Channel 4's list of 'Top 20 places to make money'

According to the Republic of Cyprus Statistical Service, 2.4 million tourists visited the islands in 2006. As a former British colony with strong links to the British military, it is not surprising that over half of tourist arrivals are from the UK; in May 2007, 156,000 of the total 273,000 visitors were British. Tourist receipts are growing year-on-year, up 2.4% in 2005 and 2.2% in 2006.

The strategic location of the island, its excellent climate, and the well-developed infrastructure are just a few of the advantages that give the island its edge. What's more, a new investment law passed in July 2003 by the House of Representatives positively welcomes foreign investment, providing it doesn't have adverse environmental effects. The Greek Cypriot economy is prosperous, greatly benefiting from EU membership, and is on course to adopt the Euro by January 2008, as stated by the Ministry of Finance. The Central Bank of Cyprus states that the island's economy ischaracterised by robust macroeconomic stability; a view supported by the favourable evaluations and comments of the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund, and other influential international organisations. During the period 2000-2005, real GDP grew by an average of 3.6% per annum, according to Central Bank figures, which compares favourably with the EU average. GDP for 2006 was 3.8%.