Data code: CY
Type of government: republic
note: 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 invasion of
the island in July 1974, 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 of government
Capital: Nicosia
note: the Turkish area's capital is Lefkosa (Nicosia)
Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia,
Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos; note - Turkish area
administrative divisions include Kyrenia, all but a small part of
Famagusta, and small parts of Nicosia and Larnaca
Independence: 16 August 1960 (from UK)
note: Turkish area proclaimed self-rule on NA February 1975 from
Republic of Cyprus
National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October
note: Turkish area celebrates 15 November as Independence Day
Constitution: 16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and to better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in 1975 Turkish Cypriots created their own constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which was renamed the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in 1983; a new constitution for the Turkish area passed by referendum on 5 May 1985
Legal system: based on common law, with civil law modifications
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Glafcos CLERIDES
(since 28 February 1993) was elected for a five-year term by
universal suffrage; election last held 14 February 1993 (next to be
held NA February 1998); results - Glafcos CLERIDES 50.3%, Yeoryios
VASSILIOU 49.7%
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed jointly by the president
and vice president
note: Rauf R. DENKTASH has been "president" of the Turkish area
since 13 February 1975 (president is elected for a five-year term by
universal suffrage); Hakki ATUN has been "prime minister" of the
Turkish area since 1 January 1994; there is a Council of Ministers
(cabinet) in the Turkish area; elections last held 15 and 22 April
1995 (next to be held NA April 2000); results - Rauf R. DENKTASH
62.5%, Dervis EROGLU 37.5%