The island of Cyprus, for an unusual place, is a wonder. The island is home to two countries, Northern Cyprus and Southern Cyprus, which are opposed to each other and even prohibit intermarriage, but share a capital.
Although the island's geographical conditions are not outstanding, the central area is relatively flat and fertile, but there is a chronic lack of running rivers and water shortages.
However, due to its location in the eastern Mediterranean as a key hub connecting Europe and Asia, it has great strategic value, attracting countries such as the United States, Britain, Russia and Turkey to set up military bases there.
The island is home to two countries, North Cyprus and South Cyprus, whose names may sound familiar.
At the border of the two countries there is a long buffer zone, known as the "Green Line", which is administered by peacekeeping forces and divides the island between the two countries.
The city of Nicosia, which happens to be in the center of the buffer zone, is divided into two parts.
Because the city was once the capital and has a long history, neither country is willing to give up its influence here.
As a result, Nicosia now has two separate administrative systems that exist parallel to each other.
Imagine strolling through a lively city centre with a busy shopping street on one side and a border area manned by UN peacekeepers on the other.
Although they are not far from each other, the inhabitants of the two countries are independent and do not interfere with each other.
Residents of the two countries cannot even speak to each other through the communication system, let alone intermarry, especially for religious reasons.
People from both countries are free to cross the border for business or pleasure during the day, but must return to their respective countries at night.
Any illegal border crossing will be severely punished because it is located in a sensitive area where even a minor mistake can trigger a major diplomatic incident.
In addition, the two countries also share a common national anthem, "Ode to Freedom," and the same national emblem and flag.
Southern Cyprus is one of the wealthiest countries in the Mediterranean region, covering an area of more than 5,800 square kilometers with a GDP per capita of 24,000 euros.
Northern Cyprus is located in the north, the smaller place less than 4,000 square kilometers, the population is mostly Turkish immigrants, living in dependence on the Turkish government funding.
There has long been a division between North and South Cyprus, and despite repeated talks, progress has been slow.
In 2003, the North first proposed a federation to jointly govern the two sides, and the South later supported it, marking the end of a half-century long blockade.
However, the results of a referendum in 2004 showed that the people of the North and South were divided, with the south overwhelmingly opposed.
In 2013, Southern Cyprus received a new leader who was committed to resolving the North-South divide and advancing the reunification process.
Although there are many challenges ahead, the reunification of North and South Cyprus will eventually happen, and new negotiations are still underway.
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