Northern Cyprus - General information

General Information about North Cyprus

Located in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is the most eastern and the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. Cyprus is located 71 km south of Turkey, 98 km west of Syria and 384 miles north of Egypt.

North Cyprus covers 3355 square kilometers, which include sandy beaches of Famagusta and Karpaz, Besparmak mountain range of Kyrenia, breathtaking rocking shores of Tatlisu, Esentepe and Kayalar. Cyprus has 4 major cities – Kyrenia, Guzelyurt, Famagusta, and the capital, Nicosia (Lefkosa). Northern Cyprus boasts olive, almond and citrus groves, and tourists of Cyprus cannot help but fall in love with warm weather and guaranteed sunshine throughout the year. Way of life in North Cyprus is very easy and relaxed, Cypriots are friendly people and the crime rate is surprisingly low. These and other factors seem the most important for home seekers to buy property in North Cyprus - indeed one of the most beautiful places to invest. North Cyprus is the ideal destination for leisure, for lovers of ancient monuments and a great place to visit castles and churches.

Agriculture in North Cyprus

North Cyprus until recently has been an agricultural state where agriculture was the basis of the country’s economy. The situation has significantly changed, and farming is no longer a priority, however, yields of citrus and olive trees are widely cultivated. The main citrus fruits which are prevailing in North Cyprus are lemons, mandarins, and oranges. Grapefruit is also widely cultivated but it is mostly used for domestic needs rather than export. The majority of fertile land is located in the northern part of the island and is successfully treated by owners. Other widely cultivated crops and trees are beans, oat, potatoes, grapes, almonds, pomegranates, olives and walnuts. Olive and fig trees should be noted as long-livers of the island and integral part of Cypriots’ cuisine.

Population and language of Northern Cyprus

Turkish is the predominant language in North Cyprus, however Cypriots have their own dialect which differentiated from mainland Turkey’s language. English is widely spoken and understood in North Cyprus with many Cypriots having lived in England or with relatives residing there. Education in many schools and universities in North Cyprus is also conducted in English.

Although the last census in the north of the island was conducted in 2011, numerous changes have resulted in significant population growth. While the 2011 census showed the de jure population to be 286,257, we estimate that today there are 400,000 de jure.

De jure, the population does not include members of the Turkish army (25,000-30,000) and their families living in military camps (approximately 7,500). It also does not include those tourists and other visitors who may be on the island at the moment, which on average can be about 20,000 people.

Much of the population growth can be attributed to the sharp increase in the number of international students from about 35,000 to almost 90,000 over this time period. However, there has also been a significant increase in the population due to foreign citizens who have purchased property in North Cyprus.

The table of the acquisition of real estate by foreign citizens over several years

Currency and banking system

The official currency of North Cyprus is the New Turkish Lira however British pounds sterling, U.S dollars and Euro are widely used. Credit cards are also broadly accepted and can be paid with in restaurants, shops, petrol stations, etc. The banking system in North Cyprus is well developed and organized. There are both local and international banks in the country. Branches of HSBC bank are located in all major cities of Northern Cyprus.


Climate and weather in Northern Cyprus

The Mediterranean climate of North Cyprus is defined with long dry summers and short, sometimes rainy winters. The average annual temperature is 19 º C (66 ° F). The air temperature in the middle of summer can reach 40 º C (105 º F) and water in the Mediterranean has an average temperature of 21 º C (75 ° F). Winter in North Cyprus is very mild and the average annual rainfall - 500 mm. The bathing season in Northern Cyprus begins in April and ends in November.

Tourism in North Cyprus

Tourism is one of the rapidly developing industries of North Cyprus. Tourism since the late 1980s was the largest source of income for the country. Just in 2011, the rate of tourism increased by 35% and nationalities of tourists, visiting TRNC has significantly expanded.

Education in Northern Cyprus

Education in North Cyprus is represented by variety of public and private schools, kindergartens and colleges. In the TRNC there are number of prominent universities: University of the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East University, Girne American University, Middle East Technical University, European University, Lefke International University of Cyprus.

History of Cyprus

History and development of civilization of Cyprus has a direct connection with the location of the island. For centuries Cyprus was under the influence of various cultures and nations which led to the present island of Cyprus with its rich cultural and historical heritage. For thousands of years Cyprus has been a pearl snatched up by the major powers prevailing in the Mediterranean, and this fate has resulted in the rich mosaic of cultural influences which make the Cypriot culture today. Every conquest of the island by different empires contributed to the beauty and culture of this unique island and its people. Different historians and archaeologists have conducted researches in Cyprus, and yet a lot of mysteries are yet to be uncovered. Take your time in Cyprus to explore the unexplored.

Either you have already bought a property in North Cyprus or you want to buy a property in North Cyprus and you would like to stay informed about what is happening in North Cyprus, please visit our News page which we frequently update about the News of Northern Cyprus.