20 Fun facts about Northern Cyprus

We know that when you’re deciding on where to go on holiday it’s easy to focus on the important things; the beach, the sun and the good food and drink, but seeing as holidays to North Cyprus tick all of those boxes, we’ve compiled a list of more specific facts to help you get to know this fantastic place a little better.

Some of our featured facts are random, others are widely known, and some are really fascinating, but hopefully they will give a better insight into the history and culture of Northern Cyprus.

  1. Cyprus including North Cyprus is an old British Colony and so holds many traditions.

  2. In North Cyprus they drive on the left just like the UK so its preferred by expats!

  3. Although the south of Cyprus is a member of the EU, the North isn’t which can mean things cost a little less there.

  4. Nicosia is the capital city of both the North and South, making it the only city in the Europe (since the fall of the Berlin wall) that is split by a border, although you can travel freely through checkpoints since the easing of border controls.

  5. The largest flag in the world is in Northern Cyprus, painted on the Kyrenia Mountains, and an amazing view it is.

  6. Cats have lived on the Island of Cyprus for over 9000 years, now that’s a “purfect” thought

  7. Cyprus has been inhabited since the Neolithic Stone Age making it a fascinating place full of history.

  8. The area of Cyprus Area is 3355km2, and roughly 27% of this is in North Cyprus.

  9. The official religion of North Cyprus is Muslim with 98% of the population.

  10. Turkish is the main spoken language, but English is widely known thanks to it being an ex British Colony.

  11. ‘Key’ released in 2011 was the first feature length movie made entirely in Northern Cyprus.

  12. Poetry is the most widely published form of literature, with multiple prominent Turkish Cypriot poets.

  13. Othello’s tower is located in Famagusta, North Cyprus.

  14. Taekwondo and Karate are the most popular sport in Northern Cyprus by number of participants, kicking it all the way to the leader board of sports in North Cyprus.

  15. You can ask to have a separate piece of paper stamped instead of your passport if you like.

  16. Cyprus was once the world’s richest countries during the copper and bronze ages, and you can still see the old Copper mines in Guzelyurt.

  17. North Cyprus has its own Ghost town known as Varosha forming part of old Famagusta.

  18. Turtles lay their eggs in North Cyprus every year.

  19. There are 6 crusader castles in North Cyprus… a magnificent site!

  20. The currency in North Cyprus is Turkish Lira, making your pennies go further thanks to conversion rates.



So there you go a great range of fun facts that may or may not influence your decision to travel to North Cyprus. Whether you travel there or not you will be full of wisdom, and at least it may be useful in a pub quiz. If you do travel to North Cyprus, then you can be a brain box and show off your knowledge to the locals.  

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