General Information
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 kilometres. The neighbours of Northern Cyprus are Turkey, 65 km to the north, Syria, 100 km to the east and Egypt, 420 km to the south. 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).

Geography
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 coast-line 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.

Climate
The climate of North Cyprus is typically mediterranean with long dry summers and short, rainy winters. The average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF). The temperature in midsummer can soar over 40ºC (105ºF) with the warmest sea temperature in the Mediterranean, averaging 21ºC (75ºF) . The winter weather is very mild and there is an average annual rainfall of 500 mm.

Tourism
The unique climate of Cyprus offers year-round opportunities for a perfect holiday. Rainfall is concentrated in December and January,and the average sea temperature is above 20 ºC for more than half the year. Cyprus is renowned for its wild flowers which carpet the island in spring (there are more than 38 species of orchid alone) and scent of orange, lemon and grapefruit blossom fills the air. The coastline of North Cyprus offers some of the finest and safest bathing in the Mediterranean. Although most holiday establishments have modern pools, the crystal clear waters of the eastern Mediterranean are wonderful for swimming, snorkelling, sailing and skiing. Most of the holiday complexes are situated near the picturesque ancient port of Girne on the north coast, or Gazimagosa in the east. The narrow fertile northern coastal strip is backed by the spectacular Besparmak mountains - also known as the Girne range, studded with its medieval castles and fortresses. The rugged slopes are covered with Aleppo pines, olives and carob trees, with small villages nestling in the hillsides. Nearer the coast, most activity is concentrated along the coast road. A legacy from the British colonial days means that traffic drives on the left and since most hotels can assist in car hire, travelling around is no problem. Inland, behind the rocky Girne range and the imposing Five Finger Mountain, stretches the huge fertile Mesaoria plain, Ercan airport and the island's capital, Lefkosa. Along the east coast lies the ancient fortified city of Gazimagosa and the nearby ruins of Salamis. To the north east, the landscape becomes more broken and open fields give way to small pastures enclosed by stone walls and interspersed with olive trees and rocky outcrops. The beaches here are a blend of rock pools and sheltered sandy bays. The exotic cuisine of Cyprus reflects its history and maritime associations. Turkish Cypriot cooking is fascinating blend of East and West. Breakfast consists of luscious fruits, especially locally grown melons, various local breads with cheese or jams and a selection of eggs and local sausage. Traditionally, home-made yoghurt is served with delicious local honey and if you want coffee, then remember to ask for "Nescafe" - the local term for western coffee with milk."Kahve" means Turkish coffee: thimblefuls of that wonderfully powerful brew that is a speciality of the Near East. Evening meals being with a sumptuous "meze" - hors d'oeuvres consisting of as a many as 20 small dishes -before the main course. Raki, aniseed spirit diluted with water is the traditional local accompaniment, but wine and beer are also readily available and excellent value and quality. Turkish Cankaya white wine is particularly recommended. Information on touristic sites and accommodation facilities to be found in ensuing sections in organized under three district regions: Girne, the area of north coast between the sea and Besparmak mountains, where the majority of holiday complexes are found; Gazimagosa, the ancient port with its long open beaches; and finally, Lefkosa and Guzelyurt: the capital city and the western coast famous for its citrus groves. Flights arrive at Ercan airport from which most hotels have transport services. The Turkish Cypriot people are renowned for their generous hospitality and when out shopping or enjoyining a meal, you are made to feel particularly welcome.

Useful Information
MAJOR TOWNS
The capital of TRNC is Lefkosa (Nicosia), which has a population of approximately 35,000, where the main administration and business centers are. Other major towns include : Gazi Magusa (Famagusta) which is a flourishing tourist, industrial and commercial center, as well as being the country's principle port, Girne (Kyrenia) a town of touristic importance with a wonderful yatch harbour.

LANGUAGE
Although, Turkish is the official language, English is also widely used and understood. Many hotels employ German speaking personnel. Some of the hotels have Arabic or French speaking personnel, too.

TIME
Local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), however, from April to September, the local time is three hours ahead of GMT. For the rest of the year the time difference is two hours.

BANKS AND CURRENCY
In TRNC, numerous Turkish and Turkish Cypriot operate and they are open from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) between 08.00-12.00/14.00-16.00 hours. Turkish lira is used as the local currency. There is no restriction for the import of foreign currency into Northern Cyprus, however, the export of currency is restricted to US-dollars 3000, or the equivalent in other currencies. Exchanging all the currencies in banks, exchange offices and in hotels, is possible. Visa card, credit card, master and euro cards, checks etc. can be used in place of cash

CUSTOMS
Personal clothing and personal belongings, intended for the visitor's own use, are not liable to duty. Each adult visitor is allowed to bring 200 cigarettes, or their equivalent in cigars or tobacco, together with one bottle of spirits and one bottle of wine and reasonable quantity of perfumery.

TRANSPORTATION
Visitors can get to TRNC by air or by sea. Ercan State Airport is 7 miles (12 km) east of Lefkosa, which enables flights of Kibris Turkish Airlines, Istanbul Airlines etc. There are several ferry-boats of different lines operating between ports of Girne and Famagusta in Northern Cyprus and, ports of Mersin and Antalya in Southern Turkey. For local transportation apart from taxis and private hire cars, there are daily bus services between the towns.

OFFICE HOURS
Office hours during : Summer: Monday : 7.30-14.00/15.30-18.00 hrs. Tue-Fri : 7.30-14.00 Winter: Mon-Fri : 8.00-13.00/14.00-17.00 hrs.

TRAVEL
There are daily scheduled flights from major European capitals and from the major cities of Turkey to Ercan Airport in Northern Cyprus. Cyprus Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Istanbul Airlines, Onur Air, Mediterranean Airlines currently have regular flights to North Cyprus. There are also ferryboats running from the Turkish ports of Istanbul, Antalya, Mersin and Tasucu; from Haifa, Israel; and Lattakia, Syria to the North Cyprus ports of Famagusta and Kyrenia.

VISA / PASSPORTS
The citizens of most European Union nations, Turkey, USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Australia do not require visa. All other nationals should check their position with regard to passports and visas with the nearest Embassy or Office of Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Visitors who do not wish to have their passports stamped by the authorities on arrival in North Cyprus may request a stamped visa form which is loosely inserted into the passport and removed on departure.