Disputed Areas

C

Cyprus

Following an invasion by Turkish forces in 1974, the northern third of Cyprus came under Turkish control. This area proclaimed itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983, but Turkey alone recognizes this republic. The southern portion remains under the control of the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government. The two areas are separated by a United Nations buffer zone.

D

Golan Heights

Israel occupied the Golan Heights region of Syria in 1967 and annexed it in 1981. Syria refuses to recognize Israel’s authority in the region.

E

Jammu and Kashmīr

Pakistan, India, and China each claim all or part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmīr. A cease-fire agreement in 1949 divided the region into two sectors: the eastern part administered by India as the state of Jammu and Kashmīr and the western part administered by Pakistan as Azad (Free) Kashmīr and the Northern Areas. In the 1950s China occupied the northeast portion of Kashmīr, known as Aksai Chin.

F

Kuril Islands

Japan and Russia each claim the southern Kuril Islands. Settled by both countries in the 18th century, the Kuril Island chain became Japanese territory through a treaty signed in 1875. Japan ceded the islands to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) after World War II (1939-1945), but maintained a claim to the southernmost islands. After the USSR dissolved in 1991, Russia continued to claim and occupy all of the islands.

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G

Nagorno-Karabakh

The Nagorno-Karabakh region is part of Azerbaijan, but Armenians comprise the majority of the population. Between 1988 and 1994 the enclave fought Soviet, then Azerbaijani, forces for secession. A cease-fire was established in May 1994, but prospects for a negotiated settlement remain dim.

IV

Africa

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