About KKTC
Geography
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) comprises an area of 3,242 square km and covers the northern part of the island of Cyprus, which is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. It is situated at the cross-roads of east-west and north-south navigation routes and is only 65 km to the south of Turkey, 100 km west of Syria and 420 km north of Egypt.
Because of its proximity to the rich Middle East countries and its advantageous location at the cross-road of East and West, the TRNC provides an ideal place and climate for foreign investment.
Climate
The climate is generally sunny and dry. Winter (November to early March) is mild, while in the peak summer months (July and August) it could get hot but not very humid.
Demography
The population of the TRNC is around 300,000.
Major Towns
The capital of TRNC, Lefkoşa (Nicosia), has a population of approximately 100,000 and is the main administration and business centre. Other major towns are Gazi Mağusa (Famagusta), Girne (Kyrenia) and Güzelyurt (Morphou). Gazi Mağusa (Famagusta) is a flourishing tourist, industrial and commercial centre, as well as the country’s principal port. Free Port and Zone is also situated in Famagusta. Girne (Kyrenia) is a town of touristic importance and archaeological interest to any visitor. Güzelyurt is situated in north-west of the country at the centre of citrus plantations.
Language
Turkish is the official language. English is also widely used and understood in official and commercial circles.
Time
Local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Education
Education for children is of a high standard. In addition to the comprehensive Turkish teaching schools, there are English primary and secondary schools. The Eastern Mediterranean University was formally inaugurated in 1986 and since then six new universities were established. Two of the new six universities are the TRNC campuses of the Middle East University and Istanbul Technical University of Turkey. In all the universities the language of instruction is Turkish and English.
Health Conditions
Health conditions are good in Northern Cyprus and there are comprehensive private and state hospital and medical facilities.
Currency
The Turkish Lira (TL) which has been in circulation after 1974, is the legal tender. The official exchange rates for the TL are adjusted daily according to changes in the international monetary markets.
Consumer Market
There is a wide selection of consumer goods of good quality. In addition to locally produced consumer goods, almost all foreign brands are available on the market.
Political System
The Head of the State is the President of the Republic who is elected by universal suffrage for a period of five years. Legislative power is exercised by the Assembly of the Republic which consists of fifty deputies. The country is managed by a Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister who is appointed by the President. Elections are held freely every five years, based on universal suffrage.
Housing and Office Space
Good quality housing and office accommodation is available at very reasonable rents in comparison with Middle East countries and lower than in most European countries.
Telekomünikasyon
KKTC bütün ülkelere arama sistemi içeren, tamamen otomatik bir telefon ağına sahiptir. ADSL bağlantısı ve VOIP servisi yaygın olarak bulunabilir. GSM telefon sistemi de mevcuttur.
Uluslararası Telefon kodu : +90-392
Working Hours
Sunday is the weekend holiday for all business and public offices. Shops and businesses close on Saturday afternoons, while Government Offices do not function on Saturdays.
Public Holidays
January 1 New Year’s Day
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
May 1 Labour Day
May 19 Youth and Sports Day
July 20 Peace Operation Day
August 1 National Resistance Day-Foundation of the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT)
August 30 Turkish National Victory Day
October 29 Turkish Republic Day
November 15 Anniversary-Declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus