Cyprus–United Kingdom relations facts for kids
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 Cyprus |
 United Kingdom |
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Cyprus and the United Kingdom have a long history together. Cyprus became independent from the UK in 1960, after being under British control for 82 years. Today, the two countries have a friendly relationship. However, the UK still controls some military areas in Cyprus called Akrotiri and Dhekelia. This can sometimes cause disagreements among Cypriots. Both countries are members of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations.
The United Kingdom has an embassy, called a High Commission, in Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus also has a High Commission in London, UK.
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A Look Back: History of Cyprus and the UK
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In 1878, Britain took control of Cyprus from the Ottoman Empire. This happened under British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Britain promised to use Cyprus to help protect the Ottoman Empire from Russia. But instead, Britain used Cyprus to expand its own empire.
Cyprus became a very important military base for Britain. It helped protect the Suez Canal, which was a key shipping route to British India. India was Britain's most important overseas territory at the time. In 1906, a new port was built in Famagusta. This made Cyprus even more important for protecting the Suez Canal.
When World War I started in 1914, the Ottoman Empire and Britain became enemies. On November 5, 1914, Britain officially took over Cyprus. This ended the old agreement.
Cyprus finally gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. This was after 82 years of British rule. The UK also signed a special agreement with Greece and Turkey called the Treaty of Guarantee. This treaty means Britain helps make sure Cyprus stays independent.
For a few years after Cyprus became independent, the UK government gave financial help to Cyprus. However, after some fighting between communities in Cyprus in 1963–64, the UK stopped the payments. They said they couldn't guarantee the money would help everyone equally. The Cypriot government still believes the UK owes them money from those years.
Today's Relationship
Cyprus and the UK are both part of the Commonwealth of Nations. This is a group of countries that were once part of the British Empire. Many people from Cyprus live in the UK. In 2011, it was estimated that about 270,000 Greek Cypriots and 300,000 Turkish Cypriots lived there. Also, at least 50,000 British people live in Cyprus. Many of them own homes in the Paphos area.
Today, the relationship between Cyprus and the UK is very good. They work together on many things like energy, diplomacy, and education. In 2014, the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, and British Prime Minister David Cameron met. They both said how strong the friendship and partnership between their countries are.
Akrotiri and Dhekelia: British Bases in Cyprus
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The UK still controls two military areas in Cyprus called Akrotiri and Dhekelia. These are known as Sovereign Base Areas. Some Cypriots feel that the UK should not still own land in an EU country. There have been protests about this in the past. Some Cypriot villages are even located inside these British areas.
In January 2014, an important agreement was signed. It was signed by the Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and the British Foreign Secretary William Hague. This agreement made it easier for people to build on their land within the British bases. It means that the rules for buying and developing property in these areas are now the same as in the rest of Cyprus. This applies to people from Europe and other countries too.
British People in Cyprus
English mixed martial artist Michael Bisping, who was born on the island
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| Total population | |
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| 150,000+ | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos | |
| Languages | |
| English |
British people are the largest group of Western European immigrants in Cyprus. Cyprus is also home to the biggest British community in the Middle East.
Where Diplomats Work
See also
- Foreign relations of Cyprus
- Foreign relations of the United Kingdom
- National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom
- EU–UK relations
