Quick facts and firgures

Independence from the UK was approved in 1960, with constitutional guarantees by the Greek Cypriot majority to the Turkish Cypriot minority. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled almost 40% of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," but it is recognized only by Turkey. UN-led direct talks between the two sides began in January 2002.

Area:
Total: 9,250 sq km
(of which 3,355 sq km are in the Turkish Cypriot area)
Coast line: 648 km

Population:
771,657 (July 2003 est.)

Language:
Greek, Turkish, English

Climate:
temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters