Country information on Northern Cyprus 

Terrain

The fertile and densely populated Mesaoria Plain, the island's most important agricultural and settlement area, dominates most of Cyprus's northern part. The northern part's most important mountain range is the Kyrenian Mountains, which run parallel to the northern coastline and are mainly limestone. The coastline also includes small strips of fertile, flooded terraces and woodland areas.

Climate

The island's climate is typically Mediterranean, with very hot summers, and mild and humid winters. Climatic conditions in coastal areas are less extreme than in central areas given the moderating influence of sea weather. Cyprus sees most of the annual rainfall between December and February.

Fauna/Flora

There are three main habitat types in Cyprus: the mountain ranges, the coastal plains and the cultivated lands. Notable concentrations of woodland predominantly occur in the Kyrenian Mountains and consist of pine, cypress, and cedar trees. Further species found on the island are juniper, plane tree, oak, olive and carob trees. Though wild animals are scarce on the island, there are griffon vultures, foxes, fruit-eating bats, sea turtles and moufflon, a wild sheep endemic to Cyprus.

History/Politics

Earliest records of Cyprian history date back to around 7000 BC with settlement by Anatolian and Syrian tribes. In the late eighth century BC, the island was divided into a series of independent kingdoms, tributaries of the Assyrian Empire. It was conquered by the Egyptians in the sixth century BC, shortly afterwards by Persian troops. After the death of Alexander the Great, Cyprus passed to the Ptolemaic Kingdom and in BC 58 became a Roman Province. Upon the partition of the Roman Empire, Cyprus fell under the rule of the Byzantine Empire. The island was conquered by Richard Lionhearted in 1191 and sold to the Lusignan noble family who were to rule Cyprus for three centuries to follow. The Venetians took over in 1498 as a result of a marriage between the Lusignan and Cornaro noble families. In 1571, the Turks who were to dominate the country until the late-19th century conquered the island. After Russia's victory over the Ottoman Empire in 1878, the British gained government control over the island. In 1925, Cyprus became a Crown colony of the UK, but by then the colonial power had to face the so-called "enosis", a movement supporting a union with Greece, which in turn was disfavoured by Turkey.

In the 1950s, tension between Greece and Turkey rose and a guerrilla movement lead by Greek Cypriots was organised. In 1959, representatives of Great Britain, Greece and Turkey agreed on proclaiming the Republic of Cyprus. On 16 August 1960, Cyprus became independent. Ongoing conflict between Greeks and Turks, which peaked in a military coup on 15 July 1974, establishment of a pro-Greek government and an invasion by Turkish troops, marked the following decades. This was followed by Greece removing her troops immediately and the occupation of the northern third of the island by Turkish military. UN peacekeeping forces have remained on the island ever since. In spite of frequent peace talks, Cyprus remains divided. Rauf Raschid Denktasch proclaimed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983, which was not recognised by the international community.

Economy

Until 1974 agriculture formed the backbone of Northern Cyprian economy. Then, structural reform was implemented and the manufacturing and services sectors were becoming more important. As Northern Cyprus had only been officially recognised by Turkey, there were problems with attracting foreign investment in the past. Tourism is the most important economic sector, followed by manufacturing (cement, clothes, shoes) and agriculture.

Culture

Cypriots are very proud of their cultural heritage, which stretches back more than 9000 years. The country is littered with reminders of the island's cultural history. Relics from every era - Greek temples, Roman mosaics and 15th century religious frescoes - influence the artists of today. Many villages specialise in a particular art form like pottery, silver and copperware, basket weaving, tapestry and Lefkara's famous lacework.