Cyprus is an independent sovereign republic situated in the north - eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea.
It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardenia. Through the ages the island was occupied by many different races the main ones being the Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines, Francs, Venetians, Turks and British.
Even though each one of these races left its mark on the island it was the Greeks, whose original settlement dates back to 1300 B C, who had a lasting influence on the language, culture and religion in the island.
Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa have made Cyprus and international commercial center. In addition to this traditional trade, its constitutional and legal framework as an independent jurisdiction has enabled Cyprus to become an important offshore financial center. All this has produced a thriving business community well served by an established banking and professional infrastructure.
