Winter temperatures are temperate at lower elevations, yet are significantly colder in the Troodos Mountains, where there is enough snow for a seasonal ski facility. Turkish is spoken in the north, while Greek is the predominant language in the south. English is taught in schools from the primary age, so commonly understood. In fact, many official documents are published in English as well as the official languages of Greek and Turkish.

The Republic of Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960 and became a Commonwealth republic in 1961. According to the CIA World Fact Book, tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority exploded in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. In 1974 a Greek Government sponsored attempt to take control of Cyprus was met by Turkish military, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983 the Turkish held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC), but this is actually only recognized by Turkey. The most recent UN brokered summit ended when the Greek Cypriots rejected the UN settlement plan in an April 2004 referendum. The whole island entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis (the body of common rights and obligations) applies only to the areas under direct government control, and is suspended in the areas run by Turkish Cypriots. However, individual Turkish Cypriots are able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus citizenship legally and enjoy the same rights given to other citizens of EU states.

The economy has shifted from agriculture to light manufacturing and services in the past twenty years. According to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, agriculture currently makes up only 3.2% of its GDP and employs 7.1% of the labor force. Industry and construction contribute 19.2% and employ 20.8% of the labor force. The services sector (including tourism) contributes 77.6% to its GDP and employs 72.1% of the labor force. Cyprus is seeking to diversify though and develop into the fields of healthcare and education in an effort to minimize the nation’s reliance on tourism and real estate. The AP/International Herald Tribune reports that significant amounts of crude oil and natural gas have recently been discovered in the seabed between Cyprus and Egypt and talks are underway to reach an agreement as to the exploration of these resources.