Cyprus is an island located in the northeastern part of the Eastern Mediterranean and is the third largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia. It has a maximum length of 225 km and 94 kilometers width. The total length of its coastline is 782 kilometers.
Greek and Turkish Cypriots share many customs but maintain distinct identities based on religion, language, and close ties with their respective "motherlands." Greek is predominantly spoken in the south, Turkish in the north. English is widely used. Cyprus has a well-developed system of primary and secondary education. The majority of Cypriots earn their higher education at Greek, Turkish, British, or American universities. Both the Turkish and Greek communities have developed private colleges and state-supported universities.
Cypriots are little more reserved initially in friendship than Americans and most Europeans, but tend to become closer friends once friendships do develop.