Northern Cyprus enjoys over 300 days of uninterrupted sunshine, clear blue unpolluted seas, the beauty of an unspoiled landscape and uncrowded beaches. Add to this the friendliness and hospitality of the people, wonderfully varied cuisine and you have the perfect recipe for a truly idyllic holiday. The 200 miles of beautiful coastline, secluded coves and constant golden sands. A mystical land with an abundance of scenic sights and historical monuments. Superb local cuisine and the overwhelming friendliness of the local assures a warm welcome, ensuring that you leave with the firm intention of returning time and time again.

The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its nearest neighbour is Turkey, some 40 nautical miles north. 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. The resort town of Kyrenia is on the northern coast, and the second resort town of Famagusta in the east. Quite apart from the huge range of cultivated flowers, Northern Cyprus and especially the Karpas peninsula is a rich botanical area with literally hundreds of species of wild flowers. From February to June many areas of Northern Cyprus are carpeted with colourful wild flowers. Wildlife include birds, butterflies, lizards and the loggerhead and green turtle still come ashore to lay their eggs on Northern Cyprus’ unspoiled beaches.

Language: Turkish is the official language of Northern Cyprus, and is fiendishly difficult for foreigners to become proficient in but, fortunately, English is widely understood.
Population: The population of North Cyprus is approximately 264,000 (2006 census) and 55% of the population live in urban areas. The urban population is distributed as follows: (Rounded to the nearest 1000; Census 2006)

Lefkosa (Nicosia): 73,000
Gazimagusa (Famagusta): 46,000
Girne (Kyrenia): 57,000
Guzelyurt: 20,000
Iskele: 8,000

Demographics

The urban population is employed mainly in the service industry and light industries such as beverages, clothing and construction. 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 such as wheat, barley, olives, carobs, melon, grapes, figs, and potatoes which are grown commercially on a moderate scale. Citrus is the main export, but exports from North Cyprus in general have been greatly restricted due to the imposed trade embargo.Although the tourism, banking and education sectors have grown in recent years, North Cyprus’ slower commercial and industrial growth has become a distinct advantage, as it is today still relatively undiscovered and untouched by mass-tourism, with minimal pollution and plenty of peace and quiet for visitors. Education has recently developed to become one of the major sources of revenue, with its five private universities offering a good standard of international education to overseas students, including many from Turkey, Africa and the Middle East.

Climate: The climate of Northern Cyprus is typically Mediterranean. Summers (June to September) are hot and dry; winters (November to March) are moderately rainy, with a mild temperature. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. The average annual temperature is 20 °C (68F).Summer temperatures average 30 °C (90F) with the coldest months of January and February 10 °C (50F).

Electricity - Voltage: The supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, a.c. 50Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, square-pin in most buildings. More than one low current rating appliance may be operated from the same supply point, by using an adaptor (i.e. radios, electric clocks etc.). The use of adaptors for operating high current rating appliances is not recommended (i.e. electric heaters, toasters, irons etc.). Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the Reception.

Trafic: Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road, NOT on the right.
International road traffic signs are in use, and placed along the roads and highways, on the left hand-side.
Distances and road speed limits are posted in kilometers and kilometer-per hour (km/h) respectively.
The maximum speed limit on the motorways is 100 km/h and the lower speed limit is 65 km/h. On all other roads the general speed limit is 80 km/h, unless a lower one is indicated. In built-up areas generally the speed limit is 50km/h, unless a different one is indicated. The use of seat-belts is compulsory (front and back)

Currency: The currency of the Turkish Republic of Northern is the Turkish Lira - TL, which is divided into 100 kurus.
Notes and coins currently in circulation are as follows:
- Bank Notes: TL200, TL 100, TL 50, TL 20, TL 10, TL 5
- Coins: 1 TL, 50 kuruş, 25 kuruş, 10 kuruş,5 kuruş.