government: republic- presidential democracy. note: a separation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separation was further solidified after the Turkish intervention in July 1974; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf DENKTASH declared independence and the formation of a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC), which is recognized only by Turkey

state of civil and political rights: Free

constitution: 16 August 1960. note: a new constitution for the "TRNC" passed by referendum on 5 May 1985

legal system: based on common law, with civil law modifications

legislative system: unicameral - area under government control: House of Representatives (Vouli Antiprosopon); area administered by Turkish Cypriots: Assembly of the Republic (Cumhuriyet Meclisi)

judicial system: Supreme Court (judges are appointed jointly by the president and vice president) note: there is also a Supreme Court in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots

religion: Orthodox Christian 89.1%, Roman Catholic 2.9%, Protestant/Anglican 2%, Muslim 1.8%, Buddhist 1%, other

death row:

year of last executions: 0-0-0

death sentences: 0

executions: 0