The economy of the Republic of Cyprus has made a dramatic recovery from the 1974 hostilities which created more than 230,000 jobless and homeless refugees across the island. Cyprus benefited from the mid-1970's economic boom in the Middle East and from its evolution as a substitute base for multinational companies fleeing civil war in Lebanon. More than 1.5 million tourists visited Cyprus in 1990. Cyprus subsidizes vineyards and wine making and has an annual glut of unsold wine. The island has few natural resources and must import fuels, most raw materials, heavy machinery, and transportation equipment.
Climate is comparable to the southern Atlantic states.
Americans do not need a visa to enter Cyprus. Medical facilities are available. Tap water is safe. Telephone and telegraph communications within Cyprus and to international points are good. There are few telephone links between north and south Cyprus.