Middle East

Cyprus

Location

Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey.

Number of bombings and car torchings, mainly in Limassol and Nicosia over the past few years. Perpetrators have rarely been identified, restricted mainly to infighting among criminal fraternity. Crimes against Westerners are uncommon. Recently there has been an increase of theft of passports. Vehicle security, personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs.

Local water is safe to drink.

Central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast.

Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters.

Moderate earthquake activity; droughts.

Avian influenza, hepatitis A, polio, typhoid
Hospital: Lefkosia General Hospital, Nicosia. Tel: 2-451111

Water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanisation.

Driving regulations of a high standard. Driving standards poor. You may be fined 500 Cyprus pounds or more if caught not wearing a seat-belt, using a mobile phone or driving under the influence of alcohol.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.