The climate is described as “intense Mediterranean” in North Cyprus – this means that in general the island enjoys short mild and temperate winters and very long hot summers. Temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the elevation – naturally enough it can feel a lot cooler at the top of St Hilarion or Buffavento Castle than it does on the harbour in Kyrenia on the same summer’s day!
In 2005 the central bank and the government in Turkey knocked off a handful of zeros from their currency and today the currency in both Northern Cyprus and Turkey is the yeni, (new), Turkish lira.
The economy in North Cyprus is severely hampered by its continuing isolation and the embargoes placed upon it. It relies heavily on Turkey for economic and monetary support.
Educational standards in Northern Cyprus are relatively good, and there are many local crèches, kindergartens and primary schools. There are also local secondary schools, but these are only located in the main towns such as Kyrenia, Lefkoşa and Famagusta.
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and Northern Cyprus lies directly 70 km south of the Turkish mainland. Its neighbours include Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Greece.
On Sunday the 19th of April 2009, around 160,000 voters went to the polls in North Cyprus to elect their chosen government. After nearly 5 years in power, CTP (Republican Turkish Party) were ousted in favour of UBP (National Unity Party).
The last Census to be held in North Cyprus was in 2011, when everyone residing or holidaying in North Cyprus was required to stay at their place of residence so that the population could be counted.
