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 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.
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 Democrat Party and the Republican Turkish 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 unsurtaced, 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.
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(usua!ly 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 IOOcI 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 GuzelyurtTel: 714 2140 Police Karpaz Tel: 381 2325
Medical Services and Hospitals http://www.go-northcyprus.com/general-info.htm 03.09.2004
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 http://www.go-northcyprus.com/general-info.htm 03.09.2004 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.
Tax System
Northern Cyprus has one of the most competitive tax rates on corporate gains among the EU countries. The basic corporate income tax rate is 10% for all companies. Additionally, 15% withholding tax on net chargeable income is levied after corporation tax for each company. So all together any company operates in Northern Cyprus is liable to pay 23.5% for their respective income.
All residents in Northern Cyprus are subject to pay Personal Income tax. The Personal income tax varies from 10% to 40%. The lowest personnel income tax levied in Northern Cyprus is 10%.
In Northern Cyprus, supply of goods and services, demand of goods and services and imports are subjected to Value Added Tax(VAT): There are six VAT rates in Northern Cyprus. The VAT rates are: 0%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively.
Interest earned from the bank deposits is subjected to 8% interest for real persons, while it is subjected to 2% for legal entities. Rental income is subject to 10%. The property tax is based on the meter square of the premises and it is 1 TL for each meter square.
