Is Cyprus known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean?

Cyprus is an island country, located in the eastern Mediterranean, where Europe, Asia and Africa meet. It is 40km from Turkey in the north, 96.55km from Syria in the east and 402.3km from the Nile Delta in Egypt in the south. The coastline is 782 kilometers long. It is the throat of the western European trade route connecting West Asia and the Far East. Cyprus covers an area of 925 1 km2 (equivalent to Singapore's 15 times). The time difference between winter and summer is 6 hours later than that in Beijing. Cyprus has the best Mediterranean climate, with an average annual sunshine duration of about 300 days and an average temperature of 6 ~ 32 degrees Celsius. The hottest is August, and the coldest is 65438+ 10. The rainy season is mainly concentrated between the second half of the year 165438+ 10 and March of the following year. Cyprus has a population of about 730,000, of which 87% are Greeks, 10% are Turks, and there are a few Armenians, Latins, Maroons, Britons, Gypsies and other sojourners.

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, and other major cities, such as Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta, Lanakos and Pefors, are seaside and mostly tourist attractions.

Cyprus was a British colony before its independence. After independence, it was divided into northern Cyprus and southern Cyprus due to ethnic conflicts, with Greeks in the south and Turks in the north. The legal system of Cyprus is the same as that of Britain, and the commercial regulations and judicial supervision are also based on British law.

The Greek residents in the south still retain the Byzantine tradition. Today, at the ceremony, the Archbishop of Cyprus still holds a scepter given by the Byzantine emperor, wears a purple robe and signs documents with a brush. Many customs in Cyprus are related to Christian traditions and religious ceremonies.

Most marriages in Cyprus are arranged by parents. Father wants to give his daughter a generous dowry, including a new house. The dowry is brought into the new family by the daughter and still belongs to the daughter after marriage. Weddings are usually held on Sundays. After the wedding, guests should visit their new home and give gifts. At the banquet, guests should put paper money on the newly married couple's clothes, which is similar to China's gift until it is full. Rich people give gifts with gold coins. The grades of wedding banquets are also different. The poor are mainly pork, while the rich are mainly beef and mutton.

Cyprus has an open free market economy. Per capita GNP ranks among the best in Mediterranean countries. According to the World Human Development Report released by the United Nations Programme, Cyprus ranks first among the developing China countries among 174 countries, ahead of South Korea and Argentina. Its industrial population accounts for 20% of the economically active population. The main industries are food processing, textile, oil refining and construction. Processing and manufacturing industry plays an important role in the national economy. Mining, especially copper mining, has a long history; Traditional handicrafts mainly include pottery, textiles and embroidery. The arable land area on the island is 3.8 billion hectares, and the agricultural population is 35,700, accounting for 14% of the economically active population. The main crops are barley, wheat, potatoes, oranges and grapes. Food is not self-sufficient, but there are more than enough fruits and vegetables, which can be exported in large quantities. Local import, export and re-export trade is active. Imports are mainly machinery, transportation equipment, industrial raw materials, petroleum and its products, while exports are mainly alcoholic products, fruits and vegetables. Its main trade targets are Western European markets, Arab countries and Eastern European countries, of which 52% of the trade volume and 76% of tourists come from the EU. Tourism, import and export trade and maritime industry are the pillar industries of Cyprus, of which 42% of foreign exchange income comes from tourism every year.

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and the political, economic and cultural center of the whole country. Located in the north-central part of Cyprus, it is the only inland city. The Greek area in the south of the city is the seat of government agencies and the business district. There are many Venetian monuments in Nicosia. At that time, the military projects in Venice-Domeni Gate, Kirie Gate and Governor Gate still existed. The saints of the past? Sophia Latin Cathedral has now become the main venue for Muslim religious activities on the island, the Remillet Mosque, with a pair of minarets in Gothic architectural style at the top.

Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus, located in the innermost part of Limasso Bay on the south bank of Cyprus Island. It is a modern export port for agricultural products, processed products and mineral products, and the ancient city of Amazon in the city is famous for its architectural relics.

Cyprus beach is a natural swimming and sunbathing resort. Away from Karpas Peninsula, you can see strange-looking fish at the seaside. In the mountainous area of Cyprus, there are beautiful scenery and exotic flowers and plants everywhere, where you can visit the wild donkey reserve. The best season to travel to Cyprus is from March to May. September ~ 10 is also ideal.

Traveling in Cyprus, you can see amazing temples and ancient churches everywhere. Famagusta still retains St. Grimari Church built in13rd century and St. Peter's Church in14th century. St Paul's Church and Carl Miller Church? Nicholas Ding Cathedral and Mosque were rebuilt in16th century. There are also "Dionysus Temple", Byzantine Mausoleum and Ottoman Fortress in the Pefors area. Mountain Castle in Kyrenia, Keke Tomb Monastery, San Niofitos Church, Arceneaux Church, frescoes of Antioch Nittis Monastery, mosaic art of Kitty's beautiful church, and famous historical sites such as Kirokitiya, Salamis, Curiao, Araudrika, Collosi Castle, Bellapace Monastery, Halasudan Monastery and Feni. Cyprus is like a "history museum". You can easily find ancient coins or pottery on beaches and wasteland.

The locals in Cyprus are warm and friendly, mainly believing in Orthodox Church and Islam, and the crime rate is very low, which is less than that of other European countries 1/6. Its primary and secondary schools are public education systems, which are compulsory and free, from a pencil to an eraser. Universities are mainly private schools, with about 6,000 China students studying in Cyprus.

The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish, and English is widely used, especially in education and business activities.