Mapping the World

1. Cyprus: the island of division

Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is a unique island divided into two states. As a result, Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is also crossed by a boundary wall. To the south, the Republic of Cyprus, of Greek culture, has its seat at the UN and is a member of the European Union. To the north, the Republic of Northern Cyprus, of Turkish culture, is recognized only by Ankara. Cyprus has always been torn between different influences – Byzantine, Ottoman, Venetian, British, Greek – before gaining independence. Since 1974, its northern part has been occupied by Turkey and a "green line", under UN control, separates the island in two. Turkish-Greek relations, exclusive economic zones in the Eastern Mediterranean, underwater gas prospecting, etc.: the Cypriot imbroglio is responsible for many disputes in the region.