Cyprus

Cyprus, a former British colony, became independent in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. The island of Cyprus is divided into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus, and are separated by a buffer zone (the Green Line) controlled by the United Nations. This division has its roots in ethnic strife between the Turks and Greeks, and became solidified in 1974 after Turkey invaded and occupied about 40 percent of the island. Only the Greek-controlled Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European Union since 2004, is recognized internationally.

Cypriot life revolves around the central social institution of the patriarchal family with the father enjoying controlling power over the behavior of the other members of the family, especially women, as ...