The population of Cyprus is about 650,000. Out of this 80% are Greek-Cypriots, 18% Turkish-Cypriots and 2% other minorities (Maronites, Armenians, Latins and others).

The independent Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960 with the Zurich-London Agreements. Cyprus is a full member of the United Nations, of the Commonwealth and of the Council of Europe. It has a Presidential system of government and the President is directly elected by the people. The President has the executive power and is assisted by his Ministers who are directly appointed by the President and not by the House of Representatives which is the Legislative body.

Administratively Cyprus is divided into six districts: Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta, Lamaca, Paphos and Kyrenia. As Famagusta and Kyrenia are under Turkish occupation, entry to Cyprus through these ports and the port of Karavostasi as well as Tymbou airport is forbidden and illegal.

Cyprus has two mountain ranges, Troodos and the Pentadactylos range. The Troodos mountain occupies almost the whole of the central and western part of the island. It rises on the western coast and extends almost to the centre of the island leaving a narrow plain of a few kilometres on three sides, to the west, south and north while to the east slopes into the Mesaoria plain. The highest peak is Olympus at 6,406 feet and is snowcapped from mid-December until the end of March.

Most of the area of the Troodos range above 3,000 feet is covered with pine, cedar and other forests while lower slopes and valleys are covered with fruit trees such as apple, pear and cherç. Á large part of the lower hills ïç the south-western slopes of Troodos are planted with extensive vineyards from which the world famous wine products of Cyprus originate. The second mountain range is the Pentadactylos range which covers almost the half of the northern coastal area of Cyprus. Unfortunately since 1974 this area is inaccessible because of the Turkish occupation. This range rises on the east coast of the Gulf of Morphou and extends to the Karpass peninsula on the Gulf of Famagusta. It is á narrow range of limestone rocks and its highest peaks reach 3,000 feet. Ïç three of these peaks the famous and glorified (originally Byzantine and later Mediaeval) castles of St. Hilarion, Boufavento and Kantara were built.

The northern slopes of the Pentadactylos range facing the picturesque Kyrenia coast are clad with forests of pine, cypress, olive and carob trees while á belt of green plantations comprising of citrus trees, mainly lemon, almost reach the coastline of northern Cyprus. The plain formed between the two mountain ranges is called Mesaoria and is the granaç of the island. Cyprus has two salt lakes; the Larnaca and Limassol salt lakes. In summer they dry up and the salt collected from the Larnaca Lake is enough to cover the domestic, industrial and consumer needs of the island.

Cyprus has no rivers except some winter torrents making water the biggest problem ïç the island. After independence in 1960 the Government gave priority to solving this problem and built dams in many parts of the island. Here the water of the torrents is collected and used for irrigation and to supply the towns. Of the land of Cyprus 19%is under afforestation, 24% is irrigated and cultivated, and the rest uncultivated. Cyprus is considered an agricultural country with 35% of the people engaged in agriculture. This percentage (35%) however, has declined in recent  years due to governmental focus in developing a more solid and extensive service-oriented economy. The most important agricultural products of the island are cereals, mainly wheat and barley, citrus fruits, olives, carobs, grapes, potatoes, carrots, various vegetables and fruits which are exported to various European and Middle East countries. A large percentage of uncultivated land is used for the grazing of sheep and goats. Cyprus is self sufficient in port and chickens' meat but imports substantial quantities of beef and lamb.

Despite the enormous destruction caused by the Turkish invasion of 1974 and the occupation of 38% of its territory (70% of its economic potential was lost) Cyprus succeeded in developing once more its light industry and exports to West European, East European and Middle Eastern countries. Products such as  cement, various other construction materials, wine products, plastics, footwear, clothing, fresh and canned agricultural products are only a range of goods exported abroad. With its excellent Mediterranean climate (340 days sunshine per year), long dry summers from March to November, mild winters and wonderful sandy beaches Cyprus attracts thousands of tourists every year making tourism the biggest single industry, earning in this way more than 50% of its foreign exchange.