
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 to reach a comprehensive settlement to the division of the
island began in January 2002.. LOCATION:
Middle East, island in the Mediterranean
Sea, south of Turkey CLIMATE: temperate; Mediterranean with
hot, dry summers and cool winters BORDERS:
None