Cyprus

Home: Things failed to run according to plan. The UN-backed strategy to reunite the island belly-flopped last week when the Greek side of the island decided not to join in the UN-EU game and voted against reunification. Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos came to power in 2003 after his predecessor was thought to have made too many concessions to the UN. Papdopoulos left nothing to chance and told his people to shout ‘no’ in the face of EU-UN wishes. Conversely, Rauf Denktash, who represents the island’s northern, Turkish-occupied part, rallied a resounding ‘yes’ from his community. It is too early to say what the fall-out will be for the Mediterranean’s problematic paradise.

Away: What now? Brussels is left in the awkward position of letting half the island into the European family while the northern part remains ‘occupied’ by the Turks. The EU is likely to reward the north with more cash hand-outs but must tread carefully unable to officially recognise the zone as an independent state. Brussels is also fuming over the treatment meted out to enlargement chief Guenter Verheugen who was not allowed on national television in the south to preach the virtues of reunifying the island. Cyprus has few unique interests in the wider EU questions, but will remain an important touchstone whenever the Middle East or Turkish EU hopes come up in conversation.

What you never knew: Cyprus, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, is turning into the modern day Berlin. The island boasts its very won Checkpoint Charlie: a café on the iron curtain dividing the northern and south halves.

Population: 802,000
Capital: Nicosia
GDP: €10,400

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