Freedom in the World reports assess the level of political rights and civil liberties in a given geographical area, regardless of whether they are affected by the state, nonstate actors, or foreign powers. Related, disputed, or occupied territories are sometimes assessed separately if they meet certain criteria, including distinct conditions for political rights and civil liberties and boundaries that are sufficiently stable to allow year-on-year comparisons. For more information, see the report methodology and FAQ.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is a self-declared state recognized only by Turkey. Civil liberties are generally upheld, and the multiparty political system is largely democratic, though it has experienced increasing interference from the Turkish government. Other ongoing concerns include corruption, discrimination against minority groups, and human trafficking.

• Prime Minister Ünal Üstel won a new mandate to lead the ruling National Unity Party (UBP) at the party’s congress in September, but one of the losing candidates alleged that the voting was marred by extensive fraud and multiple procedural violations designed to control the outcome.
• In February, former Education Minister Kemal Dürüst and several other individuals associated with the Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University (KSTU)—a private institution owned by Turkish businessman and Nationalist Movement Party lawmaker Levent Uysal—were arrested for their alleged roles in the sale of fake diplomas. The KSTU was accused of issuing more than 600 fabricated degrees to recipients including police officials, military officers, and civil servants, who could use them to obtain promotions or salary increases. The ongoing investigation quickly spread to other universities and to government officials accused of taking bribes to facilitate the scheme; the territory’s educational system has also been implicated in human trafficking, with student visas used to lure and exploit foreign workers.
• Repeatedly during the year, TRNC border officials denied entry to foreigners and even longtime residents whom the government had placed on a list of banned individuals. Among those affected were human rights activist and researcher Emmanuel Achiri, who had studied in Northern Cyprus for eight years, and two Greek Cypriot municipal leaders who had participated in a delegation visiting a northern village.
• A new law that took effect in May imposed a range of restrictions on the sale and long-term rental of immovable property by people without TRNC citizenship, though citizens of Turkey, because it recognizes the TRNC, would face looser restrictions. The law also limited the number of noncitizens who could obtain residences in a given complex, particularly if they are from the same country; this provision raised concerns about discrimination based on ethnicity or national origin.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.