The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Its neighbouring lands at the nearest coastal points are Turkey 40 miles north, Syria 60 miles east, Lebanon 108 miles south-east, Israel 180 miles south-east and Egypt 230 miles south. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. It is smaller than Sicily and Sardinia and larger than Corsica and Crete. The area of the whole island is 3584 sq. miles. (9250 sq. kilometers)

Northern Cyprus has four major towns, the capital being Lefkosa (Nicosia), which serves as the main administration and business centre. The other main towns Magosa (Famagusta), the country’s principal port; Girne (Kyrenia), the main tourist centre well known for its ancient harbour, and Guzelyurt the centre of the citrus fruit industry.

The British interest in the island dates back to the 12th century and has remained until present day with many British ways being adopted by the government of the Northern Cyprus. Therefore, the British are genuinely welcomed and the transition could not be easier, as English is widely spoken and driving being on the left hand side of the road.

Climate:

The climate of the island is an eastern Mediterranean type with long, hot summers and relatively cool, short winters. There are over 300 days of sunshine a year, the sea temperature is rarely below 16°C and rises to 28-30°C during summer months, making Northern Cyprus one of the healthiest places in the world in which to live. The air condition is excellent and many respirations difficulties either disappears of significantly reduce as a consequence.

Shopping:

There is an extensive range of consumer goods and services available throughout the island. Many of the popular imported brand names are readily available and can be found in local supermarkets. Fresh local produce can be purchased from a wide variety of markets and small stores and there is wide range of wines and spirits at very low costs: retailing at approximately. VAT (KDV) is levied on most goods and services with rates ranging from 20% down to 2%.

Banking:

Northern Cyprus offers a well organised banking system, with all banking facilities catered for. Some banks operate their own branches in London and others have arrangements with major UK banks HSBC has a full service presence here. A deposit account can be opened with ease in Sterling or any other major currency and funds can be drawn in that denomination or in Turkish Lira (TL), which is the local currency.

Investments:

Foreign investment is actively encouraged by the government of Northern Cyprus and has led to numerous incentives to help foreign nationals. Some of the facilities which have been made available include exemptions on import duties, income tax and corporation tax, in some cases up to ten years. Tourism in all forms is actively rewarded by the government and in many cases grants have been made available to assist in set-up costs.

Education:

General education standards in the TRNC are of a very high standard and are borne out by the fact that there are four universities based in Northern Cyprus. The majority of schools offer bilingual education starting with kindergarten through secondary school and finally university.

Medical:

The cost of medical treatment in the local hospitals is lower than comparative care in the UK depending of course on the type of treatment required. Accident and emergency facilities are available at local hospitals. It is recommended that you seek a local GP, many of whom have had UK experience, for many minor ailments. Private healthcare is also available through a number of international medical insurance companies if required. Dental treatment is of a high standard and charges are moderate.

Churches:

The Anglican Church of St. Andrew’s, Kyrenia is conveniently located near the town centre and services are held on Sundays and Thursdays. All Christian communities are welcome. The Roman Catholic Church is also based in the centre of Kyrenia with mass being celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. Other Christian churches are located in Famagusta and Nicosia.

Other Useful Information

Electricity:

The supply is 220/240v AC 50HZ, with a standard UK 3-pin plug. Water: By mains supply and in some cases supplemented by wells. There has been a shortage of water in the past, however, the government has taken major steps to rectify the situation.

Telecommunication:

International telecommunication facilities are a rapidly growing sector of the economy. The company responsible for all telecommunication also provides telex, fax, telegram transmission and ISDN/e-mail facilities. When making international calls the cheap rates are from 20:00 to 08:00 hrs. Monday –Friday and all hours over the weekend. To dial from TRNC to UK dial 00 44 and omit the first 0 of the UK code. To dial from UK to TRNC dial 00 90 392 then the area code, followed by the number required. N.B. Northern Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of GMT.