Cyprus > Overview

Last update: December 2016

After a war between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots the island is divided into the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus. The international community regards the northern territory as part of the Republic of Cyprus, while Turkey supports the independence of the Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus. As trials for reunification have failed until today, the United Nations peacekeepers are still operating the buffer zone between southern and northern territory, where passing is only possible at certain checkpoints. The Republic of Cyprus is part of the European Union sine 2004. The country has strongly been affected by the economical crisis and is facing the highest unemployment rates since its foundation. Racism and Nationalism have to be seen in the context of the Cyprus conflict and the economical problems which are the ground for an uprising right wing movement and increasing violence against foreigners.