General Information about North Cyprus
Cyprus is located in the north eastern of the east Mediterranean Basin and is
the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. It is 71
kilometres south of Turkey, 98 kilometres west of Syria and 384 kilometres
north of Egypt.
The island's strategic location of North Cyprus has shaped its history and
civilization throughout the centuries. For centuries Cyprus has been influenced
by the cultures of many different nations, which has led to an island with a
richly diverse historical and architectural heritage.
As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has been occupied by
a succession of civilizations over the past 2000 years, all of whom have left
their mark. History abounds everywhere; from the three great Crusader castles
built in the time of Richard the Lionheart, to the Roman ruins at Salamis, each
conquering empire has contributed to the beauty and culture of this
remarkable island. In the 8th Century BC the island was part of the Assyrian
empire, then the Babylonian, Egyptian and Persian. In 58BC the Cyprus Island
was seized by the Romans. Richard Lionheart settled on the island in 1191
during the third crusade. Cyprus remained in Lusignan possession until
captured by the Venetians in 1489. From 1571 to 1878 the island was ruled by
the Ottomans until they leased its administration to Britain.
Cyprus independence was granted in 1960. The Greek Cypriots and the Greek
mainland military created a coup in 1974 and Turkey was forced to intervene to
safeguard the interest of the Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus was subsequently proclaimed in 1983.
The main income in North Cyprus is from tourism although Citrus fruits, olives
and other crops are widely exported.
Population of North Cyprus
The population of North Cyprus is 350.000 according to the 2019 census. 98%
of the population in North Cyprus is Muslim. The Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus is a democratic, secular government. As of 1974 there are two separate
governments on the North Cyprus Island. Cyprus is a member of the United
Nations, the Council of Europe, the British Commonwealth and also a member
of the Non-Aligned Movement.
North Cyprus Language
The official and predominant language in North Cyprus is Turkish. The Turkish
Cypriots have a regional dialect that differs from that spoken in mainland
Turkey, though the basic language is the same and there are rarely
communication difficulties between the two. English is widely spoken in
Northern Cyprus as many Cypriots have relatives who reside in the U.K. and
English is also taught in Cypriot schools.
North Cyprus Currency
The local currency in North Cyprus is the New Turkish Lira or YTL, however
every outlet accepts Sterling, US Dollars and Cyprus Pounds. Credit Cards are
widely acceptable, practical, and can be used in most stores, restaurants,
supermarkets and petrol stations in Northern Cyprus.
The banking system in North Cyprus closely follows the British pattern and is
well developed and organized whilst being equipped with the latest technology
in modern surroundings. There are many Turkish Mainland Banks to choose
from in Northern Cyprus. There is also branch of the UK’s HSBC located in
both North Cyprus Nicosia and Kyrenia. Most of the North Cyprus banks are
supplied with English speaking employees, the best chance to master
language obstacle is in the foreign exchange section of the bank.
North Cyprus climate and weather
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sardinia and Sicily,
Cyprus lies on the frontier between Europe and Asia, only 44 miles (70 km)
from Turkey, 64 miles (100 km) from Syria and 211 miles (320 km) from Egypt.
The weather of North Cyprus is typically Mediterranean with long dry summers
and short, rainy winters. The average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF). The
temperature in midsummer can soar over 40ºC (105ºF) with the warmest sea
temperature in the Mediterranean, averaging 21ºC (75ºF). The winter weather in
North Cyprus is very mild and there is an average annual rainfall of 500 mm.
Cyprus enjoys the best Mediterranean climate with approximately 340 days of
sunshine per year. The swimming season in Northern Cyprus practically starts
from April and does not end until November.
Telephone
When calling to North Cyprus from outside, your country code and area codes
are as follows.
Country Code: 0090
Area Code: 0392
TRNC Telsim and
Turkcell are the two main GSM operators, who also provide international
communication with roaming outside of North Cyprus.