FACTS

Location: Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey

Area (only Total) total: 9,250 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus)

Climate: temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Terrain: central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast

Population: 792,604 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Greek

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Nicosia (Lefkosia)

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+2

Independence: 16 August 1960 (from UK); note - Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but these proclamations are only recognized by Turkey

National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots celebrate 15 November (1983) as Independence Day

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

January 6 Epiphany

March 25 Greek Independence Day

April 1 EOKA Day/ Cyprus Day

May 1 Labour Day

August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

October 1 Cyprus Independence Day

October 28 OHI Day

December 25 Christmas Day

December 26 Boxing Day

*Some shops may be open

You should know:

Holidays falling on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday) are not moved

Weekend Saturday, Sunday