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Greece, on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe, is mostly dry and mountainous, with a large mainland and more than 1,400 islands. The nation where democracy was conceived in the fifth century B.C. has periodically suffered the loss of freedom and welcomed its rebirth. After almost 400 years under Turkish rule, Greece won independence in 1830. Scarred by Nazi occupation during World War II and an ensuing civil war, the nation endured seven years of military dictatorship from 1967 to 1974. The junta fell after a failed Athens-backed coup in Cyprus—which brought the Turkish invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus in 1974. An elected government and new constitution followed. Even though Greece and Turkey are both members of NATO, relations have been tense over Cyprus and Aegean issues. A breakthrough occurred in 1999 when major earthquakes hit Greece and Turkey—both countries and peoples responded generously to the other's need.