Useful Information

Introduction

The official language of the country is Turkish. English is also widely spoken.

The TRNC flag (proportions 150 by 100cm) is white, with a red crescent and star in the center, lined by two red horizontal stripes, on top and at the bottom.

The capital is Lefkosa (Nicosia) .

Geographıc Characterıstıcs

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. It lies between latitudes 30.33 and 35.41 and longitudes 32.23 and 34.55. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) covers an area of 3,355 square kilometers.

The neighbors of Northern Cyprus are Turkey, 65 km to the north; Syria, 112 km to the east; Egypt, 418 km to the south; Israel, 267 km to the east; Lebanon, 162 km to the east, Greece, 965 km to the west and South Cyprus at the south.

The total area of the TRNC, covering the northern part of the island is 3355 sq. km, approximately one third of the whole island. Nearly half of the coastline of the island is also part of the TRNC.

About 45% of the area is arable land, 20% of which is irrigated. Nearly 20% of North Cyprus total area is wooded and there are extensive re-forestration programs in progress.

Geography: The geography of North Cyprus is characterized by a unique blend of mountains, plains and beaches. 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 forma 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 in Cyprus miles of empty bays with pure white sand. To the south of the Kyrenia range lie the plains of Mesaoria. Here, is situated the divided Capital Nicosia (Lefkoşa). Other major centres are Guzelyurt in the west of North Cyprus where most of the citrus produce comes from. The resort town of Kyrenia (Girne) is on the northern coast, and the second resort town of Famagusta (Gazimagusa) in the east.

Climate: The climate of North Cyrus is a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers (June to September) are hot and dry; winters (November to March) are usually rainy with a mild temperature. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. The average annual temperature is 20ºC (68 F).

Summer temperatures average 30ºC (90 F) with the colderst months of January and February 10 ºC (50 F). The average annual rainfall is about 500 millimeters.

Flora: Despite of its rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage North Cyprus has magnificent natural beauty. The richness of the flora partly be explained by the uniqueness of the Mediterranean climate. About 1900 kinds of flowering plants, including Gramineae grasses grow wild in North Cyprus. Following are the 19 kinds which occur here and nowhere else in the world. 30 kinds of orchids only grow in north Cyprus.

Fauna: North Cyprus has been endowed with a rich fauna including a large number of endemic birds, reptiles and animals. Because of its position, T.R.N.C. is also a vital stop-over for thousands of migratory birds which find the island an ideal place for both feeding and refuge. Among the animals the moufflon occupies an outstanding position and is considered as one of the natural treasures of the island. The moufflon belongs to sheep family but this species is unique in the world.

Among the 350 species of birds, 7 are endemic to north Cyprus. There are also 26 different species of reptile and amphibia.

The beaches of North Cyprus are also a good nestling places for two well known sea turtle species, caretta caretta and chelonia mydas in the Mediterranean.

In the Karpaz National Park area (Pan handle) live donkeys which roam wild and number about 250.

Weıght & Measures

Although the metric system of weights and measures has been introduced, the old Ottoman system is also used:

Populatıon 

The population of Northern Cyprus was 146,740 in 1978 when the first official census was held. Between 1978 and 1996 the average rate of population increase has been 1.4%.

According to the 2000 estimates 210,047 people live in TRNC. The population is predominantly Turkish Cypriot (99%) and ethnic groups consists of Greeks, Maronites and others which amount to 1%.