POPULATION 767,314
EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN 78 percent
SUNNI MUSLIM 18 percent
OTHER 4 percent

Country Overview

Introduction

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and lies close to the southern coast of Turkey. It has had a turbulent history in which religion—particularly Eastern Orthodox Christianity—has played a pivotal role. The country is divided as a result of its invasion in 1974 by Turkish forces, which occupy 37 percent of Cypru'ss territory. In 1983 a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" was unilaterally declared; only Turkey recognizes it. The southern part of the country is called the Republic of Cyprus.

Religious Tolerance

Although Orthodoxy is predominant, the Cyprus constitution of 1960 guarantees freedom of religions whose teaching and rites are not secret. Discrimination on religious grounds is prohibited. The Orthodox Church administers its affairs according to the holy canons and its charter of 1914. Because of the inseparability of Greek Cypriot and Orthodox identity, any...