Hostilities in 1974 divided the island into two de facto autonomous areas, a Greek Cypriot area controlled by the internationally recognized Cypriot Government and a Turkish-Cypriot area, separated by a UN buffer zone; March 2003 reunification talks failed, but Turkish-Cypriots later opened their borders to temporary visits by Greek Cypriots; a UN-brokered peace plan attempts to break the stalemate over final status before the Greek Cypriot area enters the EU in May 2004. Despite the issues discussed, Cyprus tourism has been steadily growing over the last few years and is considered safe for travel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/cy.html#Issues