Unrecognized Republic of Abkhazia

Abkhazia is an independent republic in Caucasus region. This republic covers 3,300 square miles between the eastern shores of the Black Sea and the crestline of the main Caucasus range. The Caucasus Mountains to the north and the northeast divide Abkhazia from the Russian Federation. The capital of Abkhazia is Sukhumi. There are six main administrative regions (Gagra, Gudauta, Sukhumi, Ochamchire, Tquarchal and Gali) in Republic of Abkhazia.

Before the war (1992 - 1993), the number of Abkhazians was about 18% of the population of the republic, while the Georgian population was about 45%, Armenians (15%) ,then Russians(14%). Today, Abkhazian was 45% of the population. Then Georgian was 21%, Russian (11%) and others (such as Armenian, Greek, and Jews) was 23%.

Although, in fact Abkhazia is an independent republic, The international organizations such as United Nations, EU, NATO, WTO, and CIS as well as most sovereign states recognize Abkhazia as an integral part of Georgia. Elections were held on 23 November 1996 but these were not recognised by the Georgian government or the international community. As we know, during the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict of 1991-1993, Between 10,000 to 30,000 Georgians (does not include the numbers of missing, wounded and tortured people) were killed by the Abkhaz separatists, foreign mercenaries, and, allegedly, by Russian Federation forces. The massacre of Georgians occured at Gagra, Kamani, Sukhumi, Ochamchire and Gali region. The massacre also included Russians, moderate Abkhaz, Armenians, Greeks and other minor ethnic groups living in Abkhazia. these massacre were indeed encouraged in order to drive the Georgian population from its homes. The election were held after genocide at the Abkhazia war. Thats why, International organization were not recognized Republic of Abkhazia.

The Georgian government has continued to insist on Abkhazia's reunification with Georgia. But, both the Abkhazian government and opposition resolutely oppose reunification with Georgia under any circumstances. As we know, Abkhazia was never a traditional historical or ethnic part of Georgia. The Abkhaz are a North Caucasian ethnic group, while Georgian are a South Caucasian ethnic group. In the early days of the Soviet Union it was a separate union republic with a status similar to that of Georgia before Stalin. But, Stalin eliminated Abkhazia's statehood and brought the republic into Georgia.

Today, Republic of Abkhazia produces a dark picture. There are no supplies of raw materials, and no money to pay the workers' salaries. In 1995, the leadership of the CIS countries, sanctioned a whole sale economic, trade, educational, cultural, and informational blockade of Abkhazia. Then, the citizens of Abkhazia have been subjected to severe restrictions on travel outside Abkhazia. Thats why, many people in Abkhazia carry Russian passports. In normal conditions, with borders open for free movement of people, goods and capital, Abkhazia can successfully re-establish itself as one of the most prosperous parts of the former Soviet Union.