Country Profile: Dhekelia

Dhekelia is a British Overseas Territory located on the southeast coast of Cyprus, covering an area of approximately 131 square kilometers. The population is about 15,500, comprising mostly Cypriots along with a significant presence of UK military personnel and contractors. The economy is primarily supported by military activities, given that there are no significant indigenous industries. Governance is provided by a military administrator, reflecting its status as a special form of UK overseas territory.

Geography

Dhekelia is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, on Cyprus's southeast coast near Famagusta. It encompasses a land area of about 131 square kilometers, featuring a coastline that stretches 27.5 kilometers. The climate is characterized as temperate Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool winters.

Area: 131 sq km
Coastline: 27.5 km
Land boundaries: 108 km (all bordering Cyprus)
Geographic coordinates: 34 59 N, 33 45 E

People and Society

The population of Dhekelia is approximately 15,500, including around 9,700 Cypriots and 5,800 service personnel along with their dependents. The predominant languages spoken are English and Greek. The demographic structure includes both local residents and military personnel, aiding in cultural diversity.

Population: ~15,500
Cypriot residents: ~9,700
Service and UK-based personnel: ~5,800

Economy

The economy of Dhekelia is largely dependent on the military presence, with no significant local industries reported. The area uses the euro for its currency transactions. The economic landscape is shaped primarily by the operations of the British military in the region.

Uses the euro as currency.

Government

Dhekelia is administered as a special form of UK overseas territory, governed by an administrator who is also the Commander of British Forces Cyprus. The area operates under a legal framework aligned closely with that of the Republic of Cyprus, although it has its own administrative and judicial system. The capital of Dhekelia is Episkopi Cantonment, functioning as the administrative center.

Capital: Episkopi Cantonment
Administrator: Air Vice-Marshal Peter J.M. Squires (since 1 September 2022)
Chief of State: King Charles III (since 8 September 2022)

Military and Security

The defense of Dhekelia falls under the responsibility of the UK military, specifically the British Forces Cyprus. This includes the Dhekelia Garrison and Ayios Nikolaos Station, which are interconnected by a roadway. The military presence is crucial for both security and the maintenance of order within the territory.

Military Responsibility: UK military
Includes: Dhekelia Garrison and Ayios Nikolaos Station

Communications

The British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) delivers a variety of media services, including multi-channel satellite television and radio broadcasts, specifically catering to the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area.

Broadcast Media: BFBS provides multi-channel TV and radio.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Area	131 sq km
Population	~15,500	Including ~9,700 Cypriots and ~5,800 UK personnel
Governance	Special UK Territory
Capital	Episkopi Cantonment