Cyprus is situated at the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Basin, 33° east of Greenwich and 35° north of the Equator. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, with an area of 9,251 km², of which 47% is arable land, 19% is forest land and the remainder 34% is uncultivated.

Cyprus is divided into six administrative districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Kyrenia. At local administrational level in Cyprus, urban residential populations and their localities fall under the jurisdiction of Municipalities, and smaller rural villages and settlements under Local Authorities (until recently termed ‘Village Boards’ or ‘Improvement Boards’).

In municipalities, local policy is formulated by the Municipal Council (elected by the citizens to a term of five years), led by the Mayor who is the legal representative (who is also elected by the citizens to a five year term).

The municipality is responsible for the condition of the municipal zone, which includes construction and maintenance of buildings, parks and public gardens, street lighting, the protection of public health with garbage collection, sanitation and waste disposal and treatment, and the protection of the environment. Where budget permits, municipalities are also responsible for promoting their area through the development of tourism, arts and sports.

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