The British Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) are two military bases located on the island of Cyprus. They were established in 1960 when Cyprus gained independence from British rule. The SBAs cover approximately 3% of the island's total area and are used primarily for military purposes by the United Kingdom. The two areas are known as Akrotiri and Dhekelia. They serve as strategic locations for the UK military, providing support for operations in the region. The SBAs have their own legal systems and governance, allowing the UK to maintain a presence in Cyprus while respecting the island's sovereignty.