Geography:
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily. It lies 70 km from Turkey.

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.

Language:
Turkish, English widely understood.

Religion:
%99 Muslim, %1 Orthodox, Maronit and Catholic.

Capital City:
Lefkosa (Nicosia) Population 39,176.

Other Cities:
Gazimagusa (Famagusta) population 27,637 , Girne (Kyrenia) population 14,205 , Güzelyurt population 12,865 , Lefke population 6,490 , Yeni Iskele population 2,814.

Area:
3,355 km squared.

Population:
200,587

International Connections:
By Air - Cyprus Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Airlines provide an important network from international airports to Ercan via Turkey. For the timetables, prices and information, inquiries can be made at the offices of the above mentioned airlines and also from the travel agents and foreign representatives.

By Sea - There are scheduled ferry-boat services from Mersin to Gazimagusa (Famagusta) three times a week. There are daily sea-bus and ferry services from Tasucu to Girne. Also from Alanya, Antalya and Anamur services are organised during summer months to Girne.

Passports & Visas:
A valid passport is necessary for entering and a visa is granted on entrance to North Cyprus.

Coastline:
The beaches of North 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 their 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.

Emergency:
Police 155, First Aid 112, Fire 177.

Accomodation:
A wide range of accomodation is offered, ranging from 1 to 5 star Hotels, Hotel-Bungalows, Hotel-Apartments to camping and Self Catering Apartments and Villas.

Traffic:
Drive on the left. Traffic and road signs are International. Maximum speed is 100km./hr. Vehicles entering North 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:
Calls can be made from North Cyprus to any International telephone number.

To call North Cyprus from abroad, the code is + 90 392 followed by the local number.
Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office.
There are 2 GSM mobile telephone networks that provide international roaming to visitors. TR TELSIM & TR TURKCELL

Post:
The outgoing postal system is reliable. Incoming mail must be suffixed “Mersin-10, Turkey”. The history of the postal service in North 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, in addition there are Dolmus (shared taxis) operating on the same routes. Taxis are also widely available.

Restaurants:
A large selection of restaurants exist, ranging from the humble Çorbaci (Soup Houses) where truly authentic cuisine is served, to fashionable French, Chinese and Indian Cuisine Restaurants. There are also a number of excellent Cypriot Cuisine Restaurants which offer very good value for money.

Bars:
A wide range to suit all tastes serving local beers, raki 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):
Summer - 8:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00
Winter - 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00

Opening Hours (Banks):
Summer< - 8:00-12:00
Winter - 8:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00

Opening Hours (Public Services):
Summer - Monday, 07:30-14:00 and 15:30-18:00 Tuesday-Friday, 07:30-14:00
Winter - Monday-Friday, 08:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00

Currency:
Turkish Lira. Eurocheques, Travellers Cheques, Sterling, Dollars and other major currencies may be used or exchanged in the larger towns.
Credit Cards are also accepted in larger shops and hotels. Money can be withdrawn using a bank cards from ATM's displaying the VISA sign.

Public Holidays:
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.