January 1st is an important date in both Greece and Cyprus because it is not only the first day of the New Year but it is also Saint Basil’s Day.
The island of Cyprus has been influenced by its geographic location on the crossroads of Africa, Europe and Asia. Many antique objects excavated on the island bear witness to these ancient cultures which have created Cyprus’s own unique identity.
Politics of the Republic of Cyprus takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Cyprus is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the House of Representatives.