Country Profile: Cyprus

Last reviewed: 4 August 2008

Country information

Map of Cyprus

Country Facts

Area: 9,250 sq km (3,572 sq miles)
Population: 754,064
Capital city: Nicosia (Lefkosia/Lefkosa) (population: 195,000)
People: Greek Cypriot (78%), Turkish Cypriot (18%), Maronites, Latins (4%)
Languages: Greek, Turkish, English
Religions: Greek Orthodox (78%), Muslim (18%), Maronite, Armenian Apostolic, and other (4%)
Currency: Euro (Turkish Lira in the northern part of Cyprus)
Major Political Parties: Restorative Party of the Working People (AKEL), Democratic Rally (DESY), Democratic Party (DEKO), The European Party (EVROKO), Social Democratic Party (EDEK), United Democrats Movement (EDI)
Political parties in the northern part of Cyprus: National Unity Party (UBP); Democratic Party (DP); Communal Democracy Party (TDP); Republican Turkish Party (CTP); Freedom and Reform Party (ORP).
Government: Presidential Republic. The President serves a 5-year term, and exercises executive power through a Council of Ministers appointed by him. The Legislature comprises of one 80-member House of Representatives, elected for a 5-year term, although 24 seats reserved for Turkish Cypriot MPs are currently vacant.
Head of State: President Demetris Christofias
Foreign Minister: Marcos Kyprianou
Membership of international groups/organisations: UN (Non-Aligned Movement), Council of Europe, Commonwealth, OSCE, European Union, IAEA, IBRD, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol.

The UK does not recognise the self-declared “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) in the northern part of the island. The “TRNC” is not internationally recognised, except by Turkey. Throughout this document, the “TRNC” is either referred to as such, or simply as the northern part of Cyprus.

DID YOU KNOW

Missing People

There are many people still missing from both communities in Cyprus following the events of the 1960s and 1970s. The UK government is encouraged by the progress that is being made by the Committee for Missing Persons in Cyprus in the recovery and identification of missing persons. We are also encouraged by the recent increase in avtivity surrounding the search for misissing persons on the island and the collaborative approach that has been taken by the 2 communities.

Why can't I fly direct to the northern part of Cyprus?

It is not possible to fly directly from the UK to the northern part of Cyprus. Under the terms of the International Convention on Civil Aviation of 1944 (Chicago Convention), flights can only operate legally to the international airports designated by the Republic of Cyprus. There are no such airports in the northern part of Cyprus. Under these circumstances, the UK Government has decided that the approval of direct flights by any airline from the UK to the northern part of Cyprus would be incompatible with the UK's international obligations under the Chicago Convention, and with UK domestic legal obligations.

Crossing the 'Green Line'

A buffer zone, known as the ‘Green Line’, was established following the hostilities in 1974, and is patrolled by UN peace keeping forces. It divides the island from the coast north west of Morphou through Nicosia to Famagusta. It is possible to visit the northern part of Cyprus by using any one of the official crossing points on the 'Green Line'. There are no longer any restrictions on how long you can stay in the northern part of Cyprus if you cross over.

The crossing points are located as follows:

Ledra Palace checkpoint in central Nicosia (Pedestrians Only)
Ledra Street in central Nicosia (Pedestrians only)
Agios Dometios in Nicosia
2 in the Eastern Sovereign Base Area: (Black Knight - Nr Ayios Nikolaos) and Pergamos (nr Dhekelia)
Astromeritis (near Morphou, and 30kms west of Nicosia)

You may take a hired car through the checkpoints, except at Ledra Palace and Ledra Street, which are for pedestrians only. If you plan to take a hired car through the checkpoints,you should check first with the hire car company that they are content for you to do so, and whether you need to purchase additional insurance, available at the checkpoint, before crossing.

When passing through the crossing points you will need your passport. A separate sheet will be provided on which you will need to enter your passport details in order to pass through the crossing point.

Can I purchase property in Cyprus?

Before purchasing property anywhere in Cyprus you are strongly advised to seek qualified legal advice from a source that is independent from the seller.

Property issues are closely linked to the political situation. There are a number of potential practical, financial and legal implications, particularly for those considering buying property in the northern part of Cyprus. These relate to the non-recognition of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", the suspension of EU law in the northern part of Cyprus, the possible consequences for property of a future settlement, and the many thousands of claims to ownership of property throughout Cyprus from people displaced in 1974. There is also a risk that purchasers of disputed propert in the northern part of Cyprus would face legal proceedings in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as attempts to enforce judgements from these courts of the Republic of Cyprus elsewhere in the EU, including the UK.

Separately, potential purchasers should also ensure that they are fully aware of the specific rules imposed by the administration on foreigners purchasing property in the northern part of Cyprus, including the requirement to obtain consent from the holder of the authentic title deeds to the transfer of property.

On 20 October 2006 a criminal code amendment relating to property came into effect. Under the amendment, buying, selling, renting, promoting or mortgaging a property without the permission of the owner (the person whose ownership is registered with the Republic of Cyprus Land Registry, including Greek Cypriots displaced from the northern part of Cyprus in 1974), is a criminal offence. This also applies to agreeing to sell, buy or rent a property without the owner’s permission. The maximum prison sentence is 7 years. Furthermore, the amendment to the law states that any attempt to undertake such a transaction is a criminal offence and could result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years. This law is not retrospective, so will not criminalise transactions that took place before 20 October 2006. Documents relating to the purchase of property in the northern part of Cyprus will be presumed by the Cypriot authorities to relate to the illegal transfer of Greek Cypriot property and may be subject to confiscation when crossing the Green Line. Anyone in possession of these documents may be asked to make a statement to the Cypriot authorities and may face criminal proceedings under the 20 October 2006 amendment. The full implications of this legislation are not yet clear. Any enquiries about the scope of the legilation and its implications should be made to the Cyprus High Commissiom in London.

Time share/property salespersons tout for business in Cyprus, especially in the Paphos area. You should read the fine print very carefully and seek legal advice before signing any kind of contract. Under Cyprus law you are entitled to a 15-day “cooling off” period during which, if you change your mind, you should receive a full refund of any money paid.

Our High Commission in Nicosia has produced some frequently asked questions and answers about property on their web-site. They can be accessed by the following link: www.britishembassy.gov.uk/Files/kfile/Frequently Asked Questions Property.htm

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