12. Akrotiri and Dhekelia (UK in Cyprus)
Akrotiri and Dhekelia are British Sovereign Base Areas carved out on the island of Cyprus, maintained since Cypriot independence in 1960. These military enclaves provide the United Kingdom with a strategic foothold in the Eastern Mediterranean, supporting both regional operations and intelligence gathering. As some of the last remaining British overseas sovereign territories, Akrotiri and Dhekelia highlight the enduring legacy of Britain’s global military reach and the geopolitical importance of Cyprus in modern affairs.
