About North Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. The total area of Cyprus is 9,251 square kilometers. The area of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is 3,355 square kilometers. Turkey is the nearest neighbour at a distance of 65 kilometers. Greece is 965 km away, Syria 100 km, and Egypt 420 km.

Local Information 

 Major Towns

The capital of TRNC is Lefkosa (Nicosia), with a population of approximately 35,000, where the main administration and business centers are. Other major towns include : Gazimagusa (Famagusta) which is a flourishing tourist, industrial and commercial center, and Kyrenia (Girne) a town of touristic importance with a wonderful yatch harbour.

 Language

Although Turkish is the official language, English is also widely used and understood.

 Time

Local time is two hours ahead of UK Time.

 Health and Medical Care

Helped by a good climate, health conditions are good and there are good medical facilities. Emergency medical treatment for visitors is available at State Hospitals in all towns.

 Banks and Currency

In TRNC, banks are open from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) between 08.00-12.00/14.00-16.00 hours. Turkish lira is the local currency, but sterling is widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and by taxis. Visa card, credit card, master and euro cards can also be used, and ATM machines are available to obtain local currency.

 Telecommunications

International subscriber dialling is possible. Telephone calls can be made from telecommunication offices and kiosks. Also there are GSM operators that have roaming agreements with different GSM operators from different countries. The code for calling TRNC from abroad is 0090

 Electricity

220/240 Volts A/C. 50 Hz. A standard three pin British plug is used.

 Traffic and Transportation

Traffic drives on the left, the same as the UK. Traffic signs are generally international. There are many car hire companies operating in Kyrenia, and rates are dependent on the time of year. Let us know if you require assistance with car hire. For a tourist driver a valid national or international driving licence is accepted.

Buses and mini-buses (or Dolmus) operate between all the main towns and are very cheap. They can be flagged down almost anywhere, and will stop almost anywhere to let you off. Taxis are also widely available.

 Emergency Numbers

Police : 155

 

Ambulance : 112

 

Fire : 199

 

Forest Fire: 177

 

Geography

 The Beşparmak (Kyrenia) Mountains

This northern mountain range, is situated between Koruçam Cape in the west and Zafer Cape in the east. It’s length is approximately 160km. The Beşparmak mountains stretch from Kayalar village in the west to Yedikonuk in the east. The highest peak of these mountains is Selvili Tepe which rises up to 1,024 metres. It is in this beautiful mountain range that the three famous castles of St. Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara are found.

 Karpaz Peninsula

It is like a finger, 80km long, pointing to the İskenderun Bay of Turkey. It extends from İskele to Zafer Cape. In İskele the peninsula is 18km. wide. At Mehmetçik it is 11km, and at Dipkarpaz 7.5km. It narrows down gradually and ends at Cape Zafer.

 Plant Cover

The Kyrenia mountains are covered in pine and olive trees. The same type of plant cover is seen on the Karpaz Peninsula. Olive trees are symbolic of the island. Citrus fruits have a big importance especially in Güzelyurt and Gazimağusa. The best known fruit on the island is Babutsa. One hundred and twenty square miles of the TRNC is forested and includes Lapta, Bellapais, Buffavento and Kantara forests.

 High Pastures and Plains

The distance between Güzelyurt Bay on the west of the island and Gazimağusa Bay on the east is some 90 kilometers. To the North is the Kyrenia Mountain Range and to the south, the Trodos Mountains.To the west of these valleys lies the plain of Güzelyurt and to the east the plain of Mesarya.

 Sea and Shore

The northern and eastern shores of the TRNC are lapped by the clear, blue, warm waters of the Mediterranean. In the open sea, temperatures rise to 27 degrees C in August and are above 22 degrees C during the six months from June to November. During the three coolest months, January to March, average sea temperature falls only to 16 or 17 degrees C.

 Birds and Animals

TRNC has been endowed with a rich fauna including a large number of endemic birds, reptiles and animals. Because of its position, TRNC is also a vital stop-over for thousands of migratory birds which find the island an ideal place for both feeding and refuge. Among the animals the moufflon occupies an outstanding position and is considered as one of the natural treasures of the island. The moufflon belongs to the sheep family, but this species is unique in the world. This animal has long been in danger of extinction, but today is a fully protected species.

 Climate

North Cyprus enjoys the benefits of the Mediterranean climate. Long hot summers and short winters with little rain. The temperature in summer reaches 30/35 degrees centigrate, while in winter it is mild with average rain of 500 mm.

A Corner of Earth Touched by Heaven ...