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The island is divided by a thin buffer zone occupied by the United Nations Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP), which since 1974 has separated the northern Turkish Cypriot sector from the southern Greek Cypriot sector. Agricultural products include cereal grains, olives, citrus, potatoes, and cotton; in addition, the Greek sector grows deciduous fruits and wine grapes, and the Turkish side grows tobacco, vegetables, and table grapes. Sheep, goats, poultry, hogs, and some cattle are raised. Fishing is an important industry in the Turkish sector, and the Greek side has a strong manufacturing economy (processed foods and beverages, paper, chemicals, textiles, metal products, and refined petroleum). Tourism is important for both areas but has been affected by political instability. Mineral resources include copper, pyrites, chrome, asbestos, and gypsum. Timber is also important. The Greek sector is considerably more prosperous than the Turkish side, which is heavily dependent on aid from Turkey.
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