Cyprus is the third-largest island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year.

Historically, politically and culturally Cyprus is closely aligned with Europe.
Historically, Cyprus has been at the crossroads between Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. The dominant culture is Greek, although the island has some British influences.
The legal system of Cyprus is based on common law.

The major cities in Cyprus are the capital Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek), Limassol (Lemesos in Greek), Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta (Ammochostos in Greek), and Kyrenia (Kerynia in Greek).

The climate is temperate and Mediterranean with dry summers and variably rainy winters. Summer temperatures range from warm at higher elevations in the Troodos mountains to hot in the lowlands. Winter temperatures are mild at lower elevations, where snow rarely occurs, but are significantly colder in the mountains with sufficient snow for seasonal ski facilities

The Cypriot economy is prosperous and has diversified in recent years. Its per-capita GDP (adjusted for purchasing power) is slightly lower than that of France, Germany, Italy and the UK, but slightly higher than the European Union average. Cyprus has been sought as a base for several offshore businesses for its highly developed infrastructure. Economic policy of the Cyprus government has focused on meeting the criteria for admission to the European Union. Adoption of the euro as a national currency is required of all new countries joining the European Union, and the Cypriot government adopted the currency on 1 January 2008.

Most Greek Cypriots, and thus the majority of the population of Cyprus, are members of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. According to Eurobarometer 2005, Cyprus is one of the most religious countries in Europe, along with Greece, Malta, Romania and Poland.