Europe, eastern Mediterranean.

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

9,251 sq km (3,572 sq miles).

855,000 (including Turkish-occupied Cyprus) (UN estimate 2007).

86 per sq km.

Nicosia (Lefkosia). Population: 279,000 (2004, excluding Turkish-occupied portion).

Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean. The landscape varies between rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and forest-covered mountains. The Troodos Mountains in the centre of the island rise to almost 1,952m (6,400ft) and provide skiing during the winter. Between these and the range of hills that run eastward along the north coast and the ‘panhandle' is the fertile Messaoria Plain. The Morphou Basin runs around the coast of Morphou Bay in the west.

Member since 2004.

Republic since 1960.

President Dimitris Christofias since 2008.

The majority of the international community recognises the Greek-Cypriot administration in Nicosia as the legitimate government of the Republic of Cyprus. Until 2003, this had been led for a decade by Glafkos Clerides, who was then deposed by centre-right Tassos Papadopoulos, and he in turn by Dimitris Christofias in February 2008.

The northern occupied part of the island is run by Mehmet Ali Talet, who was elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in 2005. President Papadopoulos oversaw the Republic of Cyprus' entry into the European Union in 2004 despite the absence of a political settlement between the two parts of the island. (This had previously been a precondition of Cypriot entry). The principal issue for the Greek-Cypriot government remains the same - how to reunify the island.

The Republic adopted the Euro on 1 January 2008.

The majority (approximately 80%) speaks Greek and approximately 11% speak Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect is different from mainland Greek. Turkish is spoken by Turkish Cypriots. English, German and French are also spoken in tourist centres.

Greek Orthodox, and Islam in the north.

240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square 13-amp three-pin plugs (UK-type) are used.

Respect should be shown for religious beliefs. It is customary to shake hands and other normal courtesies should be observed. It is viewed as impolite to refuse an offer of Greek coffee or a cold drink. It is acceptable to bring a small gift of wine or confectionery, particularly when invited for a meal. For most occasions, casual attire is acceptable. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. More formal wear is required for business and in more exclusive dining rooms, social functions etc.

Photography: Photography is forbidden near military camps or installations. A licence from the appropriate authorities is required to photograph museum artefacts - this can sometimes be purchased from the museum's ticket desk. No flash photography is allowed in churches with murals or icons.