- Capital: Nicosia
- Area: 9,250 sq km
- Population: 754,064 (July 1999
estimated)
- Currency: Greek Cypriot area: Cypriot pound;
Turkish Cypriot area: Turkish lira
- Form of government: republic; a
disaggregation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the island began after the
outbreak of communal strife in 1963, this separation was further solidified following the
Turkish intervention in July 1974 following a Greek junta-based coup attempt, which gave
the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the only
internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot
"President" Rauf DENKTASH declared independence and the formation of a
"Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC), which has been recognized only by
Turkey; both sides publicly call for the resolution of intercommunal differences and
creation of a new federal system; Legislative branch: unicameral - Greek Cypriot
area: House of Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56
assigned to the Greek Cypriots. 24 to Turkish Cypriots; members are elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms); Turkish Cypriot area: Assembly of the Republic or
Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year
terms)
- Languages: Greek, Turkish, English
- Religion: Greek Orthodox (78%), Muslim (18%),
other (4%)
- National holiday: Independance Day, 24 February
(1918)
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