Cyprus What nationality am I?

Magnus · instructor

Ok, this isn't one of those fun games like 'what's my fruit', so apologies if that's what you were expecting. I want to ask you all, what nationality you would say I am based on this information:

1. My parents are both Greek Cypriots, born and raised in Cyprus but have lived it the UK for many years.

2. I was born in the UK and have lived here all my life. I was educated and work/pay taxes here. My passport, birth certificate and all other official documentation describes my nationality as 'British'.

3. I have never lived in Cyprus but visit as often as I can.

4. I haven't done any military service in Cyprus but if I were to relocate on a permanent basis then I would be obliged to do so.

5. In the eyes of the Cypriot government, I would be considered a 'repatriated Cypriot' if I move there, not a British citizen living there under my EU rights.

6. I speak Greek quite fluently, but there is always room for improvement.

7. I take as much interest in Greek and Cypriot culture as I do British culture.

8. My religion is Greek Orthodox.

9. I have a Greek name.

10. I love Cyprus more than the UK.

11 .Most English/British people (who aren't of 'foreign' descent) I have met regard me as a 'foreigner'.

All the Greeks (from Greece) I have met regard me as a Cypriot and a Hellenic brother.

Most Cypriots I have met (both GC and TC) regard me as a Cypriot.

I regard myself as a Greek Cypriot.

So what am I?

Is my nationality determined by heritage, place of birth, place of residence or personal sense of belonging?

I won't vote in this myself, so any votes are from you lot.

Piratis · Moderator

Feisty · instructor

This is one of those heart v head arguments and I understand where you are coming from.
I would imagine that your thread was inspired (not trying to take the credit) by my reply to Militades that Cyprus is not his country because he left when he was 15 and has chosen not to live there since (for whatever reason).

In your heart you are of course a Cypriot but as all your papers say, you are British.

Feisty · instructor

In just the same way, most people will look at an Asian living in the UK (particularly a racist person) and not see a British citizen.

Magnus · instructor

Sorry Feisty, I must have missed that one but thank you for your input.

I started this in response to something Paul1978 said in another topic that got me thinking. It's all very well what I consider myself to be but I wonder if it goes beyond that.

This was the original quote:

Feisty · instructor

Right yes I see where the thread came from.
I basically agree with him.
Nationality does come from where you are born.
Where you live is the country of your choice (for whatever reason).

Unfortunately bigoted people, wherever they are, see what suits.

lilminx · new member

Its not the case now your Nationality comes from your father..not the country you are born in

purdey · lecturer

What about your mother. Why is there a gender issue ? or is it to do with seeds ?

Piratis · Moderator

Feisty · instructor

Generally, nationality is established at birth by a child's place of birth (jus soli) and/or bloodline (jus sanguinis). Nationality may also be acquired later in life through naturalization. Corporations, ships, and other legal persons also have a nationality, generally in the state under whose laws the legal person was formed.