Dhekelia is one of two areas on Cyprus, which are a British Overseas Territory, officially the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (SBA). Cyprus was part of the British Empire until 1960, but following the London and Zürich Agreements it became independent. Nevertheless, the United Kingdom retained sovereignty over these areas, which are UK military bases. They were of strategic importance due to the location at the eastern side of the Mediterranean. Despite their legal status as British Overseas Territory, there is no border control.