Cyprus

 

Did you know that the island of Cyprus is divided into four main regions, each with its unique character?

Here’s a quick tour through these areas:

1. The Republic of Cyprus: The thriving southern part of the island, internationally recognized, where Greek culture meets the beauty of the Mediterranean. It gained its Independence from the UK in 1960. It uses the Euro and is part of the EU. 

2. Northern Cyprus (The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus): The northern part, which declared independence unilaterally, blending Ottoman heritage with natural charm. Turkey invaded it in 1974 and has never left. It uses the Turkish Lira.

3. The United Nations Buffer Zone: Known as the "Green Line", this demilitarized zone separates the north from the south, telling the story of the island’s division. It uses the Euro.

4. The British Sovereign Base Areas (Akrotiri and Dhekelia): Two regions under British sovereignty since colonial times, playing a strategic role in the Mediterranean. It uses the Euro.

^ I visited the Republic of Cyprus in 2007. I had a pre-paid day tour to cross into Turkish Northern Cyprus also scheduled, but that was cancelled at the last moment by the Tour Company (I found out as I was waiting at the meeting point to go.) ^