ABOUT NORTHERN CYPRUS

Government
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a democratic, secular republic based on the principles of social justice and the rule of law. The Constitution provides for a parliamentary system system with a president as head of state, and a council of ministers composed of a prime minister and 10 ministers. Legislative power is vested in the Legislative Assembly, composed of 50 deputies elected by universal suffrage for a period of five years. Judicial power is exercised through independent courts.

Population
The population of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was recorded as being 183,220 in the last census in 1996. 50% of the population live in the cities and 50% in the country side, 99% of the adult population are literate.

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 Güzelyurt 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, Güzelyurt 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.

International Clubs
Özgürada Lions Club Tel: 815 4483
Kyrenia Rotary Club Tel: 228 1756
Girne Skal Club Tel: 228 3134

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

TRANSPORTATION
There are three airlines which fly to Northern Cyprus. These airlines provide regular daily flights, via Turkey to Ercan.