Cyprus—a tranquil, serene island rich in ancient culture and close to nature, immigrating to Cyprus offers an overall experience of the Mediterranean's deep blue skies, crystal-clear waters, salty sea breezes, and the peaceful lives of its inhabitants.
Cyprus is a small island with a long history and spectacular natural beauty. It is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite (Venus), the goddess of love and beauty in ancient Greek mythology, and is known as the "Island of Love".
The Greek name for Cyprus means "Island of Copper". The official name is the Republic of Cyprus, located in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Anatolian Peninsula, bordered by Turkey to the north, looking towards Syria to the east, and connecting to Egypt to the south. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and has historically been a vital link between the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Cyprus is 241 kilometers long from east to west and 97 kilometers wide from north to south, covering an area of 9,251 square kilometers (after the division of the island in 1974, the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots occupy 60% and 37% of the territory respectively, with another 3% belonging to the two British sovereign bases).
The human civilization of Cyprus can be traced back over 9,000 years, when humans first inhabited the island. In 2000 BC, the Greeks arrived on the island, and the influx of Greek civilization gave Cyprus a distinct Greek cultural character. Later, Cyprus was conquered by Egypt and Persia. In 30 BC, it became part of the Roman Empire, and in 330 AD, it was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire. During the Crusades, Cyprus was occupied by the French and Venetians; from 1571 to 1878, it was ruled by the Ottoman Empire; in 1878, Turkey leased the island to Britain, and in 1925 it became a British "colony" until Cyprus declared independence in 1960. Its unique geographical position at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations has allowed Cyprus to experience foreign invasions and occupations throughout history, leaving behind a diverse and rich cultural heritage and historical relics. Although the island covers only over 9,000 square kilometers, it is home to numerous historical sites, with three listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
While touring the island, one can find historical remnants almost everywhere: ancient villages, towns, temples, theaters, stadiums, palaces, fortresses, city walls, columns, and mosaic artworks. The entire Cyprus serves as a historical museum of the Middle East and Europe, and visiting these ancient relics feels like experiencing the beautiful myths of ancient Greece firsthand.
With a population of less than one million, Cyprus attracts over 5 million tourists each year, with tourism contributing more than 20% to the GDP. The brilliant sunshine, azure sea, naturally simple countryside, ancient towns rich in culture, and warm-hearted residents are the charm of Cyprus.
