I understand Cyprus gained independence some time after Greece did. Most of the Cypriot population is Greek-speaking and is ethnically Greek. Why did it become a separate state?
Greece was under Ottoman control and revolted in the 1830s while Cyprus was under British control and gained independence from them in the 1960s. Cyprus maintained its independence but there were those that wanted it to be apart of Greece, both in Athens and on the island. A Greek sponsored coup in 1974 ousting President Makarios III led to Turkey invading and controlling a third of the island. Now the island is divided between Turkish and Greek halves.
Does that help?
Thanks all for your help!