Information about North Cyprus:

North Cyprus displays different beauties at different times of the year. With it's unspoilt beauties; natural surrounding suitable for outings and picnics... The scented atmosphere of the citrus orchards. The cleanest and safest waters of the Mediterranean; sunny, idle and stretching beaches. Temperatures of sea waters during summer 23 degrees. In North Cyprus you will have chance to see museums where historical and folkloric traces of Mediterranean civilizations are displayed. The streets full of incessant reminders and samples of the Mediterranean's traditional architecture...
Useful Information: Geography Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily. It lies 70 kms. From Turkey, 100 kms. From Syria and 320 kms. From Egypt.

North Cyprus Climate
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.

North Cyprus Religion
%98 Muslim, %2 Orthodox, Maronit and Catholic

Capital City
Lefkosa (Nicosia) Population 39,176.

Other Cities
Gazimagusa (Famagusta) population 27,637
Girne (Kyrenia) population 14,205
Guzelyurt population 12,865
Lefke population 6,490

Area
3,355 kilometer square.

Population
200,587.

Language
Language is Turkish but English is widely understood.

Coastline
The beaches of Northern Cyprus are among the cleanest and safest in the Mediterranean. The average water temperature is 24C between May and October. The summer season sees the Hotel Beaches offering an excellent service to its customers in terms of eating and drinking facilities, not failing to mention the provision of beach umbrellas and beach loungers. Some of these beaches will also offer activities such as water skiing, banana rides, jet-ski, wind surfing and scuba diving.

Traffic
Please drive on the left. Traffic and road signs are International. Maximum speed is 100km./hr. Vehicles entering Northern Cyprus must be insured upon arrival. Seat belts must be worn.. Drivers are prohibited to drive under the influence of alcohol. The limit is 50 mgr (As in Europe).

Telephone
The code for England is 00 44 followed by the local number but omitting the first number (0). From England 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.

Post
The outgoing postal system is reliable. Incoming mail must be suffixed "Mersin-10, Turkey" and not "Northern Cyprus". The history of the postal service in Northern Cyprus will definitely be of interest to all philatelists.

Electricity
220/240 Volts A/. A standard three pin British plug is used.

Public Transport
A good, inexpensive network of buses and mini-buses operates between all the main towns.

North Cyprus Restaurants
A large selection of restaurants exist, where truly ethnic cuisine is served, to fashionable French,
Chinese and Indian Cuisine Restaurants. Prices vary accordingly. There are also a number of excellent Cypriot Cuisine Restaurants which offer very good value for money.
Cyprus-Restaurants.com --Search for different dining options - find a restaurant by type, cuisine, location or name, View TOP 10 restaurants in Cyprus rated by our visitors, Find directions to your favorite restaurant, Leave a comment about a restaurant you have already visited.

Bars
A wide range to suit all tastes, serving, local beers, raki and brandy and of course imported alcohol.

Tourist Information
Tourist Information Offices are available in all major towns. Tour guides,
Hotel Receptionists, Taxi drivers and the locals are also a good source of information.

Opening Hours
Shops are open with some variations but generally
Summer: 8:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00
Winter: 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00

Currency
The Turkish Lira. Eurocheques, Travellers Cheques, Sterling, Dollars and other major currencies may be used or exchanged in the larger towns.
NB. While no restrictions are placed on imports of foreign exchange, large amounts should be declared to customs upon entry. Up to $10,000 may be exported.

Public Holidays in North Cyprus
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.