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	Sat, Feb 11, 2012

Cyprus

Cyprus: Mediterranean Vacation Spot with Greek History

Cyprus, the birthplace of the Greece love goddess Aphrodite is one of the oldest Mediterranean civilisations. Cyprus Island was subjected to the rule of Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans successively. The Cypriot capital Nicosia has many marvellous beaches with white sands, no wonder Cyprus is one of biggest Mediterranean tourist hot spot. The country was colonised by Britain in 1914 till 1960 when it gained freedom. However ethnic conflict between the Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking people is rife right from independence that finally led to the partition of Cyprus into the Turkish Cyprus and the Greek Cyprus in 1974. Although many reunification attempts have been since made, they have turned out to be futile.

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Cyprus Geography and Weather:

Cyrus Island, the third largest if the Mediterranean Islands is situated to the south of Turkey at the blessed confluence of Asia, Africa and Europe. It is strategically located at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea route and thus is a vital trade point. Cypriot capital Nicosia is the largest city, followed by Limassol and the port cities of Larnaca and Paphos. Most of the southern and western Cyprus is covered by the Troodos Mountains while the Kyrenia Range is aligned along the northern coastline.

Cypriots enjoy warm, dry Mediterranean climate with rainfall between November and March. The mountainous areas are cooler and more moisture laden than the rest of the island. Cyprus witnesses a mild winter with temperatures falling to 10 °C in January.

Cyprus Economy and Culture:

The Cypriot culture is a balanced fusion of Greek and Turkish cultures. Both languages are officially recognised, although most people communicate in Greek. Vegetables are preferred in the Cypriot cuisine accompanied by fresh salad and plain yoghurt. When the people eat out they go for the meze, a big collection of dishes that ends with grilled meat or fish.

The Greek Cyprus is a booming economy as compared to the Turkish Cyprus owing to official recognition from international bodies. Although tourism is a major foreign exchange earner, the service sector has made its mark thanks to the open economy model pursued by the Cypriot dispensation. While the Turkish Cyprus is mostly dependent on grants from Turkey, the Greek Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the Euro as its currency in 2008. These developments have given a boost to the Cypriot economy.

Tourist Attractions of Cyprus:

Cyprus being a Island country offers many resplendent beaches surrounded by enchanting scenery in all its coastal towns, whether Nicosia, Paphos or Limassol. Mount Olympus offers a not-to-be-missed opportunity for mountain biking and hiking. The ancient Greek heritage can be experienced in the temples, medieval frescoes and the Roman mosaics.

Other Cyprus Places to Visit include:

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