Cyprus is the destination for you if you’re looking for amazing food with a blend of Greek, Turkish, and Italian influences, beautiful sandy beaches, fantastic healthcare alternatives, and vestiges of Greek mythology everywhere.
And as if all of that weren’t enough, Cyprus also embraces foreigners, with some 70,000 of them currently residing on the island (Anglo Pacific, 2020).
However, there are a few additional aspects you should be aware of before relocating to Cyprus, and this article will fill you in.
There have been decades of division
The island has been divided into two sections since 1974: the Republic of Cyprus, a sovereign state, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (a self-declared state).
There is still an UN-controlled zone separating the two regions, maintaining the split. Turkey is the only country in the world to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, even though 40% of the island’s northern region is significantly reliant on aid from the Turkish mainland.
Almost everyone speaks English
Cyprus recognizes both the Greek and Turkish languages as its official languages. Although these two languages are spoken by many islanders, around 73 percent of individuals also speak English.
Don’t worry if you don’t speak Greek or Turkish well; in most areas of the island, English will be sufficient for communication.
It’s the original island of love
Greek goddess of love Aphrodite, according to Cypriot legend, was born in Cyprus, in the foam (afros in Greek), close to a rock, of what is now known as Aphrodite’s Beach.
Today, islanders assert that the pillars of foam created by the waves as they crash over the rock resemble the goddess herself.
There are great healthcare options
In Cyprus, both public and private healthcare is of a very high caliber. Cyprus ranks higher than countries like Portugal, Croatia, and the US in the Lancet’s healthcare ranking, which compares countries around the world.
The Ministry of Health oversees and collects taxes to support the national health insurance system. It offers healthcare coverage to all citizens of the nation, including those who are employed and self-employed as well as government employees. If you want to use the public healthcare system, you must be a citizen of Cyprus, an EU citizen, or the holder of a valid residency permit.
High life-expectancy
Cyprus currently has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the EU at 82.2 years. In Cyprus, women can anticipate a life expectancy of roughly 84.2 years compared to 80.2 years for males. Furthermore, this number has grown by three years during the past ten years and is still rising.
The Cypriots are undoubtedly doing something right, whether it is their first-rate healthcare system, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, or pleasant climate.
Cyprus has very low crime rates
Cyprus is extremely secure. Cyprus is the fifth-safest country in the world, according to new research.
But how precisely did this small island nation surpass so many other nations in the world?
The key factor is Cyprus’s high police-to-citizen ratio of 466 officers per 100,000 citizens. With only 111 theft reports per 100,000 individuals, Cyprus has low theft rates that foreigners can anticipate.
Low cost of living
Cyprus has significantly cheaper living expenses than the UK. Cyprus placed 36th in Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2020, which is rather impressive.
You’ll undoubtedly need to exchange some of your savings into euros if you’re preparing to relocate to Cyprus.
Significant street banks should be avoided, though, as you’ll typically have to pay high fees and you won’t obtain the best exchange rate.
The weather is incredible
Cyprus boasts some of the nicest weather on earth, which is frequently one of the main factors influencing British decision-making.
Here, expats can take advantage of the long summers that extend from mid-May to mid-October and with temperatures between about 24°C and 28°C.
Of course, you’ll still have to endure the winter, although temperatures tend to hover around 10°C, and in the higher Troodos Mountains, they can drop as low as 3°C.
