Government and Diplomatic Relations

Cyprus has probably the best infrastructure in the area. The island has two International Airports at Larnaca and Paphos. An average of 350 scheduled flights per week link Larnaca with more than 50 cities in Europe, Africa and The Middle East.

The island s road network is quite advanced. Self- driven hire cars, taxis and bus services are widely available. A modern highway links Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca and is presently being extended to cover Paphos and Agia Napa. A number of shipping lines, clearing and forwarding agents operate in Cyprus. Limassol and Larnaca provide modern port facilities and bonded warehouses are available in all towns. A Free Zone is fully operational near Larnaca and a Free Zone is shortly to become operational in Limassol.

Cyprus offers first class telecommunications connecting to most countries in the world by direct dial, facsimile and telex facilities. Local Greek and English newspapers and magazines as well as all major overseas publications are distributed daily.There are a number of local and international banks operating in Cyprus, both on a local and on an offshore basis. Most of the banks are linked to the Swift service system. Cyprus enjoys an advanced legal system based on the British tradition and all other institutions are modelled on current European standards.Cyprus enjoys a fairly high, European standard of living, while it remains relatively inexpensive.

Food in Cyprus is excellent and due to the short distances vegetables, fruit, meat and fish are always fresh and nutritious.Health treatment in Cyprus is of a high standard and there are many government hospitals and private clinics with competent specialists in all medical fields equipped with modern medical equipment.Cyprus provides junior and secondary education to Greek, English, French, Italian and Arabic speaking pupils. Several English schools are in operation in all major towns. The country occupies one of the highest places internationally in terms of third level university students.