Cyprus has a dynamic and intriguing history that is still being written today. It has always been an important trading post between the empires of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Cyprus is littered with reminders of the island's history. Relics from every era - Greek temples, Roman mosaics and 15th-century frescoes - influence the artists of today. Many villages specialise in a particular artform, and as you travel around Cyprus you'll see pottery, silver and copperware, basket weaving, tapestry and Lefkara's famous lacework.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)

The population of Cyprus is descended from many races who have settled over the centuries. For four centuries up until l878 Cyprus came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire after which time it came under British Rule until 1960 when independence was given and the co partnership between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots started.

The l950s and l960s were very troubled times in Cyprus and in July 1974, as one of the Guarantee
Powers, Turkey intervened in the troubles and the island was then divided into 2 separate states. The Greek Cypriots living in the South of the island and the Turkish Cypriots living in the North. Since this time peace has prevailed on the island.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia and the TRNC is roughly50 miles from the Turkish mainline coast.

The climate is typically Mediterranean with long dry summers when the temperature can reach over 40C during the months of July and August. We have short winters and temperatures normally do not dropbelow 15C although January and February can be very wet with heavy showers. After the rain the island is an abundance of flowers during March up until May and is quite spectacular. Since April 2003 the border has been open and there is now freedom of movement for both communities. This also applies to Europeans giving access to medical and educational facilities, and freedom to attend religious services of any denomination.

If you have a young family and worry about education as well as local schools there are many private schools for children from the ages of 5 up to 18 with most of them following the UKNational Curriculum.

The British are particularly welcomed by the Turkish Cypriot community and you are sometimes overwhelmed by their friendliness and warm hospitality. You will often be invited into their homes as many of them have themselves lived in the UK and probably still have relatives living there.

Northern Cyprus is quite unspoilt by large scale tourism which makes it a unique location in the Mediterranean. Residing in North Cyprus brings many bonuses and advantages:

virtually no crime
friendly people
safe environment
unspoilt
wonderful climate
warm seas all year round
English speaking
tax free pensions
good schools teaching UK National Curriculum
low real estate prices
low cost of living
stunning and dramatic scenery
beautiful beaches
beautiful harbours
abundant choice of quality restaurants
laws based on British legal system
marvellous history

People on a limited income such as a pension would enjoy a much higher standard of living compared to the South of Cyprus or others places like Spain or France.