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As a result of the
Peace Operation that was carried out by Turkey on 20th July 1974, international
negotiations were organised. When these negotiations came to a dead end, Northern Cyprus
Turkish Republic (CNTR) declared its independence on the date of 15th November 1983. This
republic was founded on the Island of Cyprus that is located in the south of Turkey with
the distance of 60 km. Its surface area is 3.335 km2. The total surface area of the island
is 9.251 km2. Therefore, 35% of the total surface are pertains to the Republic of CNTR.
The country is covered
with plains in respect of geography and divided into two sections with Beşparmak
Mountains. In the south of the country, there are Mesaria plain lands that extend from
Magosa towards Lefkoşe fertile lands that extended from Lefkoşe to Guzelyurt.
The NCTR has a typical
Mediterranean climate with warm and arid summers and mild and rainy summers. The warmest
months are July and August and the coldest months are December and March. The average
rainfall is about 70 mm.
According to the
results of the census of 1996 that are not definite, the population of the NCTR is 200.587
people. The density of population is observed as 59 persons per km2. The rate of
population increase is 1.1%.
The capital city of the
CNTR is Lefkoşe. The other important cities are Gazimagosa, Girne and Guzelyurt. The NCTR
is located in the north of the Island of Cyprus that is known as the Green Island all over
the world. The activities of agriculture and forestry are paid much attention and
significance. 57% of the lands of the country are arable fields. The cultivation of citrus
fruits, barley, wheat, olive oil, potato, carrot and the cultivation of fruits and
vegetables are highly developed. The country has become self-sufficient in respect of
cultivation of vegetables and fruits. Taking into consideration the lack of water
resources in the country, modern irrigational systems were installed and the restricted
water resources are used in the most rational manner.
Sheep or goats are bred
in the mountainous regions and cattle breeding are made in the farms. The apiculture is
highly developed. Between the years of 1980-95, the country has realised the exportation
of more than 184 thousands of live lambs, 737 live calves, more than 54 thousands of live
kids, 2800 live goats and 1000 live sheep. Furthermore, an area of 3000 hectares has been
afforested.
Although the industry
is not so developed, there are important developments observed in the branches of civil
engineering and apparel. Industry has been established in the form of small- and
medium-scaled corporations. The number of the plants in the manufacture industry increased
to 726 in the year of 1995 and the number of the people employed increased to 11.382.
There are organised industrial sites in Lefkoşe, Gazimagosa and Girne. There is a free
port founded in Magosa and 22 corporations operate in the fields of cement and leather
packaging, vehicle maintenance and repair, ready-made clothing manufacture and transit
trade in this region. The generation of electrical energy has been increased to the
self-sufficient level that can meet the requirement of the country.
The Northern Cyprus is
considered as a paradise country that develops in the sector of tourism with its
historical and tourism places, beautiful air and clean environments.
The gross national
product of the CNTR is 767.0 million dollars. Its exportation has been realised as 68.5
million dollars and its importation has been realised as 330.0 million dollars (The data
pertaining to the year of 1996). The principal sectors that have an important place in
economy are the trade and industry sectors with the share of 18.2% and the agriculture
with the share of 13.5%. The national income per capita has reached to the amount of 4.156
dollars.
There is not any
serious problem of unemployment in the country and the working population in the CNTR is
76.454 people. This population is concentrated in the fields of agriculture, industry,
civil engineering and public services.
The foreign trade that
was under the blockade of Russia between the years of 1963-74 has attained activity
pursuant to the Peace operation in the year of 1974. This progress has been accelerated
and advanced pursuant to the declaration of the Republic. Today, the NCTR maintains
foreign trade with 70 countries. 30% of its exportation was shipped to Turkey and 54.2 of
its exportation was shipped to Europe by the year of 1995. 53.2% of its importation was
purchased from Turkey and 27.1% of its importation was purchased from the European Union.
Particularly, there are some concentrated efforts in order to increase the trade and
commercial activities with the Turkish Republics apart from the Republic of Turkey.
The Constitution was
adopted upon a public referendum on the date of 5th May 1985. The NCTR that have a
multilateral party system is a secular and independent state based on the social justice
and the rule of law.
The NCTR has a
president, prime minister, board of ministers and a parliament. The greatest problem of
the NCTR is the international recognition of this state.
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