| Government |
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The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a
democratic, secular republic based on the principles
of social justice and the rule of law. The Constitution
provides for a semi-presidential system with a
president as head of state, and a council of ministers
composed of a prime minister and 10 ministers.
Legislative power is vested in the Legislative
Assembly, composed of 50 deputies elected by universal
suffrage for a period of five years. Judicial
power is exercised through independent courts.
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| The President |
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The President is elected for a period of five
years. He has to be of Cypriot parentage. There
is also a five-year residence qualification. He
has to be over thirty years of age. He must also
be a graduate of an institution of higher education.
In case of vacancy in the office of President,
or in case of his temporary absence, the Speaker
of the Republican Assembly deputizes for him.
H.E. Rauf R. Denktas became the first President
of the TRNC on 15 November 1983. He was later
re-elected in June 1985, April 1990 and April
1995.
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| Council of Ministers |
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Council of Ministers
appointed by president on the advice of the prime
minister. The present government is a coalition
consisting of the Democrat Party and the CTP.
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| Car Driving in Northern Cyprus |
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Driving in Northern Cyprus is the most advisable
form of transport as there are infrequent bus
services to many of the more remote areas of the
country; and bus services cease to operate after
5:00 p.m. Road surfaces between major towns and
villages are reasonably good, but some mountain
and village roads are still unsurfaced, so care
should be taken especially in wet weather. Visitors
wishing to bring their own car from abroad may
do so for a period of up to 3 months provided
the vehicle has a valid registration license from
its country of origin. Visitors in Cyprus can
drive using a valid international driving license
or a valid driving license from their country
of origin. Visitors bringing their own cars from
abroad will need to purchase insurance upon entry
to Northern Cyprus. Most petrol stations are open
from 7:00 a.m. and close around 8:00 a.m. Some
however, stay open later and there is an increasing
number of stations which operate 24 hours a day.
Free municipal parking is available in all major
towns.
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| Climate, Temperature, Wheater &
Clothing |
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Cyprus enjoys an intense
Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from
mid-May to mid-October and with mild winters from
December to February, which are separated by short
autumn and spring seasons. Summer is the season
of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the
sea breezes create a pleasant atmosphere in the
coastal areas. Winters are mild with some rain,
but even in January(usually the coolest month) there
are generally six hours of bright sunshine during
the day. During the summer months very light clothing
is all that you will need. In spring and autumn
daytime temperatures are generally warm enough for
light summer clothing, but in the evenings, one
might feel the need for a light jacket or pullover.
In winter, you should be prepared for all kinds
of weather that a European spring may bring. It
is advisable to pack a light jacket and pullovers,
although you may not need them during the day.
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| Duty-free Regulations |
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Each adult is permitted
to bring 400 cigarettes, 500gr tobacco or 50 cigars,
1 litre of wine or spirits and up to 100cl of perfume.
Duty-free shops can be found at Ercan Airport and
the ports at Kyrenia and Famagusta.
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| Electric Current Voltage |
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Power is supplied at
240 volts and wall fittings are generally the U.K.
three-pin type.
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| Emergencies |
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First Aid / Ambulance
For all districts Tel: 112
Forest Fires For all districts Tel: 177
Police Nicosia Tel: 228 3311
Police Kyrenia Tel: 815 2014
Police Famagusta Tel: 366 5310
Police Güzelyurt Tel: 714 2140
Police Karpaz Tel: 381 2325
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| Medical Services and Hospitals |
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The Central State Hospitals
is in Nicosia and there are other smaller hospitals
in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Güzelyurt and Lefke.
There are also clinics in smaller towns and some
villages.
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| Metric Conversion Metric
Conversion |
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The conversion to metric
measurements took place some years ago. However
it is still possible to talk in terms of inches,
miles etc. The traditional Cypriot measurements
of "oke" can still be used to buy meat
and vegetables. One oke is equal to 1.23 kg.
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| Plumbing |
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Due to a narrow pipe
system in Cypriot plumbing, many sewerage systems
cannot cope with toilet paper being flushed down
the toilet, as this may cause blockages. You will
find a bin provided next to the toilet, provided
for the disposal of toilet paper, which is emptied
daily.
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| Population |
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The population of the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was recorded
as being 183,220 in the last census in 1996. 50%
of the population live in the cities and 50% in
the country side, 99% of the adult population are
literate.
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| Postal Services |
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The postal service in
Northern Cyprus is reasonably fast and efficient.
Please remember that to receive mail from abroad
letters must be addressed "Mersin 10-Turkey"
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| Public Holidays |
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1 January - New Year`s Day
23 April - Children`s Day
1 May - Labour Day
19 May - Youth and Sports Day
20 July - Peace and Freedom Day
30 August - Victory Day
29 October - Turkish Republic Day
15 November - Northern Cyprus Republic Day
There are also several religious holidays or
"Bayrams" which, like the Christian
festival of Easter, change every year.
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| Telephone |
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The code for England
is 00 44 followed by the local number but omitting
the first number (0). From abroad the code is 00
90 392 followed by the local Cypriot number. Public
telephone booths are available and telephone cards
can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office.
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| Foreign Missions in Northern
Cyprus |
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Australian Representative
Tel: 2277332
French Cultural Assosiation
Tel: 2283328
German Representative
Tel: 2275161
Turkish Embassy
Tel: 2272314
Fax: 2282209
UK Representative
Tel: 2283861
Fax: 2287054
USA Representative
Tel: 2252440
Fax: 2252442
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| Police |
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Crime levels are relatively
low in Northern Cyprus and police are always willing
to assist if you need them.
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| Narcotics |
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It is illegal to import
narcotics into Northern Cyprus.
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| Passports and Visas |
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A valid passsport is
necessary for entering and a visa is granted on
entrance to Northern Cyprus. Since 1993 Turkish
citizens can visit Northern Cyprus by identity card.
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