Abkhazia

The ethnic minority that resided in Abkhazia, declared their independence from Georgia in 1992. The breakaway republic has yet to be recognized by the world powers, except by Russia, which recognized the region and South Ossetia as independent nations on August 26, 2008. Earlier in August, 2008 Russian troops entered the region to assist Abkhazia after Abkhazian forces fired on Georgian forces. On August 18, 2008, Abkhazian troops took control over the area of Kodori Gorge, close to the Russian border.

Fast Facts

Government of Autonomous Republic

1. Capital: Sukhumi, (de facto) Ckkhalta
2. Government: presidential representative democratic republic
3. Chairman Cabinet of Ministers: Malkhaz Akishbaia
4. Chairman Supreme Council: Temur Mzhavia
5. Population: 2,000
6. Currency:Georgian Iari
7. Current Rate of Exchange
8. Official Language: Abkhazia, Georgian
9. Independence from Soviet Union April 9, 1991
10. Independence recognized December 25, 1991

Governement of Republic

1. Capital: Sukhumi
2. Government: (defacto) independent republic
3. President: Sergei Bagapsh
4. Prime Minister: Alexander Ankvab
5. Population: 178,000 (2006)
6. Currency: Russian Ruble
7. Current Rate of Exchange
8. Official Langauge: Abkhazia, Russian
9. Independence from Georgia July 23, 1992 (not recognized)

Abkhazia-Georgia Conflict

There was an armed conflict between Georgia and Abkhazia in 1992-1993. The cease fire in 1994 has not resolved the issues between Georgia and the separatist movement in Abkhazia, despite a Russian Peacekeeping presence and United Nations monitoring. The region is currently divided with the separatist's controlling 83% and the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia (Georgia) controlling only 17% of the area. Russia is backing the separatist efforts and this has resulted in a great deal of tension between Russia and Georgia.

The Russian Influence

Much later, in 1810, this area became a part of Russia. In October of 1917, the Bolshevik Revolution began, followed by the Russian Civil War. The conflict caused several areas of the South Caucasus to join together. Then, on November 8, 1917, the Abkhazia Peoples Council formed their own post-revolutionary government. They soon became involved in more civil unrest as they could not decide which of four factions to align themselves with. Several short lived republics claimed this area, but finally, on May 26, 1918, the Democratic Republic of Georgia came into existence. Even though in 1920 a treaty of nonaggression was signed, the Russians invaded and took over Georgia. Russia kept control over Georgia until April 9, 1991 when Georgia sought their independence, December 25, 1991, their independence was recognized by the world powers. Not long after their independence from Russia, Abkhazia sought their own independence from Georgia on July 23, 1992, but sixteen years later their independence has yet to be recognized. Only Russia backs the Republic of Abkhazia against the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.

Travel Concerns

American citizens traveling in Georgia are strongly recommended by the United States Embassy not to travel into the separatist territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They also recommend that any time you are near these two regions that you be aware of your surroundings at all times. Even though the open warfare in the region has ceased for the time being, political instability in the region could change that at a moments notice. When traveling in Georgia, the U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that you keep them aware of where you are residing and how you can be contacted, so that given an emergency situation they will be able to contact you, to make you aware of the situation and insure your safety.

Related Pages on Mahalo

Abkhazia Crisis 2008 | Georgia Country | Georgia Protests | Georgia Fires on Russian Plane | Russia Violates Georgian Airspace | Mikhail Saakashvili | Russia | Vladimir Putin | NATO

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