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Government
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 parliamentar system 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.
The
President
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.
Council of Ministers
Council of Ministers appointed by president on the advice of the prime
minister. The present government is a coalition consisting of the Republic
and Turkish Party and Democrat Party.
Car Driving in Northern Cyprus
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 p.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.
Climate, Temperature, Wheater & Clothing
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.
Duty-free
Regulations
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.
Electric Current Voltage
Power
is supplied at 240 volts and wall fittings are generally the U.K. three-pin type.
Emergencies
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 Guzelyurt Tel:
714 2140
Police Karpaz Tel: 381 2325
Medical Services and Hospitals
The
Central State Hospitals is in Nicosia and
there are other smaller hospitals in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Guzelyurt
and Lefke. There are also clinics in smaller towns and some villages.
Metric Conversion
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.
Plumbing
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.
Population
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.
Postal Services
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"
Public Holidays
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.
Telephone
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.
Foreign Missions in Northern Cyprus
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
Police
Crime levels are relatively low in Northern
Cyprus and police are always willing to assist if you need
them.
Narcotics
It is illegal to import narcotics into Northern
Cyprus.
Passports and Visas
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. |
