Cyprus, a onetime Greek colony and the site of many military incursions over the centuries, is still today, an island in conflict between two opposing factions.The southern part of this Mediterranean island (the Greek Area) is called the Republic of Cyprus, and is controlled by the officially recognized Cyprus government.
About one-third of Cyprus is occupied by Turkey, and they call it the Republic of Northern Cyprus. That claim is not recognized by the United Nations, or any other country. Because of a Turkish invasion in 1974, the United Nation's established a buffer zone (colored gray), and that zone runs through the middle of the island, dissecting the capital city of Nicosia. Even though Cyprus gained its independence from the UK in 1960, there remains two British sovereign bases on the island. (colored yellow)
Through it all, this ancient island remains a popular regional tourist destination, one famed for its sunny weather and fascinating history.