Expats moving to Cyprus most often choose to make the island home for the lenient tax laws, the sun-soaked climate, and the laid-back lifestyle that comes with the territory.

The Mediterranean nation's appeal is also growing in other areas though; economic activity is increasing, culture is varied and diverse, and transport links have greatly improved.

Both enterprising expats and retirees eager for rest and relaxation will find Cyprus an excellent candidate for relocation.
 
Nonetheless, foreigners moving to Cyprus should be aware of the nation's recently troubled past. There has been a lot of animosity between the northern and southern divisions of Cyprus over the years, and a UN buffer zone has been established between the two for the duration of ongoing resolution.

Southern Cyprus is more developed than the north but both divisions have steadily growing economies, well-established business, tourism and transport infrastructures and flourishing property markets.
 
Employment opportunities are available in both the north and south of Cyprus. The south has an established business industry that is constantly recruiting skilled workers from all over the world, as well as a newly established oil industry that is very promising. The northern section of the island is becoming more and more accessible and the tourism industry is growing rapidly in the area. Being less developed, the north also offers more opportunities for entrepreneurial expats.
 
Expats will find the cultural influences in Cyprus very diverse, an effect of its turbulent history as part of the Roman Empire and then the United Kingdom. Independence was only established in 1961, and since then the nation has witnessed subsequent division between Greek and Turkish administrations. These international influences are evident throughout Cyprus, from its cuisine and entertainment variations to the distinct architectural trends.
 
About three quarters of the population in Cyprus is made up of Greek Cypriots, just under a fifth are Turkish Cypriots, and the remaining inhabitants are minorities from all over the world including Britain, Thailand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Armenia. There are also a number of Serbian, Palestinian and Lebanese refugees living on the island. All these different cultures and nationalities make it very easy for expats to feel at home in Cyprus.

UK expats especially tend to feel welcomed. As a former British colony, Cyprus uses the same plug points as the UK, and has negotiated a special tax treaty that allows British retirees the potential to save a good deal on both the private and government pensions they receive.