Border Crossings in Cyprus
September 18, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts, Tourist Information
Since 2003, the north and south of Cyprus have been accessible to each other via several checkpoints along the Green Line, all of which were opened as part of efforts aimed at reuniting the two Cypriot communities.
Today Europeans and Cypriots are able to use several border crossings in Cyprus, whether it’s to shop, trade or work. Currently there are 6 checkpoints open to pedestrians and/or traffic and below we will detail these for you. It’s worth noting that another checkpoint in Yeşilirmak on the far north-western tip of Cyprus could be set to open shortly and we will keep you up to date on that! Read more
New Government for 2009!
April 24, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts
On Sunday the 19th of April 2009, around 160,000 voters went to the polls in North Cyprus to elect their chosen government. After 6 years in power, CTP (Republican Turkish Party) were ousted in favour of UBP (National Unity Party). Read more
Education in North Cyprus - General Overview
January 20, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts
Educational standards in Northern Cyprus are relatively good, and there are many local crèches, kindergartens and primary schools. There are also local secondary schools, but these are only located in the main towns such as Kyrenia, Lefkoşa and Famagusta. There are also a number of private schools teaching through the medium of English, and these are generally located near to Kyrenia and Lefkoşa.
Population of North Cyprus
January 20, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts
The last Census to be held in North Cyprus was on 30th April 2006, when everyone residing or holidaying in North Cyprus was required to stay at their place of residence so that the population could be counted. Read more
Economy & Industry in North Cyprus
January 20, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts
The economy in North Cyprus is severely hampered by its continuing isolation and the embargoes placed upon it. It relies heavily on Turkey for economic and monetary support. In recent years the construction industry has played in a big part in North Cyprus’ developing fortunes.
Government & Politics in North Cyprus
January 20, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts
In North Cyprus, politics is part of everyday life, and you will find that Turkish Cypriots talk politics a lot - in coffee shops, on business premises, village squares and even over games of backgammon. With something like 14 political parties in North Cyprus, you can expect to see plenty of rallies and cars driving around towns with their loudspeakers blaring out campaign messages and slogans!
Communications & Utilities in North Cyprus - General Overview
January 20, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts
North Cyprus has a fairly up to date communications, media and utilities network, and also has some of the advanced technologies that one would expect with regard to everyday life and its requirements - such as high speed internet and mobile communications for example.
For more detailed information and articles on all the subjects detailed below please visit our more in depth Communications & Utilities section. Read more
Currency in North Cyprus
January 20, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts
In 2005 the central bank and the government in Turkey knocked off a handful of zeros from their currency and today the currency in both Northern Cyprus and Turkey is the yeni, (new), Turkish lira. Exchange rates fluctuate, but on the whole the currency is now very stable. The yeni/new part of the currency’s name is to be removed in 2009, ending the novelty completely, but we thought we’d keep it for posterity!
Geography of Cyprus
January 17, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and Northern Cyprus lies directly 70 km south of the Turkish mainland. Its neighbours include Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Greece. The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus makes up around one third of the island of Cyprus, and The Republic of Cyprus occupies the remaining two thirds to the south of the island. The total area of the entire island is approximately 9,252 sq km, and North Cyprus covers a total area of around 3,515 sq km.
Climate in North Cyprus
January 16, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under North Cyprus Guide, Stats and Facts
The climate is described as “intense Mediterranean” in North Cyprus - this means that in general the island enjoys short mild and temperate winters and very long hot summers. Temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the elevation - naturally enough it can feel a lot cooler at the top of St Hilarion or Buffavento Castle than it does on the harbour in Kyrenia on the same summer’s day! Read more