Cyprus, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, has a modern history marked by tension between its Greek and Turkish communities. The island has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the north following a Greek-backed military coup. Today, the northern third is run by a Turkish Cypriot government, while the southern two-thirds are under the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot-led government. United Nations troops patrol the 'Green Line' separating the two sides, and reunification talks have made slow progress.
Cyprus has successfully diversified from an agrarian economy to one based on services, including a large tourism sector and light manufacturing. It has also become a significant financial hub, particularly for investors from Russia and Eastern Europe. The island joined the European Union in 2004, but as a divided entity.
In February 2023, Nikos Christodoulides was elected president, the first leader born in an independent Cyprus. He won 52% of the vote and has prioritised finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. On the Turkish Cypriot side, Ersin Tatar won the presidency in October 2020, advocating a two-state solution, unlike his predecessor who favoured a federal approach. Tatar's announcement of a partial reopening of the ghost town of Varosha drew international criticism.
The status of Northern Cyprus as a separate political entity is recognised only by Turkey. Cypriot media reflect the island's division, with the Turkish-controlled zone operating its own press and broadcasters. As of January 2022, there were 1.1 million internet users in Cyprus, representing 97% of the population.
Key historical milestones include British annexation in 1914 after Ottoman rule, independence in 1960, inter-communal violence in 1963, the Turkish invasion in 1974, and the declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983, recognised only by Turkey. The UN peacekeeping mission has been renewed for decades, and border restrictions were eased in 2003, allowing crossings for the first time in 30 years.
