Cyprus is mentioned numerous times in the Bible and Barnabas, one of the earliest Christian missionaries, was a native Cypriot. A 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the north has divided the island to this day, creating as many as 230,000 refugees. The Republic of Cyprus, claiming authority over the whole island, is recognized internationally as the official state, while only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The Orthodox Church is a key element of Greek Cypriot culture and identity and Cyprus is one of the more religious countries in the EU. However there is much bitterness and prejudice between the Greek Cypriot Christians of the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north.