating itself in the image of Turkey, changing names to Turkish and embracing the life and culture of its northern neighbour. The Republic is also trying to create an independent identity, and many places in the Republic have recently been renamed as well.

Cypriot food is a blend of Greek and Turkish influences. Barbeque, salads, and Greek/Turkish coffee are very popular. Meze, appetizer plates that can be a full meal (similar to Spanish tapas) are a specialty of Cyprus. Salty halloumi cheese, lightly grilled and served hot, kebabs, olives or some feta cheese are just a few items you might see. The winemaking industry is ancient on Cyprus Limassol is at the center of wine country. The village of Omodos, a town built in the era of the Lusignan Crusaders around the Monastery of the Holy Cross, in the Troodos Mountains north of town, is home to a traditional wine press or linos. Local bottles of red and white, as well as glasses almost fresh from the press can be sampled. The Laona vineyard in the nearby village of Arsos offers tours of its facilities, as does the Kilani Winery, in the less-frequented Kilani village. In Limassol, the KEO brewing company offers tours of its facilities.

The Republic celebrates basically the same festivals as Greece. Easter, more important in the Greek Orthodox Church than Christmas, is the biggest celebration of the year - expect candle-lit processions, fireworks and feasting. The date changes every year, but it's 50 days after the first Sunday in Lent, which is occasion for a carnival of its own. Cyprus Independence Day is celebrated on 1 October.

The North observes Muslim holidays. Foremost among these is Ramadan, a mounth where everyone fasts between sunup and sunset to conform to the fourth pillar of Islam. Ramadan ends with a huge feast, Eid al-Fitr, where everyone prays together, visits friends, gives presents and stuffs themselves. The Proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is celebrated on 15 November.

useful numbers
Useful Telephone Numbers in Cyprus Cyprus International Country Code + 357 Directory Inquiries +192 National Calls Via Operator +190 International Calls Via Operator +198 Emergency services (Fire, Ambulance & Police) +112 Police Agai Napa +23 721553 Larnaca +24 804040 Limassol+25 805050 Pafos +26 806060 General Hospitals Emergency +1400 Larnaca +24 630300 Limassol +25 305333 Pafos +26 803100 Paralimni +23 821211 Private Clinics Agai Napa Poly Clinic +23 723222 Larnaca St. Raphael +24 662800 Limassol St. Mary's+25 377504 PafosParalimni Poly Clinic +23 825050 Pharmacies Outside Normal Hours Agai Napa +1404 Larnaca +1405 Limassol +1406 Pafos +1403 Paralimni +1403 Cyprus Tourist Authority Agai Napa +23 721796 Larnaca +24 654322 Limassol +25 386111 Pafos +26 922833 In general, some Greek street names are exceedingly hard for the uniniated to learn, pronounce and then remember in the case of an emergency. Therefore, it can be handy to write down your address when you arrive in case you have to call for help. If something happened at home rather than call the ambulance I would likely go across the street to where the fire department is and ask for assistance from the paramedic and/or have them call the ambulance for me. Therefore, if you have a chance keep your eyes open for any police or fire stations or hospitals that might be conveniently located near where you are staying.