The northern part is ruled by a Turkish Cypriot administration. A substantial number of Turkish troops remain on the island. They are exempt from taxes and are eligible, along with the Orthodox Church and the Vakf, for government subsidies to their religious institutions. No other religious group is recognized in the Constitution. The registration process involves submission through an attorney of an application that states the purpose of the nonprofit organization and provides the names of the organization's directors.
Registration is granted promptly and many religious groups are recognized.
Annual reports of the organization's activities are required. Such nonprofit organizations are tax-exempt. Approximately 96 percent of the population in the government-controlled area are Greek Orthodox. A January 1998 opinion poll indicated that about 48 percent of Greek Cypriots attend church services regularly, while 49 percent attend only for major religious holidays and ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. The remainder does not attend religious services at all.