The island of Cyprus lies in the north eastern Mediterranean sea at 35N,35E. with an area of 9250sqm, making it the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. Cyprus lies 66km from the Turkish coast, 360km from Egypt and 96km from Syria.

In 1998 Cyprus had an estimated population of 749,000.

Cyprus has a coastline of 648km. In the east and south-east there long sandy beaches whilst in the west and south-west the beaches tend to be more often than not shingle.

In the south-west lies the mountain range of Troodos approximately 75km long and 24km wide. The range is of volcanic origin and is extensively covered with Pine, Cypress and Cedar trees. The highest point is Mount Olympus at 1950m, which also boasts four short ski-runs.

To the north lies the narrow 120km long Kyrenia mountain range, mostly of limestone but also some marble and dolomite.

There are two international airports, three main ports, four main cities and hundreds of small villages in Cyprus.

For more information about Cyprus visit: www.cypria.com