Cyprus and Nicosia generally
„Cyprus, according to the mythology, is the birthplace of the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.”
„Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and standing as it does at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.” The present population of Cyprus is 755 000 of whom 85 % are Greek Cypriots.
„The island is both an ancient land, with an eleven thousand year-old history and civilisation as well as a a young independent Republic since 1960.”
„Cyprus has a record of successful economic performance, reflected in a rapid growth, full employment conditions and external and internal stability, almost throughout the post-independence period. The underdeveloped economy, inherited from Colonial Rule in 1960, has been transformed into a modern economy, with dynamic services, industrial and agricultural sectors and advanced physical and social infrastructure. In terms of per capita income, currently estimated at US$ 13.125 (2000), Cyprus classified among the high-income countries.”
Cyprus is became an independent republic on the 1960. As an independent country, from May 1, 2004, it became a member of the European Union, United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement.
About Cyprus, (edited by) Elengo Frangoulidou, Press and Information Office, Republic of Cyprus 2001.
„The cultural heritage of a people is its most important asset, its identity and a sense of continuation through time. (...) The Mycenaens Achaeans brought their civilization here, establishing the first Greek roots 3 000 years ago. Many others passed through, including Phoenicians Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans and the British.” Cyprus. 10 000 years of history and civilization, Cyprus Tourism Organisation 2006.
„The capital the island is Nicosia (Lefkosia) with a population about 200 000 (in the sector controlled by the government of te Republic of Cyprus. It is situated roughly in the centre of the island and is the seat of government as well as the main business centre.”
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„The 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 35% of the island's territory literally cut the capital in half. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nicosia remains the only military divided capital in Europe.”
„Nicosia lies roughly at the centre of the island and has a rich history that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. It only became the capital of the island in the 11th century AD.”
The heart of the city, enclosed by 16th century Venetian walls, contains museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings. The Louisianans made it a magnificent city with a Royal Palace and over fifty churches. Today it blends its historic past with the bustle of a modern-day city. „The modern city has grown around the old walled city and here luxury hotels and restaurants, conference centres, modern shops, wide streets and tree-lined avenues, give the capital a cosmopolitan air.”
About Cyprus, (edited by) Elengo Frangoulidou, Press and Information Office, Republic of Cyprus 2001.