Abkhazia
From Wikitravel
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Abkhazia (Georgian: აფხაზეთი, Abkhaz: Аҧсны) is an autonomous republic of Georgia, which borders the Russian regions Krasnodar Krai and Karachay-Cherkessia to the north, Svaneti to the east, and Samegrelo to the south. Located in northwestern Georgia on the coastline of the Black Sea. Currently, Abkhazia is under separatist control due to Georgian-Abkhaz conflict which erupted in 1992-93 and remains unresolved.
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[edit] Understand
Abkhazia is named for the Abkhaz, an ancient northwest Caucasian people unrelated to the Georgians or the Russians. Not long after Georgian independence, ethnic conflict erupted in this region which resulted in the cleansing of Abkhazia of its ethnic Georgians and the establishment of a weak Abkhaz government with de facto independence from the Georgian central government, with tacit backing from Russia. Abkhazia is a beautiful subtropical region along the Black Sea full of beaches, history, excellent fruit, enormous mountains, lakes, caves, and lush flora.
[edit] Talk
Abkhaz, a northwestern Caucasian language, is the principal language of the region. Russian is near universally understood and the most convenient language for the traveler. Although many understand a good amount of Georgian, they may be hostile towards travelers attempting to use this language given the brutal and still unresolved ethnic conflict between the Abkhaz and the Georgians.
[edit] Get in
For the moment it is not recommended to visit Abkhazia, especially its mountanious and eastern regions - since the sporadic armed clashes with the Georgian forces happen quite often. However if you still have to get in there is a border crossing with Russia at the Psou River and a crossing with Georgia at the Inguri River. Make sure you have your paperwork done in advance. If you cross the border from the Russian side and want to transit to Georgia make sure you get a Georgian visa ahead of time if you don't want to be caught on the Georgian side for entering the country (Abkhazia is de-jure part of Georgia) illegally. Again if entering from the Russian side, be prepared to wait for hours (and possibly couple of days) before you will be able to get in. Abkhazian customs officers are known for being extremely slow, irresponsible and corrupt. Expect that you will be asked for bribes (for whatsoever reason) to get into Abkhazia.
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[edit] Stay safe
Non-Russian citizens should avoid all non-essential travel to Abkhazia because the Abkhaz government is at present unable to guarantee safety to travelers against the widespread threat of banditry. Moreover, there have been reports by travelers of having their passports stolen in armed robberies; this is a serious threat as there is absolutely no foreign representation in Abkhazia and it is impossible to get a replacement with which to leave the region. Relations between the de facto Abkhaz government and the central Georgian government remain very tense and there is an ever-present potential for renewed military conflict. Travelers should consider reviewing War zone safety.
The Georgian military controls the strategic Kodori Gorge in the northeast of the region and there has been sporadic fighting in this area. For their own safety, travelers should not for any reason visit this area without the knowledge and approval of the Georgian central government.
Because the region is de facto not under control by any legitimate government it is "greyed out" in all or most statistical databases available, including UN. Georgian sources however say that high level of infectious diseases and violent crime pose serious threat to both local population and foreigners in the area.
[edit] Get out
Because travel between Abkhazia and Georgia is unsafe, the best way out is via the Russian border
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