Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and
Sicily. It lies 65 km from Turkey’s southern coast. Other neighbouring
countries are Syria (97 km), Lebanon (108 km), Egypt (370 km), Israel and
Greece. Since the division of Cyprus in 1974 the Turkish Cypriots have lived
in the northern part of the island while Greek Cypriots live in the south.
Mainly the effects of side pressures have formed the island’s present shape
during different geological ages. ‘Capes’ have been formed where the land
has strength against the erosion of the sea and ‘Gulfs’ have been formed
where the land was weaker and so gave way to erosion. There are two capes,
Zafer Cape at the end of the Karpaz peninsula and Korucam Cape to the west.
The two gulfs are at Guzelyurt and Famagusta.
Area
The total area of the island is approximately 9,252 sq km, but North Cyprus
covers a total area of 3,515 sq km or nearly one third of the whole island.
It is some 242 km wide and 64 km deep approximately at its extreme points.
Coastline
The coastline consists of enchanting coves, rocky coast and long golden
sandy beaches. The beaches of Northern Cyprus are among the cleanest and
safest in the Mediterranean. The average water temperature is 24C between
May and October. The summer season sees the Hotel Beaches offering an
excellent service to its customers in terms of eating and drinking
facilities, not failing to mention the provision of beach umbrellas and
beach loungers. Some of the beaches of Norhern Cyprus will also offer
activities such as water skiing, banana rides, jet-ski, wind surfing and
scuba diving.
Mountains
The most prominent feature of Norht Cyprus is the northern range of
mountains, known as the Kyrenia Mountains, or Five Finger Mountains. It is a
narrow range, approximately 130 km long, running parallel to the coastline.
Occupying an area of about 260 sq km, it is composed predominately of
limestone, dolomite, and marble. The highest point is Mount Selvili, near
village of Lapta, at 1,023 m.
The largest spring in the North Cyprus is in this range near Five Finger
Mountains. The fertile north coast is chiefly covered with olive and carob
trees.
Plains and Lowlands
The Mesaoria plain, which lies in the centre of the island, between the
Kyrenia Mountains and the Troodos Mountains in the south, is used for the
production of central crops such as wheat, barley and oats. It is known as
the breadbasket of Cyprus.
Sea and Shore
The northern and eastern shores of North Cyprus are lapped by the clear,
blue, warm waters of the Mediterranean. All along the coastline are bays and
beaches where swimming and sunbathing can take place the whole year round.
The largest bays are Guzelyurt and Famagusta and main peninsulas are Zafer,
Korucam and Kasa.
Earthquakes
Cyprus is located in the palm of what is known as the Cyprian Arc.
Unfortunately the exact location of the Cyprian Arc is still under debate.
It seems that each time that a study is conducted, different results emerge.
It has reached the point that people do not even know what type of fault the
Cyprian Arc is.
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