Republic of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is a sovereign nation located on the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Established in 1960 after gaining independence from British rule, it is predominantly Greek Cypriot in culture and language, with a Turkish Cypriot minority. Since 1974, the island has been divided; the southern part is internationally recognized as the Republic of Cyprus, while the northern third, controlled by Turkish Cypriots, is a self-declared Turkish Cypriot state called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. The divided island faces ongoing efforts toward reunification and international reconciliation.