NORTH CYPRUS

Area

The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its neighbouring lands at the nearest coastal points are Turkey 40 miles north, Syria 60 miles east, Lebanon 108 miles south-east, Israel 180 miles south-east and Egypt 230 miles south. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. It is smaller than Sicily and Sardinia and larger than Corsica and Crete .The area of the whole island is 3584 sq. miles. (9250 sq. kilometers)

Cyprus has been divided into two autonomous states since 1974. This came about by virtue of the linguistic and cultural differences , and as a result of communal friction which lasted for 11 years. (See history) Greek Cypriots occupy the southern and the Turkish Cypriots occupy the northern part of Cyprus. A boundary known as the`Green Line` which runs through Nicosia , the capital of both South and North Cyprus separates the two states.

North Cyprus is some 100 miles long , 40 miles across at its widest point and has a total area of 1357 sq. miles or nearly one third of the whole of the island.

The geography of North Cyprus is characterized by a unique blend of mountains , plains and beaches. The Kyrenia Range, with its magnificent jagged limestone peaks, the highest of which is Mount Selvili at 3357 ft. runs along most of the north coastline to form a startling backdrop. To the east of the island the mountain range loses height as it extends along the narrow peninsula known as Karpas or `The Panhandle.`

Along it one finds the best beaches in Cyprus. Miles of empty bays with pure white sand. To the south of the Kyrenia range lie the plains of Mesaoria. Here, is situated the divided Capital Nicosia (Lefkosa). Other major centers are Guzelyurt in the west of North Cyprus where most of the citrus produce comes from , The resort town of Kyrenia (Girne) is on the northern coast, and the second resort town of Famagusta (Gazimagosa) in the east.

Population

The population of North Cyprus is, Appx. 200,587 (1997 census)

55% of the population live in urban areas. The urban population is distributed as follows:

(Rounded to the nearest 1000. Census 1997)

Nicosia : 62,000

Famagusta : 54,000

Kyrenia : 38,000

Guzelyurt : 27,000

Iskele : 19,000

The urban population is employed mainly in the service industry and light industries such as beverages, clothing, construction and in other commercial establishments.

The rural population lives in villages. There are some 195 villages in North Cyprus. People in rural areas are mainly engaged in agriculture and produce a variety of crops. Wheat, barley, olives, carobs, melon, grapes, figs, potatoes and basic vegetables are grown commercially on a moderate scale. Citrus is the main export produce, however, exports from North Cyprus have been restricted to a great extent, due to the political status of the state.

The service industry has recently shown an increase mainly in Tourism, Banking and Education. The slow development in the economy has become an advantage for Tourism since it has resulted in unspoiled countryside and thus very low pollution. Education has recently developed to become one of the major sources of revenue, with 5 private universities being opened in the last 10 years, offering a good standard of international education to the students attending from neighbouring countries, mainly Turkey.

Climate, Temperature, Wheater & Clothing

Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and with mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is the season of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breezes create a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild with some rain, but even in January(usually the coolest month) there are generally six hours of bright sunshine during the day. During the summer months very light clothing is all that you will need. In spring and autumn daytime temperatures are generally warm enough for light summer clothing, but in the evenings, one might feel the need for a light jacket or pullover. In winter, you should be prepared for all kinds of weather that a European spring may bring. It is advisable to pack a light jacket and pullovers, although you may not need them during the day.

Car Driving in Northern Cyprus

Driving in Northern Cyprus is the most advisable form of transport as there are infrequent bus services to many of the more remote areas of the country; and bus services cease to operate after 5:00 p.m. Road surfaces between major towns and villages are reasonably good, but some mountain and village roads are still unsurfaced, so care should be taken especially in wet weather. Visitors wishing to bring their own car from abroad may do so for a period of up to 3 months provided the vehicle has a valid registration license from its country of origin. Visitors in Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving license or a valid driving license from their country of origin. Visitors bringing their own cars from abroad will need to purchase insurance upon entry to Northern Cyprus. Most petrol stations are open from 7:00 a.m. and close around 8:00 p.m. Some however, stay open later and there is an increasing number of stations which operate 24 hours a day. Free municipal parking is available in all major towns.

Electric Current Voltage

Power is supplied at 240 volts and wall fittings are generally the U.K. three-pin type.

Emergencies

First Aid / Ambulance For all districts Tel: 112

Forest Fires For all districts Tel: 177

Police Nicosia Tel: 228 3311

Police Kyrenia Tel: 815 2014

Police Famagusta Tel: 366 5310

Police Gzelyurt Tel: 714 2140

Police Karpaz Tel: 381 2325

Medical Services and Hospitals

The Central State Hospitals is in Nicosia and there are other smaller hospitals in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Gzelyurt and Lefke. There are also clinics in smaller towns and some villages.

Postal Services

The postal service in Northern Cyprus is reasonably fast and efficient. Please remember that to receive mail from abroad letters must be addressed " Mersin 10-Turkey"

Public Holidays

1 January - New Year`s Day

23 April - Children`s Day

1 May - Labour Day

19 May - Youth and Sports Day

20 July - Peace and Freedom Day

30 August - Victory Day

29 October - Turkish Republic Day

15 November - Northern Cyprus Republic Day

There are also several religious holidays or "Bayrams" which, like the Christian festival of Easter, change every year.

Telephone

The code for England is 00 44 followed by the local number but omitting the first number (0). From abroad the code is 00 90 392 followed by the local Cypriot number. Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office.

Foreign Missions in Northern Cyprus

Australian Representative Tel: 2277332

French Cultural Assosiation Tel: 2283328

German Representative Tel: 2275161

Turkish Embassy Tel: 2272314 - Fax: 2282209

UK Representative Tel: 2283861 - Fax: 2287054 \

USA Representative Tel: 2252440 - Fax: 2252442

Police

Crime levels are relatively low in Northern Cyprus and police are always willing to assist if you need them.

Passports and Visas

A valid passsport is necessary for entering and a visa is granted on entrance to Northern Cyprus. Since 1993 Turkish citizens can visit Northern Cyprus by identity card.

Business / Shopping Hours

In the winter:

Shops open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 a.m.

In the summer:

The working hours are between 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Cinema

There are six very good cinemas in Lefkosa, two in Girne and two in Gazi Magusa. They show recently released films mainly from the West. Films are usually changed every week and are shown with their original soundtracks and Turkish subtitles. 

Conference Facilities

These facilities can be found at all universities, major hotels and at the Ataturk Cultural Centre in Nicosia.

Mass Media

There is one state TV and radio channel and a handful of private ones also some English channels. There are numerous daily newspapers one of which is weekly and in English.

News Agency

Shops are open with some variations, but generally as follows: Summer: 8.00 - 13.00 and 16.00 - 19.00 Winter: 9.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 18.00 Banks (Mon - Fri) Summer: 8.00 - 12.00 Winter: 8.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 16.00

Airports

Northern Cyprus has two international airports. The larger of the two is Ercan near Lefkosa ( Nicosia), the other is Geitkale near Famagusta.

Boats (Ferries)

There are regular ferry services from Kyrenia and Famagusta to towns on the Southern coast of Turkey, namely Mersin, Antalya and Tasucu. From Mersin, it is possible to sail to Syria, Lebanon and Israel.

Marinas

There are yacht mooring facilities in Kyrenia and Famagusta.

Ports

The main industrial port in Northern Cyprus is in Famagusta and Kyrenia.

Car rental

This service is available in all major towns and some hotels. A British or international drivers licence is required. Rental cars have red number plates.

Public transport

A good inexpensive network of buses and mini-buses operates between all the main towns, in addition there are Dolmush (shared taxis) operating on the same routes. Taxis are widely available but do not carry a meter. However, there are standard journey charges

Traffic information

Please drive on the left. Traffic and road signs are international. Maximum speed is 100 km/hr. Vehicles entering Northern Cyprus must be insured upon arrival. Seat belts must be worn. Drivers are prohibited to drive under the influence of alcohol. The limit is 50mgr.