History

By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the United Kingdom retained full sovereignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 sq km (98 sq mi) -- Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The southernmost and smaller of the two is Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Western Sovereign Base Area. The larger area is the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Eastern Sovereign Base Area. (2024)

Environment

Area: None km2

Climate: temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Natural resources: None

Ethnic characteristics

Groups: None

Languages: English, Greekmajor-language sample(s): Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek)The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Religions: None

Government

Capital: Episkopi Cantonment in Akrotiri (base administrative center for Akrotiri and Dhekelia)

Government type: None

Executive branch

Chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022)

Head of government: Administrator Air Vice-Marshall Peter J.M. SQUIRES (since 1 September 2022)note: administrator reports to the British Ministry of Defense and is also Commander, British Forces Cyprus (BFC); the chief officer, an appointed civilian, is responsible for the day-to-day running of the civil government of the Sovereign Base Areas

Legislative branch

Description: None