National Strategy on Cyprus Diaspora | 19 "Cyprus Diaspora" consists of all Cypriots who have left Cyprus to settle abroad permanently or who have lived for many years abroad, as well as their descendants, regardless of whether they have official Cypriot citizenship or not. The transition from the first generation of Cypriot immigrants to the second and third generation, and currently to the fourth and fifth generation, does not imply the loss of existing ties with Cyprus. As long as they carry within them a piece of Cypriot identity, language, culture and civilisation, they are considered part of Cyprus Diaspora. The National Strategy is addressed to the thousands of Cypriots who have been forced to immigrate, either due to historical circumstances - British rule, community unrest, Turkish invasion - or in their quest for a better future. It is no exaggeration to suggest that there is another Cyprus abroad, since according to estimations, the number of Cypriots living abroad exceeds 800,000. Cypriots of Diaspora have come together to form organised groups, creating important islets of Greek and Cypriot culture, but also local organisations in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand, Greece, Canada, South Africa, Rest of Africa, and Rest of Europe. Most expatriates left their homeland without money, without degrees and without even speaking the language of the country where they intended to settle. However, they worked hard and managed to prosper in their state of residence. They have distinguished themselves in the fields of letters, arts, sciences, trade, business and in many other areas. They have formed organised communities, founded schools and churches, established associations and organisations; through it all, they managed to maintain their unbreakable ties with Cyprus and to preserve their identity as well as to pass on these values to their children and grandchildren. Although, as mentioned above, there are estimates regarding the quantitative mapping of Cyprus Diaspora, we cannot safely determine their exact number. Therefore, our efforts must be focussed on the qualitative mapping of Cypriot expatriates. In the past, actions were taken in this direction, albeit to a limited extent. Undoubtedly, lack of precise data affects our efforts to develop a fully effective policy and action framework. Hence, one of the pillars of the National Strategy includes, among other things, the need for a quantitative and qualitative recording of the Cypriot Diaspora. In this regard, the establishment of the online platform for the registration of Cypriots living abroad, which is expected to be operational soon, is deemed essential. Moreover, actions for the scientific collection of material regarding the history of Cypriot migration, the actions and activities of Cypriots abroad and their types of organisation worldwide are already in place. These efforts contribute to the mapping of the Cypriot Diaspora and are expected to substantially encourage its historical study and enable the formulation of a more effective policy. Α. Mapping “Cyprus Diaspora”
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