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Independence from the UK was approved in 1960, with constitutional guarantees by the Greek Cypriot majority to the Turkish Cypriot minority. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled almost 40% of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," but it is recognized only by Turkey. UN-led direct talks between the two sides to reach a comprehensive settlement to the division of the island began in January 2002 and will reach a culmination when a referendum of all Cypriots is held on 21 April 2004, just 10 days before the Greek part of Cyprus is scheduled to join the EU.
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Country
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Surface Area: 9,250 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in the Turkish Cypriot area)
Population: 775,927 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Asia (Middle East)
Capital City: Nicosia
Head of State: Tassos PAPADOPOULOS
Prime Minister: Tassos PAPADOPOULOS
Independent since: 16 August 1960 (from UK); note - Turkish Cypriot area proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975
Currency: Greek Cypriot area: Cypriot pound (CYP); Turkish Cypriot area: Turkish lira (TRL)
Flag (image): 
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