Cyprus
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Capital
Nicosia
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Local time
8:51
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Population
854 000
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Driving side
Left
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Calling code
+357
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Currency
€ EUR (euro)
Cyprus
-
Capital
Nicosia
-
Local time
8:51
-
Population
854 000
-
Driving side
Left
-
Calling code
+357
-
Currency
€ EUR (euro)
-
Average Salary
$ 1 618
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Petrol price
€ 1.61 pl
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Precipitation
498mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
9 250 km2
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Protected Area
18%
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Forest Area
19%
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Agricultural area
11%
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Annual air passengers
224 751
Population
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Ethnicity
Greek - 77 %
Turkish - 18 %
other
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Religion
Greek Orthodox - 78 %
Islam - 18 %
Islam - 18 %
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Literacy rates
97.9%
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Languages
Greek
Turkish
English
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Armed Forces
12 750
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Murders
1 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
9.1 l/person
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Diabetes
9.6%
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Tuberculosis
6 per 100k
Economy
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Industries
tourism, food and beverage, cement and gypsum, ship repair, textiles, light chemicals, metal products, wood, paper
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Agriculture
citrus, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, vegetables, poultry, pork, lamb
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Natural Resources
copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment
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Energy Import
94%
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Natural Resources
copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment
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Renewable Energy
9%
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CO2 Emissions
6 062kt
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Ease of Business
53 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
51
What not to do when visiting Cyprus
Cyprus Don't do the "moutza" - extending all five fingers, palm out, towards a person in a forward motion. The closer the hand is to other person's face, the more offensive it's. Similar to the American "talk to hand" gesture.
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Cyprus Don't cross hierarchy rank. Cypriots are extremely respectful of hierarchy. People are respected for their age and position. Older people are served and introduced first.
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Cyprus Don't walk in front of someone who is praying.
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Did you know?
Cyprus is home to the world’s oldest water wells, dating back almost 10,000 years.
Cyprus Don't sit until told to sit down.
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Cyprus Don't give white lilies as a gift - it's used for funerals. Give something edible. Gifts are not opened when received until later.
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Cyprus Don’t forget to shake hands, smile, and maintain direct eye contact during the greeting. Many Turkish Cypriots lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect. Very religious Muslims do not shake hands with women.
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Cyprus Don't refuse an offer of Greek coffee or a cold drink - it's impolite.
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Cyprus Don't rush the business. Develop personal relationship and trust, which is the cornerstone of business. Cypriots prefer face to face meetings rather than by telephone, video conference or writing.
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Cyprus Don't begin eating until the host does. Don't use your left hand for eating.
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Cyprus Don't do any confrontation in public. Cypriots don't like publicly admitting you are incorrect.
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Cyprus Don't necessarily follow the trend of being late - be punctual, although you should be prepared to be kept waiting.
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Cyprus Don't reject or turn down when someone offers you a meze - always be a good guest trying it.
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Cyprus Don't wear shorts or tight clothes when visiting the church - dress conservatively. Men should wear pants and shirts. Women should wear pants or long skirts and cover their arms.
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Cyprus Don't open displays of affection if you are a gay. There is not wide social acceptance of gay people in Cyprus, it's very scarce.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Cyprus Don't forget to tip a bit, even the 10% service charge is included in the prices.
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Cyprus Don't necessarily expect Cypriot Greek (language) to be same as mainland Greek - there's a difference due to the strong dialect spoken by many locals, especially in remote mountain villages.
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Cyprus Don't take pictures around military facilities and security zones.
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Cyprus Don't forget to bring good walking shoes, swimsuit and sun cream.
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Cyprus Don't pre-book your hire car or bike. You can get much cheaper rental locally when you arrive.
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Cyprus Don't wear beachwear outside the beach or poolside. Wear casual for most occasions.
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Cyprus Don't forget Cypriots are skilled negotiators when doing business - expect a great deal of bargaining.
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Cyprus Don’t attempt to enter the U.N. buffer zone at any place other than a designated crossing point.
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Europe Don’t forget to handshake when greeting (men). Women usually greet with light kisses on both cheeks (”air kisses” where you just touch cheeks and kiss the air), a handshake is common on first meeting. Eye contact is important.
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Europe Don't smack or slurp - it's not appreciated.
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Europe Don't avoid eye contact business and personal conversations. It's a sign of courtesy.
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Europe Don't enter buses, trains or similar before everyone who wants to get out has done so.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Europe Don't forget to wear reflectors when riding a bike or walking at dark.
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