Few people realize the existence of a European country where the number of our compatriots exceeds 40 thousand people. Cyprus is one of the most famous resort islands, famous for its clean sandy beaches and attractive living conditions. An impressive part of the Slavic diaspora here comes from the USSR. Russians began settling in Cyprus back in the 70s, jokingly calling the island their “second homeland.” Why is a tiny state so attractive to our compatriots?
What nationalities do people live in Cyprus?
Many people have heard about this small island. But not everyone knows who lives there. By the beginning of 2019, the population of Cyprus reached 1,200,000. In percentage terms, 40 are Turks, 40 are Greeks, the remaining 10 are representatives of other nationalities (including Russians) and mixed peoples. Often refugees from different countries choose to live in Cyprus. People come here to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and a mild climate, excellent service and clean beaches. Every year the number of people seeking political asylum here increases.
Russian migrants
The first thing that potential settlers are interested in is kindred spirits on the island. How do Russians live in Cyprus? The authorities of the small state contributed to making foreigners feel comfortable here. Today, a Russian diaspora has been created here, there are schools and kindergartens for Russian speakers, and there are shops with products from the Russian Federation. Slavic books and radio stations have long been a common occurrence in Cyprus. Our compatriots planning a move often wonder where it is better to live on the island and where it is easier to adapt to local conditions. The Russian-speaking population can be found in Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos.
Attitude of indigenous people towards Russians
Most of the local population is peaceful towards foreigners. The inhabitants of the island claim that Russians are intelligent, sociable, generous and have a great sense of humor. Slavic women are a source of inspiration for local men, who are increasingly marrying our compatriots. In this regard, living in Cyprus for Russians is not at all tiring or boring. A visitor quickly makes friends and can turn to a passerby for help at any time.
Cost of living in Cyprus
How much money they will have to spend on food is the first thing that interests migrants. Prices for products in 2019 in Cyprus are presented in the table (indicated in euros).
On average, food here costs 10 euros/day. Food in resort areas is much more expensive.
Real estate prices
– the best option for those who move to the island “light”. In Limassol, the average cost of a one-room apartment ranges from 400-500 euros/month. Studios with designer renovation cost at least 1000 euros.
Those who wish to purchase real estate should remember that a foreigner has the right to buy only one property. The minimum price for an apartment is 60-70 thousand euros. The maximum can reach 5 million. Therefore, the answer to the question of how much it costs to live in Cyprus is obvious. It's expensive here. In most cases, properties are purchased by businessmen. By the way, real estate can become not only a place to live or a source of income, but also a way to obtain citizenship.
Transport in Cyprus
A common method of getting around the island is by car or bus. Daytime trips on public transport cost on average 1-1.5 euros, night trips - 2-2.5. A taxi costs 0.7-1 euro per kilometer. Renting a passenger car costs 30-40 euros per day, business class – from 800 euros.
Education system
The youth of Cyprus study in schools (primary, secondary), then in local universities. There are seven of them in total in the country. The island's establishments are famous for their professional approach. Children in schools are taught a love of English, French, Italian and even Arabic. The academic year is divided into three semesters.
- From September 10 to December 10.
- From December 11 to March 11.
- From March 12 to the end of May.
Popular among foreigners, including Russians. Students of local institutions have the right to work in the state, regardless of citizenship.
Employment and salaries in the country
It’s not easy for a Russian, since local organizations prefer to hire representatives of the local population or citizens from EU countries.
- doctors;
- IT specialists;
- teachers of foreign languages.
In order to legally get a job here, you need to apply for a visa and obtain a work permit. The average salary is 1,500-2,000 euros. Unqualified personnel receive no more than 800 euros. This is approximately the cost of living in Cyprus.
Tax system
Regardless of where in the world a resident of the Republic of Cyprus receives income, he is obliged to make individual gratuitous payments to the treasury. The main taxes in Cyprus in 2019 are:
- on profit - 12.5%;
- tax on dividends – 17%.
- base VAT rate – 19%
There is no double taxation here; there is a special agreement to avoid it. An individual automatically becomes a resident if he stays in the country for more than 183 days.
Life of pensioners
Anyone registered with the Social Insurance Service receives government financial assistance in Cyprus. Payments to senior citizens of the republic amount to at least 60% of average income. Retirees in the sunshine state are generally satisfied with their situation. There you can live without any problems on the payments provided by the state, while enjoying the fresh air, sea breeze and sunny weather.
Medical level
Cypriots' expenses on their own health are: 100-3000 euros for insurance and 15-30 euros for visiting a doctor. A medical policy on the island is required, and its cost depends on the amount of coverage. Indigenous people prefer to take out cheap insurance and pay for each doctor's consultation. This decision is appropriate if the person does not suffer from serious illnesses.
There is no ambulance in the country, since calling a doctor to your home takes a toll on your wallet (from 200 euros). Medicines here are expensive, most pharmacies close after 15:00. Therefore, it is more practical to bring emergency supplies from Russia. By the way, our compatriots work in many hospitals on the island.
Where to relax
Anyone who plans to obtain permanent residence in Cyprus is interested not only in the standard of living of the local population, but also in the availability of entertainment and attractions. The most famous resorts of the island:
- Larnaca;
- Limassol;
- Nicosia.
Water sports such as diving, windsurfing, and scootering are widespread here. Cypriots offer extreme sports enthusiasts the chance to take part in auto racing. There are also rental bicycles here. The island is famous for its vibrant nightlife: in the evenings, a myriad of bars, clubs and concert venues open in Cyprus, where you can have a good evening with friends. Introverts and simply lovers of a moderate life enjoy going to restaurants and using the services of tour guides - fortunately, there are a huge number of attractions on the island.
How to emigrate from Russia to Cyprus
Many are attracted by the island's carefree resort atmosphere. ? Let's list several options.
- Business immigration. An entrepreneur who decides to expand his business in the territory of the sunny state must have at least 20 thousand euros in his account.
- Buying a property. In this case, it is possible to live in the country for no more than 6 months a year.
- Getting education in the country. During the entire period of study (from 4 to 6 years), the student has the right to stay on the island.
- Official employment. The duration of legal residence in Cyprus is determined by the duration of the contract with the employer.
- Creating a family. If a foreign person marries a citizen of Cyprus, the spouses’ long stay in the territory of the state will be absolutely legal.
In any case, the moving process will take time and will consist of several stages - obtaining a residence permit, permanent residence, passport.
Currently, 737 thousand people live in Cyprus, of which 83.5% are Greeks, 12.5% are Turks, 1% are national minorities - Armenians who settled here at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries and Arabs fleeing the Middle Eastern armed conflict. 3% are foreign citizens, mostly English; in recent years a Russian colony has been formed.
Nicosia remains the largest city on the island of Cyprus. About 180 thousand people live in it. The second largest city on the island is Limassol with 140 thousand inhabitants, followed by Larnaca - 62 thousand and Paphos - 33 thousand. In the cities of the northern part of the island, the population is small. In Famagusta, after the Greek Cypriots were forced to flee from there, a little over 20 thousand people live, and in Kyrenia there are about 7 thousand people.
After the division of the island in 1974, forced migration of the population led to the fact that each of the parts of Cyprus - northern and southern - became ethnically homogeneous: the vast majority of Greek Cypriots live in the south, and Turks in the north. Today, the two parts of divided Cyprus are actually two different countries, each with its own way of life and political guidelines.
"Greek" Cyprus
The southern part of the island - the Republic of Cyprus - is a rapidly developing state. Thanks to the large flow of tourists from all over the world (more than 2 million people per year), the standard of living of Greek Cypriots has increased, and the annual per capita income reaches the equivalent of $12,000. The minimum salary is determined by law and is about $450; A salary of $1000-1500 is considered decent, which allows a man to support his family (it is assumed that the wife does not work, but does housework). Many Cypriots have their own houses (apartments in multi-apartment buildings are not popular), and there are very few families who do not have at least one car.The official language of the Republic of Cyprus is Greek.
The dominant religion in the southern part of Cyprus is Orthodoxy. Although young people are often seen in churches, religion no longer occupies such a place in the thoughts of Cypriots as it once did. The younger generation, as elsewhere in the world, chooses different priorities.
The Republic of Cyprus ranks third in the world in the number of specialists with higher education per thousand inhabitants, with two thirds of students studying outside Cyprus - in Greece, Great Britain, the USA and other countries. This openness to the world contributes to the rapprochement of Cyprus with Europe, although geographically the island belongs to Asia.
Greek Cypriots gravitate towards Greek culture and their lifestyle resembles that of mainland Greece, although Cypriots are more organized and entrepreneurial than their mainland counterparts. The former presence of the British brought the English education system and English business practices to the island. If you have visited Greece, in Cyprus you will certainly notice less bustle and chaos on the streets, and a greater regularity of life.
The morals of Cypriots are quite conservative, and one of the manifestations of this is the desire to leave women only with household chores and childcare. There are not many women entrepreneurs, middle and senior managers or members of government. In a family, a woman plays an important role. In Cyprus, there are still all-male coffee shops (Kafenion), where Cypriot women are not allowed to go. But you can see a woman driving a car in Cyprus much more often than in Russia.
Greek Cypriots are businesslike and cheerful, they are hardworking and know a lot about relaxation. At the end of the day, when the sun sets and the heat goes away, Cypriots go to taverns, often with the whole family, including children, and spend the whole evening there. It can be noisy there, but it is always decent and safe.
 Musician in medieval attire |
The working week in Cyprus is 40 hours, while in summer the lunch break lasts three hours due to the heat of the day, from 13.00 to 16.00. In addition, on Wednesdays, almost everyone works only until 13.00, and the second half of the day is devoted to rest. The minimum annual leave is 15 days.
Due to the historical situation and high general educational level, almost every Cypriot (especially in cities) can speak English. In the tourist area, among the service personnel in restaurants and hotels, you can meet Russian-speaking Cypriots - immigrants from the CIS countries - Slavs or Pontic Greeks who moved to their historical homeland during the years of perestroika from the southern regions of Russia and the Caucasus.
There is virtually no crime in Cyprus (only about 4,000 crimes are registered per year), and the safety of staying on the island is noted by everyone. The police are loyal to tourists and are ready to help in any difficult situations. As, indeed, are all Cypriots. Tourists are the most welcome guest here.
A Cypriot will always come to the rescue, answer questions, guide you to the place you need, or at least explain what you should do. If you have problems with your car on the road, the Cypriot will most likely stop his car himself, without waiting for your request, and offer help.
Villages and crafts
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Currently, the wealth of small communities still rests on crops and fields, where time flows quietly and slowly. Many old villagers zealously adhere to their traditions, but for the better or not, life is changing rapidly with the approach of the 21st century.
Time causes population movements. The spread of education encouraged the young and enlightened to move to the cities in search of a more modern existence.
Agriculture and some ancient folk crafts are gradually becoming a thing of the past as generations pass by. Old activities that are abandoned are replaced by new ones as the needs of communities change and the number of tourists increases.
However, the charm and beauty of the simple is still widespread throughout the island, and from time to time we come across reminders of a bygone age in the skill and skill of surviving artisans.
Handcrafts are still a tradition in Cyprus and handicrafts can be found in shops in every corner of the island. At the Crafts Center in Nicosia you can see examples of artistic weaving, basket weaving, knitting, leather goods, pottery and traditional copper items.
The villages below are just a few that are famous for their traditional crafts:
- Feeney
On the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, about an hour's drive from Limassol. The village is famous for its pottery, lace and traditional chairs. - Fiti
In the Paphos area, this village is famous for its tapestries - Kato and Pano Lefkara
Off the Nicosia - Limassol motorway. Very famous for its lace, embroidery and silversmiths. - Kornos
20 minutes drive from Nicosia. The village is famous for its potters. - Liopetri
Half an hour's drive from Larnaca towards Ayia Napa. Here they make perhaps the most elegant baskets on the entire island. - Mutulas
On the northern slope of Troodos. The local specialty is carved wooden bowls. - Omodos
On the southern slopes of Troodos, about an hour's drive from Limassol. Known for its excellent wines and cumandariya, this village is also a lace production site. - Eroskipu
3 km east of Paphos town. The village weaves baskets, makes Cypriot delicacies and candied almonds.
Some Cypriot customs
Weddings
Cypriots jealously observe their traditions, and perhaps the most sacred of them is the wedding. The bride's father provides a "prika", or dowry, in the form of a fully furnished house. At a wedding there are something like 500, or even 1000 guests, who are invited by the parents of the bride and groom. No gifts are usually given, but each guest gives an envelope containing money to ensure the young couple gets off to a good start.
At a traditional village wedding, several pre-wedding ceremonies take place in which the entire village takes part. The groom is shaving in his home, to the accompaniment of a local violinist. When the bride and groom are ready, they walk through the village streets to the church, accompanied by their fellow villagers. During a church ceremony, the priest gives a "stephan", a kind of tiara, to the bride and groom to confirm their sacred union. At the entrance to either a hotel or a village tavern, a couple of newlyweds begin to dance, while the guests pin up money for their outfits.
If you are ever invited to a Cypriot wedding, this is an event not to be missed!
Dowry
When traveling around Cyprus, you will notice that metal rods often protrude from the roofs of houses. These are the foundations for the construction of the next floor - a family “prize” for the daughter’s wedding. In the past, one could feel sorry for a man who had five daughters - after all, he had to provide a dowry for all of them! Nowadays, the groom does not always expect to receive a house from his father-in-law, but this practice is still widespread on the island.
Baptism
Each child receives the name of a saint so that it is accepted by the church. In Cyprus there is still a tradition in which the first-born child receives the name of the paternal grandfather, the first daughter receives the name of the father's mother, and then all other children in the order of their birth receive the name of the mother's parents, etc. Hence the fact that so many members of a large family can have the same name!
A child is usually baptized at the age of 4-5 months. He is carried to church fully dressed, and before the ceremony he is stripped naked. The baby's eyes, nose and mouth are smeared with ointment, and the priest waves a censer, fumigating the church with incense, while one or two strands of the child's hair are cut off. After baptism, the child is handed over to the arms of the godfather or godmother, who wait with a towel in their hands. After drying, the baby is dressed in beautiful new clothes made of silk, velvet, lace or satin. Upon leaving the church, all guests are given nets with candied almonds or sweets. Later in the day, a christening is usually celebrated at the tavern.
"Turkish" Cyprus
Northern Cyprus, which has declared itself a Turkish Republic and is not recognized by any country in the world except Turkey, is much less suitable for receiving tourists. To a person who finds himself north of the line dividing the island, the first thing that strikes the eye is the abundance of people in military uniform - Turkey maintains a 30,000-strong army corps in Northern Cyprus.
There is a completely different way of life here. This is Islamic Cyprus, where the influence of the East is very clear. After the division of the country, more than 80 thousand residents of continental Turkey were resettled to the northern part, bringing their habits and preferences into the life of the Turkish Cypriots.Turkish Cypriots are unpretentious in an oriental way, and this is reflected in the appearance of the cities, which do not look as clean and well-groomed as Limassol or Larnaca. In addition to this, Northern Cyprus is experiencing serious economic difficulties, which cannot but affect the life of the Turkish community. Annual per capita income is three times lower than in the Republic of Cyprus, and unemployment is five times higher. This gives outside observers reason to call Northern Cyprus “the forgotten province of Turkey.”
The population of Northern Cyprus professes Islam. Devout Muslims pray in numerous mosques located in the towns and villages of the northern part of the island, with separate rooms for women in the mosques, which are isolated from the main hall. Female tourists are not prohibited from entering the mosque, but only when believers are not praying there. Shoes must be left at the entrance.
Although Greek and Turkish are recognized as the official languages of Northern Cyprus, all Greek names have been replaced by Turkish.
Turkish Cypriots are hospitable in communication, but behind the cordiality lies an oriental slyness and if, for example, they tell you the price of a product or service, then this price is necessarily inflated and you still have to fight for discounts, as is customary everywhere in the East.
Cyprus has an area of 9,251 square kilometers (3,571 sq mi), and a coastline of 648 km (402 mi). By comparison, the island is only about half the size of the state of Connecticut. The capital, Nicosia, is located in the central part of the island. It is a divided capital, with Greek Cypriots controlling the southern part of the city (Nicosia) and Turkish Cypriots controlling the northern part of the city (Lefkosa).
In 1983, the Turkish administration announced the creation of an independent state in the Northern Territory, called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The population of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, according to the 1996 census, was 200,587. Of this number, 164,460 were Turkish Cypriots, 30,702 were Turkish citizens, and 5,425 were citizens of other countries. The natural population growth rate in the Turkish zone is 0.9 percent.
Greek Cypriots make up just over three quarters of the island's population, 99.5 percent of them live in the Greek zone and the remaining 0.5 percent in the Turkish zone. Turkish Cypriots make up almost the entire remaining population, 98.7 percent of whom live in the Turkish zone and 1.3 percent in the Greek zone. Other ethnic minorities make up less than 5 percent of the island's total population and they live mainly in Southern Cyprus.
Three main languages are spoken on the island: Greek, Turkish and English. Greek is the dominant language in the south; Turkish predominates in the north. The majority of the population can also speak English. More than 90 percent of the population is literate.
The island's religious structure is divided, as is its population. Members of the Greek Orthodox Church make up 78 percent of the island's total population and live mainly in the Republic of Cyprus. Turks in the TRNC are mostly Muslim. Other religious groups such as the Maronites and Apostolics Armenians together make up less than 5 percent of the total population.
The last population census that took place in Northern Cyprus was in 2011, when all residents or holidaymakers were required to remain in their place of residence, was not entirely successful. The results of this census gave the total number of permanent residents (those living on the northern part of the island for a year or more) as 256,644, and the number of people who were on the island that day as 265,100.
The data showed that since the last census, there has been a strong increase in the resident population: in Kyrenia 60%, Nicosia 37%, Famagusta 21%, 14% and Guzelyurt 13%. The permanent resident population in Northern Cyprus has increased overall by 36%, with a total of 138,568 men and 118,076 women. Unfortunately, there are no statistics on the composition of local Cypriots and foreigners, but one can at least conclude that the population of Northern Cyprus is certainly on the rise!
Censuses are usually carried out every ten years in Northern Cyprus, and the next one is due to take place in 2016.
Turkish Settlers in Northern Cyprus
For several years, the Northern Cypriot authorities encouraged and supported the immigration of Turks from the mainland, in order to fill the territory of Northern Cyprus. Most of the Turkish settlers were agricultural workers and members of their families. This fact has definitely changed the demographic, social and intellectual composition of Turkish Cyprus. This policy remains extremely controversial for a number of reasons. While Greek Cypriots claim it violates international law, Turkish Cypriots generally view it as a political move to ensure Ankara's dominance.
Cyprus today is one of the most beautiful and most popular places on the Mediterranean Sea. The mild climate and enchanting nature make holidays here particularly attractive. The main beauties of the island of Cyprus are the sea, blue sky, golden beaches and centuries-old attractions. What else could you need for a perfect pastime?!
general information
Belonging to the continent of Asia, Cyprus is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The atmosphere there is not entirely calm. This is due to the fact that Cyprus has been divided into two parts since 1974 due to the Turkish invasion - the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Each part of the island is separated by a buffer zone under UN control. The capital of both Republics is located in the city of Nicosia.
Cyprus: population
The total population of Cyprus is just over one million people, of which 80% live in the Republic of Cyprus and 20% in Northern Cyprus.
The population is mixed. This is due to the division of the island and the attractiveness of moving here. Population of Cyprus (nationality): over 90% of the locals are Greek Cypriots, the rest of the population is British, Russian and Armenians. In the northern part of the island of Cyprus, the population was divided into Turkish Cypriots, Turks and some others. The official languages on the island are Greek and Turkish. In the Republic of Cyprus, the population speaks excellent English.
How to get there
Most tourists and visitors arrive to the island by plane. Cyprus has two international airports, located in the cities of Larnaca and Paphos.
The airport in the Turkish part of Cyprus is called Ercan. It is not recognized internationally. Despite this, it does accept some flights from abroad.
You can also travel to Cyprus by ferry. In particular, the island has ferry connections with the Greek islands of Crete and Rhodes, with the Egyptian Port Said, the Israeli Haifa and Ankokna in Italy. The main port of the Republic of Cyprus is located in the city of Limassol, from where ferries, merchant ships and cruise ships depart.
Climatic and weather conditions
The climate here is subtropical with fairly hot and dry summers and warm and mild winters. Even in winter, snow can only be found in the mountains.
It is best to come to Cyprus in the high season - in the summer or in September, when the intense summer heat has passed, but the sea is still warm. The most pleasant summer weather is in the coastal areas of the island.
Cities
Ayia Napa is a young and fun resort with a vibrant nightlife. A wonderful holiday here is provided by the best sandy, gentle sea and the local water park.
Larnaca is the 3rd largest city on the island. This is a fairly famous and popular Mediterranean resort.
Limassol is the business capital of Cyprus with the main commercial port and many office premises of major global companies.
Paphos is one of the most ancient cities in Cyprus. It has many attractions.
Protaras is a young and developing resort located in the south-eastern part of the island. The city is calm and uncrowded.
Nicosia is the capital city located in the center of the island.
Kyrenia is an old city in the north of the island, part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Tourists like the city for its numerous beaches and interesting attractions.
Absence on the island of Cyprus makes life easier for tourists. The language of the island's inhabitants is Greek and Turkish, but many speak fluent English.
Attractions
At one time, Cyprus was the center of many historical achievements, and the territory of the island was developed by more than one civilization, which gave rise to thousands of archaeological traces on the map of the island. We are talking about a great variety of architectural structures from different times and other historical artifacts located in Cyprus museums or churches.
A considerable number of historical monuments have been preserved throughout the island, attracting the attention of many tourists.
In Cyprus you can find the remains of settlements dating back to the Stone Age - these are ancient Roman theaters, Byzantine temples, monasteries, Crusader castles, and much, much more. All this wealth determines the unique atmosphere of the island, where beauty and peace, ancient culture and modernity are combined.
Getting around the country
Cyprus is a fairly small island, so some types of transport are not present here. Thus, railway communication was stopped in the last century.
Bus service here is not very developed.
It is replaced by a fairly developed taxi system. There are 3 types of taxis in Cyprus: intercity, intracity and village.
Persons with an international driver's license, aged from 25 to 70 years, with at least 3 years of driving experience, can rent a car. In some private companies you can find less severe rental conditions.
Kitchen
The local cuisine is an excellent example of the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. From Greek and Turkish cuisines, the custom of cooking food on the grill or in the form of thick soups and stews came here. But, unlike Turkish cuisine, local food is less spicy. Cyprus was also influenced by Italian cuisine, from which came such cooking ingredients as mint, cinnamon, basil, coriander, and arugula. Curry and ginger are also used in Cyprus. In general, the dominant eastern influence can be identified, this consists in the presence of sweet dishes with a lot of spices and oils in them.
Fresh vegetables and fruits are often eaten here. Meat dishes in Cyprus are very popular among locals.
The most common dish here is meze, which can be found in every restaurant on the island. Meze is an assortment of different cold and hot appetizers. There is no better way to get acquainted with Cypriot cuisine than with meze. Rice, pasta and legumes are usually eaten as a side dish in Cyprus.
For dessert they usually eat baklava or Turkish delight. The most popular drink in Cyprus is wine. For those who like stronger drinks, there is Zivania, a rustic grape vodka. Cypriots also love coffee.
Prices in Cyprus restaurants are slightly lower than European prices. The cost of breakfast per person is from 5 euros, lunch or dinner from 10 euros.
Purchases
The main purchases and souvenirs from Cyprus are usually items and products that are traditionally part of the unique culture of this island. These include jewelry, local wines, olive oils and handicrafts. It is also worth purchasing local leather goods - bags, purses, wallets, shoes and outerwear. Prices in Cyprus for high quality leather items can be called affordable. For example, the cost of a leather belt is from 10 euros, a bag from 35 euros.
Well, the absence on the island of Cyprus (we have already mentioned the language of the inhabitants) will help you make an excellent purchase.
Holidays
In small villages, many ancient customs and rituals have been preserved, especially observed on Christmas, New Year, and Easter. For the Greek Orthodox Church, Easter is the most important holiday of the year.
Residents of Cyprus also celebrate many national holidays, local or seasonal. The Limassol Wine Festival, held annually in September, is very popular here. It lasts for several days and includes tasting of local wines, concert and theater performances, singing and dancing competitions.
Local customs and mores
The island's population has included Greek and Turkish Cypriots for many centuries. The cultures of these peoples differ and still retain their own characteristics in their lifestyle and religious views. Cypriots of Greek origin are the heirs of Greek culture, but due to their long stay under English patronage, they adopted some features of life characteristic of Europeans. On the island, English is practically the second language for the country and the first in professional and business relations. Cypriots of Greek origin profess Orthodoxy (in the north, in the Turkish part of the island, Islam predominates).
There are no strong restrictions for tourists in the country. When visiting existing places of worship, churches and monasteries, you should pay attention to the dress code. Women in such places are advised to wear long skirts and clothing that covers their shoulders, and men to wear trousers.
In summer, local residents go for a “siesta” - an afternoon rest from 13:00 to 16:00. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, all stores are open only until lunchtime.
Conclusion
This island is truly one of the best places for the most unforgettable holiday. Sun, Cyprus, sea, golden beaches - these words will forever be associated with memories of a paradise holiday on this wonderful island.
The island of Cyprus is an island of discord, where fierce wars have raged for several centuries and a volcano of passions has raged. Many living in Cyprus consider the island truly their home, while the same authorities of the Republic of Cyprus fundamentally disagree with them. But that's a completely different story.
To understand what we are talking about, you need to imagine the following picture.
Concerning population of Cyprus , then conditionally the island of Cyprus can be divided into 3 more or less stable parts, one part of which occupied by the Greeks, the other by the Turks and everything else is divided among themselves - other nationalities: Russians, English, Armenians and Arabs .
Greek Cypriots fiercely defend their interests and firmly believe that the island is their ancestral homeland. Greek Cypriots have quite conservative views. They are hardworking, honest and enterprising. Despite their slow and measured life, Greek Cypriots truly value a beneficial holiday. They know how to enjoy their vacation, forgetting about all the troubles and squabbles. Many would do well to learn this skill from them. The vast majority of Greek Cypriots religiously revere the Orthodox religion while Turkish Cypriots are Sunni Muslims. Thanks to these two main populations in Cyprus, The official languages on the island are Greek and Turkish , but the vast majority of Cypriots are able to express themselves quite well in English.
In percentage terms, the picture can be presented as follows (out of 900,000 people inhabiting the island of Cyprus):
more than 75% population is Greek (about 650,000 people)
about 20% The population is Turkish (about 160,000 people)
less than 4% The population consists of Russians (more than 20,000 people), British (there are about 17,000 people on the island) and Armenians (about 4,000 people).
Of course, the demographic situation in the Republic is constantly changing. Population growth is increasing and, according to preliminary forecasts, by 2030, under favorable circumstances, the population of Cyprus will increase by more than 50,000 people. The total population by 2030 will be 957,407 people.
Generally The island of Cyprus is a calm and cozy paradise on planet Earth. All Cypriots are friendly and polite. In any situation they are happy to help. When you contact them with a request, for example, to suggest directions to plan a route, they will patiently and thoroughly explain everything to you or kindly guide you to the right place. The law enforcement agencies themselves are tolerant of tourists and are always polite and attentive. The crime rate here is minimal . This is one of the distinctive features of the island of Cyprus.
Visiting Russian tourists in Cyprus may be somewhat annoyed by the excessive and not entirely understandable slowness of the Cypriots. This can be seriously annoying. Therefore, while vacationing in Cyprus, remember that there is nowhere to rush here and there is certainly nothing to worry about! You have come to rest, so enjoy the beauty, silence, tranquility and pleasant cool sea breeze of the Mediterranean Sea.
