Northern Cyprus – Key Facts Location: Eastern Mediterranean Status • Self-declared state in the northern part of Cyprus Capital: Nicosia (Lefkoşa) • Total area: approx. 3,355 km² • Population: approx. 380,000 – 400,000 residents • Coastline length: approx. 400 km (one of the longest and least developed coastlines in the Mediterranean)
⚓️Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, has had a very eventful history since 8500 B.C, the island have been repeatedly invaded throughout its turbulent history. • In Cyprus history, the island was colonized and ruled by Phoenicians, Achaeans, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, and Greeks in different periods until finally after much internal strife the island was granted its independence in 1960. Since 2003 it is possible to pass through the Turkish and Greek borders. If you are a tourist visiting North Cyprus, you must have a valid passport (and visa, if you need one for South Cyprus) at the Turkish Cypriot passport control
Climate • Mediterranean climate • Hot, dry summers (30–35°C) • Mild winters (10–18°C) • Over 300 sunny days per year
Sea & Nature • Crystal-clear Mediterranean waters • Long sandy beaches and rocky coves • Mountains and coastline often visible at the same time • Important nesting areas for sea turtles ⸻
Language • Official language: Turkish • Widely spoken: English (especially in tourism, real estate, and business)
Driving & Transport • Left-hand driving (like the UK) • Steering wheels on the right side • International driving licenses accepted • Traffic is on the left and the rules are pretty much the same as the UK in the island. Traffic and road signs are International. Maximum speed is 100 kilometer / hour. Vehicles entering Northern Cyprus must be insured upon arrival. Seat belts must be worn. • There are frequent, inexpensive mini bus services between all the main towns during the day in North Cyprus. There are many places to explore in North Cyprus And many people choose to hire a car from the car hire companies during their visit. There are also several tourism companies that offer transportation services from / to airports and throughout on the island.
Currency • Turkish Lira (TRY) is the main currency • Euro, Pound Sterling, and USD widely accepted • Property prices often listed in GBP • Euro checks, Travellers checks and other major currencies may be used or exchanged in currency exchange
Lifestyle & Living • Relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle • Low population density • Strong expat and international community • Growing real estate and investment market
🫒You can experience Cypriot Turkish culture with the food, lifestyle, music, language and handcrafts of local people. There are many festivals in Northern Cyprus, organized by almost every municipality. The food culture is very much apparent in North Cyprus. Fruit and vegetables are grown locally. Turkish food served with a large collection of mezes, dishes starting with various dips and salads and ending with grilled meat or fish in a typical Turkish Cypriot restaurant. You can explore a variety of tastes such as home desserts and jams; can be found at every home to be offered to guests. Handicrafts are also a well-developed sector in North Cyprus. You can discover beautiful Lefkara embroidery which is an old Cypriot tradition. North Cyprus is almost synonymous with homemade olive oil.
Fun & Practical Facts • One of the safest regions in the Mediterranean • No mass tourism — many beaches remain unspoiled • Combines European lifestyle with Middle Eastern hospitality • Popular for holidays, relocation, and property investment

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