The Impact of the Embargoes

Below are some basic facts about the quality of life you can enjoy in Cyprus depending on which side of the border you live on. Greek Cypriots enjoy full economic, political, and cultural rights, while Turkish Cypriots are forced to live under apartheid conditions, treated as second-class citizens in their own homeland.

North (Turkish) Cyprus - 220,000 population South (Greek) Cyprus - 750,000 population
1. Political and legal rights and representation The Turkish Cypriot people are denied their constitutional right to be political equals in their homeland of Cyprus. Without these rights their position in law is relegated to a "minority" that is left without any political representation in any international location and institution. Greek Cypriots, through history and UN Resolution 186, are elevated to a new status of ‘sole recognised authority in Cyprus’ with full diplomatic presence all over the world, which is at odds with all of the 1960 Cyprus treaties.
2. Ability to trade internationally Only with Turkey. Restrictions & embargoes apply throughout the rest of the world. Can trade directly globally.
3. Ability to communicate internationally Only via Turkey:
* Mail can only reach North Cyprus via a PO Box - Mersin 10 - in Turkey.
* All telecommunications with the rest of the world - including the internet - are via Turkey.		 Can communicate directly with the rest of the world.
4. Ability to travel worldwide * Own passport not recognised in most countries.
* All international travel can only be made via Turkey, as no air or sea port in North Cyprus legally exists		 Can travel anywhere in the world directly with their own passport.
5. Participation in international social & sporting events No representation allowed in any international events, such as the Olympics, the Eurovision Song Contest, or the World Cup - even friendly football matches with Turkish Cypriot teams are banned. Can represent ‘the whole island’ in any international social, sporting or cultural activity.
6. GNP per capita On average, $5,600 per person per year On average, $19,200 per person per year
7. Purchasing power $1.2 billion $14.8 billion
8. Exports $46 million $1.54 billion
9. Time & cost to fly to from UK Flight to Ercan, Nicosia: 6 hours (all flights must make compulsory touch down in Turkey). Average cost £270 ($483) per adult Direct flight to Larnaka: 4.5 hours. Average cost £140 ($250) per adult
10. Time taken for UK posted letter to arrive 1-2 weeks (all mail has to go via Mersin in Turkey) 3-4 days
11. Number of airlines flying to Cyprus 4 (all via stopover in Turkey) More than 40
12. Number of tourists per year Approx 500,000, 350,000 are from Turkey Approx 3 million
13. Number of embassies 1 (Turkey) 38 (various countries)