The Republic of Cyprus (Greek: Κύπρος, Kıpros; Turkish: Kıbrıs; see also List of traditional Greek place names) is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, 113 kilometres (70 miles) south of Turkey and around 120 km west of the Syrian coast.
Cyprus is geographically close to the Middle East (see also Southwest Asia and Near East) and due to the island's geographic proximity is often included in the region, though politically and culturally it is closely aligned with Europe, in particular Greece and to a lesser extent Turkey. Historically, Cyprus has been at the crossroads between Europe, Southwest Asia, and North Africa, with lengthy periods of mainly Greek and intermittent Levantine, Anatolian and British influences.
After independence Cyprus became a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement despite all three guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey and the UK) being NATO members. Cyprus left the Non-Aligned Movement in 2004 to join the EU.
The 1960 Cypriot Constitution provided for a presidential system of government with independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as a complex system of checks and balances, including a weighted power-sharing ratio designed to protect the interests of the Turkish Cypriots. The executive, for example, was headed by a Greek Cypriot president, Archbishop Makarios III, and a Turkish Cypriot vice president, Dr Fazıl Küçük, elected by their respective communities for 5-year terms and each possessing a right of veto over certain types of legislation and executive decisions.
Things you should know when travelling to Cyprus
Most Canadian visitors to Cyprus do not experience problems. The crime rate is low. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, is prevalent, particularly in urban areas. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. While civil disorder is uncommon, political protests sometimes occur and may result in violence. Avoid demonstrations and other large gatherings.
A United Nations peacekeeping force patrols the "green line" between the Republic of Cyprus, in the southern part of the island, and the Turkish Cypriot northern area. The green line can be crossed at the following points: (1) Pergamos in Larnaca; (2) Strovilia in the Paralimni area; (3) Ayios Dhometios in Nicosia; (4) Astromeritis in Nicosia; and (5) Ledra Palace Gate in Nicosia - this point can only be crossed by foot.
