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Abkhazia is a small republic in the southwest of Georgia. It declared its independence in 1994 after the civil war of 1992-93. Today this sad historical fact is history and the small country gradually rises focusing its economic development on tourism infrastructure. Abkhazia has everything necessary to become a major tourist destination. Practically all cities of Abkhazia are the Black Sea resorts known from the times of imperial Russia and the Soviet Union . In fact the entire Abkhazia is a health-improving resort of global significance. Only there you will find inexhaustible curative mineral springs, and the climate of Abkhazia which is located at the same latitude as French Riviera gives you a chance to luxuriate in the warm southern sun practically all year long. One more factor of tourism development in Abkhazia is rich historical past which has left a huge material legacy – the architectural monuments whose age amounts to centuries and even millennia. Almost every city and settlement of Abkhazia has ruins of early Christianity structures - temples, monasteries, castles, burials etc.
General Information
Presidential Republic of Abkhazia (Apsny) (formally Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia within the structure of Georgia )
Capital – Sukhum
Language – Abkhazian (of Abkhaz- Adygh North Caucasian family of languages), Russian is widespread
Monetary unit –Russian ruble
Population – over 320, 000
Administrative division – 7 areas (Gagrsky, Gudautsky, Sukhumi ,Ochamchirsky, Tkuarchalsky, Galsky), 7 cities (Gagra, Gudauta, New Athos, Sukhum, Ochamchira, Tkuarchal, Gal), 5 urban settlements (Tsandripsh, Pitsunda, Bzyb', Mussera, Gul'ripsh).
State System
On the basis of the Constitution accepted in October, 1999 Abkhazia is a Presidential republic with large powers of the President. The President - «a person of Abkhazian nationality» is elected on the basis of the general suffrage for a 5-year term. The current president of Abkhazia is Sergey Bagapsh.
The Parliament of Abkhazia – the National Assembly – consists of 35 deputies
Geography
Abkhazia is located in the southwest of Georgia , in the northwest part of the Caucasus , between the Big Caucasian ridge and the Black Sea coast. From the north and the northwest it borders on Krasnodar krai, Russia and the republics of the North Caucasus (Karachaevo-Circassia, Kabardino-Balkariya). From the southeast - with the regions of Georgia (Svanetia and Mingrelia).
From the south it is washed by the Black Sea . The area of Abkhazia is 8.6 thousand sq.km.
History of Abkhazia
The history of Abkhazia is inseparably linked with the history of the Georgia . These fertile lands were chosen Abkhaz tribes from time immemorial. In 6th century BC the first city states started to appear on the territories of Abkhazia. Read more...
Religion of Abkhazia
Abkhaz people profess various beliefs: traditional religion (paganism), orthodox Christianity, Sunnite Islam which was widespread during Turkish sovereignty.
The Nature of Abkhazia
« Paradise on the earth» - this is how the Abkhazians refer to their country. And there is some sense to that. Geographically Abkhazia is located in a unique place – in the subtropical belt, between the mountain ridge of the Major Caucasus protecting it from cold northern winds and tender Black Sea coast in the south. Read more...
Culture of Abkhazia
Culture and traditions of Abkhazians are closely related to the North Caucasians ': the Adygeis, the Kabardians, and the Circassians. However, for its centuries-old history Abkhazian cultural has undergone big changes. Its original culture assimilated Greek, Roman, Byzantian, Georgian, Arabian, Turkish and Russian elements. Sometimes beliefs, traditions and languages just intermingled. Read more...
Abkhazian Cuisine
The ethnic cuisine of Abkhazia is not abundant but very tasty and various. Historically the cuisine development was affected by that fact that the Abkhazian tribes were occupied both by agriculture and cattle breeding. Therefore, they cooked vegetables and meat. Read more...
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