Abkhazia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Republic of Abkhazia
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 Flag
 Emblem
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Anthem: Аиааира (Abkhaz)
Aiaaira "Victory" |
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Abkhazia (green) within Georgia (dark grey)
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| Status | Partially recognised state |
| Capital and largest city
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Sukhumi 43°0′0″N 41°1′40″E / 43.00000°N 41.02778°E |
| Official languages | |
| Spoken languages | |
| Demonym(s) |
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| Government | Unitary presidential republic |
| Badra Gunba | |
| Beslan Bigvava | |
| Valeri Bganba (acting) | |
| Legislature | People's Assembly |
| Establishment | |
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• Socialist Soviet Republic of Abkhazia
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31 March 1921 |
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• Abkhaz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic
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19 February 1931 |
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• Abkhazian declaration of sovereignty
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25 August 1990 |
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• Abkhazian declaration of independence
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23 July 1992 |
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• Act of state independence
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12 October 1999 |
| Area | |
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• Total
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8,664.59 km2 (3,345.42 sq mi) |
| Population | |
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• 2022 estimate
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244,236 (180th) |
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• 2011 census
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240,705 |
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• Density
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28.2/km2 (73.0/sq mi) (160th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2021 estimate |
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• Total
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$270 million |
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• Per capita
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$1,100 |
| Currency | (RUB) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (MSK) |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +7 840 / 940 (formerly, +995 44) |
Abkhazia is a small region in the South Caucasus. It lies on the eastern coast of the Black Sea. This area is south of the Greater Caucasus mountains. Abkhazia has a special political situation. Many countries, including Georgia, see it as part of Georgia. But Abkhazia acts like an independent country. It even has its own government.
It covers about 8,660 square kilometers (3,344 sq mi). Around 240,000 people live there. Its capital city is Sukhumi.
Contents
What is Abkhazia's Status?
The political status of Abkhazia is a big topic. It's a key part of the conflict between Abkhazia and Georgia. It also affects relations between Georgia and Russia.
Some countries recognize Abkhazia as an independent state. These include Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria. However, most countries in the United Nations consider Abkhazia legally part of Georgia. Georgia's government also sees Abkhazia as its autonomous republic.
A Brief History of Abkhazia
Abkhazia was an autonomous region within Soviet Georgia. This was during the late 1980s. At that time, the Soviet Union began to break apart.
Tensions grew between the Abkhaz and Georgians. The Abkhaz were the main ethnic group in the region. Georgians were the largest single ethnic group. These tensions led to the 1992–1993 War in Abkhazia.
What Happened After the War?
After the war, Georgia lost control of most of Abkhazia. Abkhazia became de facto independent. Many Georgians living in Abkhazia had to leave their homes.
There was a ceasefire agreement in 1994. Years of talks followed, but the problem was not solved. A UN mission and a Russian-led peacekeeping force were present. But they could not stop violence from happening again.
In August 2008, Abkhaz and Russian forces fought against Georgian forces. This was during the 2008 war. After this, Russia officially recognized Abkhazia as independent. The 1994 ceasefire agreement ended. The UN mission also stopped.
On August 28, 2008, Georgia's Parliament declared Abkhazia a Russian-occupied territory. Most United Nations member states agree with this view.
Images for kids
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The borders of the Sukhumi District of the Kutaisi Governorate in 1899 when Abkhazia was part of the Russian Empire.
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Abkhaz and Georgian generals in the Imperial Russian Army, 19th century
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Exhibition at the 2005 commemoration of the ethnic cleansing in Abkhazia, held on its 12th anniversary in Tbilisi.
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Abkhazians carrying the republic's flags in a parade.
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Seaside in Pitsunda, Abkhazia in 2006
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Map of Georgia highlighting Abkhazia (green) and South Ossetia (purple).
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The Russian embassy in Sukhumi
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Dmitry Medvedev (centre, with dark tie) visited the Russian military base in Gudauta in 2010
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The leaders of Abkhazia, Russia and South Ossetia, shortly after the 2008 war. Left to right: South Ossetian President Eduard Kokoity; Russian President Dmitry Medvedev; Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; Abkhazian President Sergei Bagapsh.
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Border checkpoint on the Psou River
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Abkhazian President Alexander Ankvab with Transnistrian President Yevgeny Shevchuk in September 2013
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"View of Mount Agepsta and Turyi gory (Tur Mountains) from the top of Kamennyi Stolb, Aibga Ridge.", 2014.
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View from Pitsunda cape
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Beach in Gagra in May 2014
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New Athos monastery in Abkhazia
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Russian Drama Theatre. Sukhumi, Abkhazia.
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Daur Akhvlediani Stadium, Gagra
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See also
In Spanish: Abjasia para niños
