Cyprus
General Information:
Capital: NicosiaPolitical system: presidential republic. The president is the head of state and government.
Population: 876 thousand
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official language: Greek, (Turkish)
EU single emergency number: 112
National lines:
Rescue service: 199
Firemen: 199
Police: 155
Embassy of the country in Slovakia:
Address: Michalská 12, 811 01 Bratislava
Tel :. +421 2 32788111
Email: office@cyembassy.sk
Embassy of the SR in the country:
Address: Kalamatas Street No. 4, Strovolos, Nicosia
Tel :. +357 22879681
Email: emb.nicosia@mzv.sk
Web: www.mzv.sk/nicosia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic offers Slovak citizens a free voluntary registration option before traveling abroad via the Ministry's website. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic will thus be able to inform you about crisis situations and provide you with timely and effective assistance in the event of an emergency.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
Cultural differences and advice from Intercultural Communication Coach:
The division of Cyprus took place in 1974. Turkey then invaded its northern part. The name of Cyprus refers to Southern Cyprus. Cyprus has a rich multicultural tradition. Besides the Greeks, even the Hittites, Romans, the Islamic Caliphate, the Templars, the Venetians, the Ottomans and the British left their traces here. The capital city is Nicosia. It is the only capital city divided into two parts. One part is the capital of Cyprus and the other the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Cyprus is also known for its carnival in Limassol, which is one of the largest ones in the world. It has been held since 1890 and its origin is linked to the celebration of Dionysus, the god of wine.
Two years of military service are compulsory in Cyprus. Those who have graduated from college have it reduced to one year. Family members are linked very closely and they help each other a lot. It is a typical patriarchal family arrangement where men have a dominant position. Men usually meet in cafes and women visit each other at home. People there are reluctant to express negative feedback.
Respect in work relations is related to age and status. It is especially visible during business meetings and negotiations. Subordinates are expected to follow formal conduct. Informal behavior is accepted at the level of equal partners. As in most of Europe, the way of greeting is standardly expressed by the handshake. Orthodox Muslims, who do not shake hands with women, are the exception. The Cypriots separate their private lives from the professional life and the time spent with family is important to them. They belong to cultures that perceive time flexibly and do not count every minute of delay.
Recommendations for Co-operation with Colleagues from Cyprus:
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Appropriate small talk topics at the introductory meeting are the following: art, history, sports and travel.
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The Cypriots are indirect in communicating with colleagues and business partners. Therefore, it is necessary to be duly careful. “Yes” might mean “No”.
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The Cypriots use non-verbal language, especially hand gestures, to emphasize their words.
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Meetings are not a space for finding solutions together, but rather a way to announce a decision.
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The Cypriots prefer solutions that are the result of long-term thinking and planning.
