Introduction
Cyprus is strategically located in the Eastern Mediterranean at
the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. It is an independent,
sovereign republic with a presidential system of government and a
written constitution which safeguards the rule of law, political
stability, human rights and the ownership of private property.
Cyprus has been a member of the EU since 1 May 2004 and of the
Eurozone since 1 January 2008. In preparation for EU membership,
Cyprus made significant structural and economic reforms that
transformed its economic landscape and created a modern, open and
dynamic business environment. Since joining the EU, it has
established itself as the natural portal for inward and outward
investment between the EU and the rest of the world, particularly
the rapidly-growing economies of Russia, Eastern Europe, India and
China.
