Cyprus is a country that has gained independence from Britain since 1960, but the Turks began to occupy parts of the north in 1974. In 2004 Cyprus applied to the European Union and was among the best models of states that asked for acceptance into the EU.
Official name: Republic of Cyprus
International Code: CY
Geographic location: South East
Area: 9251 km ²
Capital: Nicosia
Climate: Mediterranean
Time zone: CET + 1 hour