Northern Cyprus Guide
| The location of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean
makes it a strategic crossroads between three continents and has been used by
travellers in their various journeys throughout history. 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.
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Traces of ancient peoples are evident: Assyrians, Phoenicians,
Macedonians, Hellenists, Persians, Romans, Egyptians, Byzantines,
Crusaders, French Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans and the British.
With such a background, Cyprus has developed a unique character
which is a blend of all that has gone before, making North Cyprus
properties truly special. The total area
of the island covers 3584 square miles (9,282 square km). Northern
Cyprus is some 100 miles long, 40 miles across at its widest point
and has a total area of 1357 sq. miles (3,355 square km), which is
nearly one third of the whole of the island.
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Wondering
where to purchase a Northern Cyprus estate? The
geography of Northern Cyprus is characterized by a unique blend of
mountains, plains and beaches. The coastline offers fine, uncrowded
beaches; you can still arrive at Northern
Cyprus homes by a beach and
enjoy being the only one there. The mountains provide a lovely backdrop to
the beaches but are very well worth visiting themselves; the track systems
(many of which can be driven along) offer good walking. In the spring
there are many wild flowers including some endemic to the island, a
beautiful accent to the villas of North Cyprus. 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, long miles of sunny bays
with pure white sand, as well as some of the loveliest houses in North
Cyprus. To the south of the Kyrenia range lie the plains of Mesaoria.
Here, is situated the Capital of Northern Cyprus, Nicosia (Lefkosa for the
locals). Other major centers are Guzelyurt and Lefke in the west of
Northern Cyprus where most of the citrus produce comes from, the resort
town of Kyrenia (Girne for the Locals) is on the northern coast of Cyprus,
and the second resort town of Famagusta (Gazimagosa for the locals) in the
east.
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| Northern Cyprus
Guide links are listed below: |
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Selected Restaurants of Northern Cyprus [New]
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Quick Guide To Northern Cyprus
Welcome to Cyprus, the island of Mythology, beauty and sandy beaches that bathe year-round under the warm, eastern Mediterranean sun.
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A Glimpse of Culture and History in North Cyprus
Cyprus, or Aphrodite's Island, or The Island of Love... For centuries Cyprus has been influenced by the cultures of many different nations, which has led to an island with a rich and diverse historical and architectural heritage.
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Car Driving in Northern Cyprus
In Northern Cyprus, drive on the left. Traffic and road signs are International. Maximum speed is 100km./hr. Drivers are prohibited to drive under the influence of alcohol. The limit is 50 mgr (As in Europe).
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Car Rental in Norhtern Cyprus
This service is available in all main towns and some hotels in Northern Cyprus. British or International Drivers Licence is required. Rental cars have red number plates.
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Churches in Northern Cyprus
The Anglican Church of St. Andrew's, Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus is conveniently located near the town centre and services are held on Sundays and Thursdays. All Christian communities are welcome. The Roman Catholic Church is also based in the centre of Kyrenia with mass being celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. Other Christian churches are located in Famagusta and Nicosia.
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Climate in Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long hot and 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.
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Climate in Cyprus (2)
Anually the hottest month in Northern Cyprus is July. The temperatures during this month cruise between 37C and 40C. The coldest month of the year is January whereby daytime temperatures cruise between 9C to 12C. The coldest nights of the year in Northern Cyprus are mostly experienced through this month.
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Cuisine
It was once famously written by Shakespeare, "If music be the food of love, play on." Cypriots would tell you, "Food is the food of love, so eat on." The Cypriote love of food is well known amongst Cypriots and all those that have visited this beautiful, historical island. They take their cuisine very seriously, not just through their thoughtful preparations but more so their passion for entertaining friends and family. Most Cypriot homes will possess a large dinner table, laid to the brim with at least twenty dishes or more lo tantalize guests long into the night. These key elements go hand in hand to make a Cypriot supper a feast to behold. Located between Greece, Turkey, the Middle East and Africa, Cyprus is an island well placed on the map for its cuisine to have absorbed the flavors from a cross section of the fascinating cultures. In fact, many have claimed the hand of Cyprus over thousands of years, leaving behind their town stamp or mark, including the Venetians, Romans, Greeks and Turks. This is what makes the Cypriot cuisine what it is today. A marriage of flavors culminating in to a rich, vast cuisine.
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Currency in Northern Cyprus
The Turkish Lira. Euro cheques, Travellers Cheques, Sterling, Dollars and other major currencies may be used or exchanged in the larger towns.
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Duty-free Regulations in Northern Cyprus
Each adult is permitted to bring 400 cigarettes, 500gr tobacco or 50 cigars, 1 litre of wine or spirits and up to 100cl of perfume.
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Education in Northern Cyprus
The Northern Cyprus educational system aims to develop fully the abilities of all individuals, young and old, both for their personal benefit as well as that of the society as a whole.
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Electric Current Voltage
In Northern Cyprus, power is supplied at 220/240v AC 50HZ 240 and wall fittings are generally the U.K. three-pin type plug.
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Government Offices
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GÜZELYURT (MORPHOU)
Güzelyurt, which means `beautiful country' in Turkish, is aptly named. Situated in the north-west with a population of 12,000; it is a charming little town which is surrounded by citrus groves; their wonderful heady scent is itself a good enough reason for a visit in blossom time.
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Language in Northern Cyprus
The official language in Northern Cyprus is Turkish but English is widely spoken and understood in official and commercial circles.
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Medical Information for Northern Cyprus
The cost of medical treatment in the local hospitals is lower than comparative care in the UK depending of course on the type of treatment required.
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Money and Banking in Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus offers a well organized banking system, with all banking facilities catered for.
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Money and Banking in Northern Cyprus (2)
The official currency in Northern Cyprus is Turkish Lira (TL). Real persons and corporate bodies are free to keep and save foreign currency, to use foreign currency as a means of foreign exchange and to express in foreign currency figures appearing on payment orders and contracts.
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Passports and Visas in Northern Cyprus
A valid passport 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.
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Personal Income in Northern Cyprus
Tax Income tax is levied on income accrued in, derived from or received in Northern Cyprus. For permanent residents income arising within or outside Northern Cyprus is subject to income tax, but for the avoidance of double taxation a set off for income tax paid abroad is allowed.
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Police in Northern Cyprus
Crime levels are relatively low in Northern Cyprus and police are always willing to assist if you need them.
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Political System in Northern Cyprus
There is a multi party of democracy in the Northern Cyprus.
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Population of Northern Cyprus
The estimated midyear population of Northern Cyprus for the year 2002 is 213,491 of whom 101,034 are females and 112,457 are males. The population density is 63.6 persons per square km. The crude birth rate is 15 per thousand where as the death rate is 8 per thousand. 50% of the populations live in the cities and 50% in the countryside, 99% of the adult population are literate.
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Postal Services in Northern Cyprus
The outgoing postal system is reliable. Incoming mail must be suffixed ?Mersin-10, Turkey?.
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Religion in Northern Cyprus
The religion in Northern Cyprus is Islam, with Muslims making up 99% of the population. (%1 Orthodox, Maronit and Catholic)
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Shopping in Northern Cyprus
There is an extensive range of consumer goods and services available throughout the island.
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Telecommunication in Northern Cyprus
International telecommunication facilities are a rapidly growing sector of the economy in Northern Cyprus. The company responsible for all telecommunication also provides telex, fax, telegram transmission and ISDN/e-mail facilities.
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Universities in Northern Cyprus
The universities of Northern Cyprus are renowned for their inexpensive but quality education. In addition, to the high standards of education offered to the students, the fact that the island is only at arms length from the Middle East and the Gulf region encourages hundreds of students from these regions to study in this exceptionally beautiful Muslim country in the heart of the Mediterranean.
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Value Added Tax in Northern Cyprus
Value Added Tax was introduced in 1996 as a Consumption Tax. Six VAT rates are applied in accordance with VAT rates regulation. Applied VAT rates are: 0%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%.
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Water
By mains supply and in some cases supplemented by wells in Northern Cyprus.
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