Akrotiri and Dhekelia United Kingdom Akrotiri and Dhekelia – Google Maps

Introduction

Let’s dive into a global journey exploring the diverse nations of the world! Our series will highlight each country through key characteristics, offering a snapshot of their unique identities.

This information is mainly provided by The World Factbook 2021. Washington, DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2021. (https://www.cia.gov/). However other sources are explored to bring the most interesting knowledge of each country.

This serial will continue to provide an engaging exploration of countries around the globe, showcasing their diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories through a consistent lens of essential characteristics.

Today’s episode is about Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

In this episode, we delve into the unique Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, two British Overseas Territories located on the southern coast of Cyprus.

Known for their significant role in regional security, the SBAs are home to important military installations, as well as a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. From the stunning Akrotiri salt lake to the bustling town of Dhekelia, these bases offer a rare glimpse into a British influence in a Mediterranean setting.

These territories are a holdover from British colonial rule and are used primarily for military purposes. The SBAs, covering approximately 254 square kilometers, remain under British control, even though Cyprus gained independence in 1960.

Culturally, the SBAs are a fascinating blend of British and Cypriot influences. English is the official language, but Greek and Turkish are also spoken, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of Cyprus. This mix extends to the local cuisine, where British-style pubs and cafes coexist alongside traditional Cypriot tavernas. The geography of the SBAs is equally captivating, with the rugged terrain of the Troodos Mountains meeting the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

These areas are not only strategic military hubs but also offer insight into the complex colonial legacy of the British Empire, as well as the ongoing political tensions surrounding Cyprus. In this episode, we explore how these territories function today, the cultural interactions within them, and their significance in the broader context of international relations.

Learn about Akrotiri and Dhekelia, British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, their strategic military significance, history, governance, and more.

Keywords

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Background of Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment, which created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the United Kingdom retained full sovereignty over two key areas: Akrotiri and Dhekelia. These Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) cover nearly 254 square kilometers. Akrotiri, located on the southwestern peninsula of Cyprus, is the smaller of the two and is also known as the Western Sovereign Base Area. The larger area, Dhekelia, is situated on the southeastern coast and is referred to as the Eastern Sovereign Base Area.

General Information on Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Country Name

• Full Name: None
• Short Name: Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Capital

• Episkopi Cantonment (administrative center for Akrotiri and Dhekelia)

Geographical Location

• Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, Akrotiri lies on the southwest coast of Cyprus, and Dhekelia is situated near Famagusta on the southeast coast.

Flag Description

 Flag of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Flag of Akrotiri and Dhekelia – Wikipedia

The Union Flag is used in Akrotiri and Dhekelia for official purposes.

Area and Territory

• Akrotiri and Dhekelia make up 3% of Cyprus’ total land area (9,251 square kilometers). The highest point is Mount Olympus (1,952m). The terrain varies, with mountains, plains, and beaches, while the mountains are covered with evergreen forests.

Strategic Location

• Akrotiri is near Limassol, Cyprus’ main port city, and is surrounded by Republic of Cyprus-controlled territory. Dhekelia borders the UN buffer zone and the Turkish-controlled part of Cyprus.

Population of Akrotiri and Dhekelia

• As of 2020, the combined population of the Akrotiri and Dhekelia areas is approximately 18,195, including 11,000 Cypriots and 7,195 UK personnel and their families.

Languages Spoken

• English and Greek are the primary languages spoken in Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

Government and Political Structure

Sovereignty Status

• Both Akrotiri and Dhekelia are a special form of UK overseas territory, managed by an administrator who also serves as Commander of British Forces Cyprus.

Executive System

• Head of State: King Charles III (since September 8, 2022)
• Head of Government: Administrator Air Vice-Marshal Peter J.M. Squires (since September 1, 2022)

Legal and Judicial Systems

• The legal system aligns with Cypriot law where possible, but the SBA Administration operates its own courts and police force. The SBA Police work alongside the Republic of Cyprus and UN Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Legislative System

The SBAs do not have a constitution. Key legislation and treaties include: -Appendix O to the 1960 Treaty of Establishment (the Declaration by the British Government regarding the administration of the SBAs). The Appendix lays out the objectives of the SBAs in Cyprus as well as the fact that the bases are not to create customs posts or other frontier barriers between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus.

The Appendix also states that: commercial/industrial enterprises are not to be set up unless in connection with military requirements; that no commercial air or sea ports are to be established; that no new settlement should be allowed apart from for temporary purposes; that property is not to be expropriated except for military purposes, and then only upon payment of fair compensation; that Cypriots are to be granted freedom of access and communications to and through the British bases, freedom of employment and the freedom to cultivate agricultural land, and to fish and navigate in the bases’ territorial waters.

The Appendix goes on to state that Cypriot utility services are free to operate in the bases; that the Republic is invited to provide a wide range of public

services to be performed for Cypriots in the bases, including education, agricultural services, co-operative development, labour and social insurance services, social welfare services, health and medical services, postal services, and forestry management and the gathering and generation of statistics.

The government of the Republic is also given jurisdiction over the maintenance and administration of antiquity sites and ancient monuments on the bases; the collection of any customs duties due on goods imported through the Republic’s ports that are destined for the bases; as well as the collection of taxes, rates, and fees due from Cypriot residents working or living on the bases. The dues from any mining activities within the bases are to be collected by the Cypriot government; and the Republic is invited to register companies and develop partnerships within the bases that are considered to be within the sphere of commerce, industry, transport and employment.

• Definitions Sections of Annexes B and C to the Treaty Concerning the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. This is simply a definition of terms that are however important in understanding the relationship between the Republic and the SBAs.
• Cyprus Act of 1960. This Act outlines the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus as an independent sovereign country; sets out the framework for the maintenance of the British bases; states that Cypriots are not British citizens; and outlines the shift over to legislation that was drawn up by the Cypriot Government.
• Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in Council (1960). This is a section of the Cyprus Act outlining the position of the Administrator, succession to government, appointment of a deputy, the Administrator’s power to make laws, laws that would continue to have effect after independence of the Republic of Cyprus, the Administrator’s powers of pardon, and the offices for the SBAs.
• Colonial Laws Validity Act of 1865. This addresses the changing colonial laws, and the alteration of constitutions, as well as defining colonial terms used in colonial and post-colonial documents.
• European Convention on Human Rights, which became applicable in the SBAs as of May 1st, 2004, when the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU.
• Protocol 3 to the EU Treaty of Accession, which addresses the arrangements for the SBAs in connection with Cyprus joining the EU.

Transportation and Access

External Transportation

• Airports: 3 total, including RAF Akrotiri, Paphos, and Larnaca airports.
• Ports: Limassol is the primary port for industrial shipments and passenger cruises.

Internal Transportation

• Road: Cyprus has limited public transport, with most residents relying on private vehicles. Taxis and rental cars are widely available.

Geography and Climate

Climate

• Akrotiri and Dhekelia enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The region receives most of its rainfall between November and March.

Natural Resources

• The areas include significant resources like mining sites and the Akrotiri Salt Lake.

Culture and Society

Akrotiri and Dhekelia are military bases rather than colonial territories. The British bases on Cyprus remain under British sovereignty as per the Treaty of Establishment, though the civilian population includes both British military families and Cypriots. The military bases play a key role in the UK’s defense strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Education in Akrotiri and Dhekelia

• There are multiple schools on the bases, offering education to children of service members and their families, operated by the UK Ministry of Defense. However, the transient nature of the military population can make it challenging for students to complete their entire education on the island.

Conclusion: Importance of Akrotiri and Dhekelia

The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are crucial for the UK’s military operations in the Mediterranean. These areas serve as key military installations, providing logistical, air support, and strategic military capabilities in the region.

Akrotiri

• Home to RAF Akrotiri, a major airbase supporting UK and NATO operations in the Middle East.

Dhekelia

• Supports British Army operations, with key facilities for logistics, training, and intelligence.

Strategic Role

• Both areas play a vital role in ensuring UK military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, supporting operations in North Africa, the Middle East, and surrounding waters.

Geopolitical Impact

• The SBAs have a significant influence on regional security, despite being small areas geographically. Their presence in Cyprus enhances the UK’s defense capabilities and provides vital logistical and surveillance assets.

Akrotiri and Dhekelia are vital parts of the UK’s strategic defense network in the Eastern Mediterranean. They serve both as military hubs and as residential areas for UK personnel, providing critical support for regional military operations. Despite their military importance, the relationship with Cyprus remains stable, and the presence of the UK military in these areas is accepted due to their geopolitical significance.

Sources

• Institute of Island Studies, University of Prince Edward Island: Akrotiri & Dhekelia Jurisdiction Project (2007). https://www.islandstudies.com/files/2016/11/Akrotiri-Dhekelia.pdf
• CIA World Factbook 2021. Washington, DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2021. https://www.cia.gov/

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