Government System of Cyprus
Cyprus is an independent sovereign republic with a presidential system of government. Its fully democratic, European system retains the respect of individual rights and permits unlimited scope for private initiative. Cyprus is a full member of the European Union since May 2004.


Legal System
The legal system in Cyprus was originally based on the British legal system. The House of Representatives approve all legislation, which is the supreme legislation body of Cyprus. Cyprus courts are totally independent to safeguard their impartiality.


Banking Standards
The banking system in Cyprus closely follows the British pattern. The banks have many convenient branches, which are efficient, modern and well equipped with the latest technology.
Non-Cypriot citizens may open foreign currency and local deposit accounts without difficulty. Many international banks have branches throughout the island.
Major credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express networks, are widely used in Cyprus. Transactions and payments are simply made through your foreign deposit account.

Currency
The Cyprus currency system is based on the decimal system. One Cyprus Pound is divided into 100cents. Coins range in value from 1 to 50cents and four bank notes are in circulation: £1, £5, £10 and £20.


Health Care
The cost of medical treatment in government hospitals is very low, and EU citizens have the same privileges with Cypriots at First Aid. Those wishing to consult doctors privately will find a wide choice of competent doctors, specialists and surgeons practicing on the island. The minimum charge for a private consultation is CY£10.00.
The standard of medical treatment provided to citizens is high and continuously improving. Additionally, a number of companies offer medical insurance schemes that cover excellent and immediate medical care. Diverse schemes are tailored to individual needs and budgets and can cover hospitalization at the hospital or clinic of your choice, outpatient consultations and medications as well as home nursing.


Education
In addition to the public schools, private elementary and secondary schools for English, French, Russian and Italian speaking pupils are available. Tertiary education is provided at the University of Cyprus, as well as at a number of private English language collages that offer accredited undergraduate courses in various fields.


Population
Demography:
Population (de jure): 730,400 (End of 2003)
585,050 (80.1%): Greek Cypriots
79,610 (10.9%): Turkish Cypriots
65,740 (9%): Foreign residents

Population of Main Towns:
(End of 2003)
Lefkosia (Nicosia): 289,100
Ammochostos (Famagusta): 40,100
Lemesos (Limassol): 209,200
Larnaca: 121,900
Pafos (Paphos): 70,100