Country Trading Profiles Cyprus - General information

Political outline

Executive Power: The President is both the chief of the state and the head of the government. The President is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and holds the executive powers. The Council of Ministers is appointed jointly by the President and Vice president. Under the 1960 constitution, the post of Vice President is reserved for a Turkish-Cypriot and thus lies vacant as of now.
Legislative Power: Legislative power in the Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized) is excercised by the House of Representatives with its 80 members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms.
Main political parties: KISOS (Movement for Social Democracy United Democratic Union of Centre), AKEL (Progressive Party of the Working People or Communist Party), DIKO (Democratic Party), DISY (Democratic Rally), EURO.KO (European Party), ADIK (Fighting Democratic Movement), Green Party of Cyprus, EDE (United Democrats Movement)
Current political leaders: President: Demetris Christofias (since February 2008)
Next election dates: Presidential: February 2013 (last elections held in 2008)

Health precautions: No particular health recommendations when visiting Cyprus.
For further information on sanitary conditions: Ministry of Health of Cyprus
For further information on safety conditions: US Department of State notifications about Cyprus
Contact your Embassy: Embassy of Greece in Cyprus
Vyronos Av 8-10
(POBox 199), Nicosia
Phone: (0035727) 680670-1
Fax: 680649
grembnic@spidernet.net

European Emergency number

112

Time and time difference: It is %T:%M %A in Nicosia (GMT+2 in winter, GMT+3 in summer)
Summer time period: Summer time from March to October although the weather can be sunny and summer like before June.

Type of climate: Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and a cool, rainy season that extends from October to March. The annual temperature is 21°C (69°F). The annual rainfall averages less than 500 mm. The mountain areas are colder and there are more rainfalls than coastal regions. Mountainous areas can have snowfall for as long as ten weeks beginning in January.

To find an accommodation: Visit Cyprus Tourism organization about Cyprus
To find an apartment: Portal about Cyprus with a section on rental agencies

Online announcement for apartment rental
To find a job: Cyprus recruitment website
Jobs in Cyprus

Telephone codes: To make a call from Cyprus to Greece: dial 00 (or +) 30
To make a call to in Cyprus from Greece: dial 00 (or +) +357
Mobile telephone standards: Cyprus uses GSM cellular phone technology on European frequencies and standards and the island's telecommunications system is well advanced and efficient.
Internet suffix: .cy