Demography Population - (de jure): 818.200 (2003)
Populations of main towns
- Nicosia: 213.500 (2003)
- Limassol: 167.800 (2003)
- Larnaca: 74.700 (2003)
- Pafos: 49.700 (2003)
Government and regime
Cyprus is an independent sovereign republic with a presidential system of government.
Languages
Greek is the main language. English is spoken almost everywhere. French and German are also spoken.
Climate and temperatures
The climate of Cyprus makes the island one of the healthiest places in the world. The long dry summer fills alike the bathing beaches and the panicled mountains, where the climate is equable dry, sunny and bracing. The winter is mild and invigorating in the plains and the coastal belt (340 days of bright sunshine annually), lowest sea temperature in January 16° C where you can swim in the crystal clear blue sea or sunbath on the lovely sandy beaches. On the mountains snow begins to fall in December and skiing is usually possible from January to March.
| Month | Air Temp oC | Sea Temp oC |
| January |
16.6
|
16.4
|
| February |
16.0
|
16.9
|
| March |
18.4
|
17.3
|
| April |
22.8
|
18.6
|
| May |
27.2
|
21.0
|
| June |
30.5
|
24.0
|
| July |
33.3
|
26.3
|
| August |
33.6
|
27.7
|
| September |
30.8
|
26.6
|
| October |
27.3
|
25.1
|
| November |
22.9
|
21.9
|
| December |
19.2
|
18.9
|
Electric current - Voltage
The electricity supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, 50 cycles, A.C. plugs are usually 5 AMP, or 13 AMP square - pin in the most new buildings. More than one low current appliance may be operated from the same supply point, by using an adaptor. Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the reception.
Business / shopping hours
| Winter period (Oct 01 - Apr 30) | Summer period (May 01 - Sept 30) |
| Monday, Tuesday Thursday, Friday 8:00 - 13:00 14:30 - 17:30 (15:00 -18:00 offices) | Monday, Tuesday Thursday, Friday 8:00 - 13:00; 16:00 - 19:00 |
| Wednesday, Saturday 08:00 - 13:00 | Wednesday, Saturday 08:00 - 13:00 |
Public Service Hours
| Winter period (Sep 01 - Jun 30) | Summer period (Jul 01 - Aug 31) |
| Monday, Friday 07:30 - 14:30 | Monday - Friday 07:30m 14:30 |
| Thursday 07:30 - 14:30;15:00 - 18:00 | Wednesday, Saturday 08:00 - 13:00 |