Abkhazia (abh. Аҧсны [apsny], the goods. აფხაზეთი [aphazeti]) - unrecognized state in the western part of the Caucasus in the south-east coast of the Black Sea. In the past - Soviet Socialist Republic of Abkhazia and the Abkhaz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (composed of the Georgian SSR). From the perspective of international law is part of Georgia. In fact, most of the territory of Abkhazia, Georgian central authorities are not controlled. The independence of Abkhazia, however, is not recognized by any UN Member State.

It consists of 7 historic areas (so reminiscent 7 stars at the state flag) - Sadzen (Dzhigetiya), Bzypyn, Guma, Abzhua, Samyrzakan, Dal-Tsabal, Pshu-Aibga.

The vast majority of current non-Georgian population of Abkhazia in early 2000 - ies. received Russian citizenship. Most of the Georgian population by the armed conflict began 1990 - ies. fled Abkhazia.

Abkhazia produces its postage stamps. The monetary unit - the Russian rouble. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on March 6, 2008 CIS Executive Committee has sent an official note, which reported that the Russian Federation because of changed circumstances does not consider itself bound by a decision of the Council of CIS Heads of State "On measures to resolve the conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia", dated 19 January 1996.

Abkhazia is located in north-western part of the Caucasus between the Inguri river Psou and, in the southwest washed by the Black Sea. Coast, more than 210 km in length, there is little to cut into pieces, frequently broad shingle beaches. Marine spaces, subtropical vegetation, turbulent rivers and peaks of the Greater Caucasus attach exceptional scenic Abkhazia. In coastal areas, humid subtropical climate, with rainfall 1200-1400 mm. The average temperature of +15 degrees.

Much of the republic (about 75%) took the spurs of the Main (Dividing) ridge that restricts Abkhazia from the north - Gagrsky, Bzybsky, Abkhazian and Kodorsky ridges. The highest point Ridge - Mount Dombay-Ulgen (4046 m). Through the Main Ridge in Abkhazia lead passes - Kluhorsky (2781 m), Maruhsky (2739 m) and others. Currently, the roads leading through passes from Abkhazia to Georgia, mined, and the message has not been implemented.

On the south-east comes into Abkhazia, gradually narrowed, Kolkheti lowland. A narrow strip of lowland stretches along the coast to the north-west of the river Kodor. Between the mountains and lowlands - zone hilly foothills. In Abkhazia developed karst phenomenon (Voronya Cave, Abrskila, Anakopiyskaya etc.). In Abkhazia is the most deep karst cave world - cavity Krubera-Voronya (depth of 2080 meters), located near Gagra. In six kilometers from Gagra is picturesque mountain Mamzyshha.

The rivers belong to the Black Sea basin. The most significant of them - Kodor (Kudry), Bzyb, Kyalasur, Gumista - abundant, rich in hydropower (potential hydropower resources of over 3.5 million kw). Meals rivers mostly rain and snow, there is a spring-summer floods. In the mountains are picturesque lakes and Ritsa Amtkyal.

Gegsky waterfall is very popular among tourists. In the film "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson" scene of the battle with Professor Holmes Moriarti from Reyhenbahskogo waterfall was filmed in Abkhazia, a Gegskogo waterfall.

At the lowlands and foothills combines marsh, subtropical podzol, and krasnozemnye zheltozemnye soil. In the mountains up to a height of 1700 meters - humous-carbonate and brown forest soils, higher - sod and sod-herbaceous mountain-meadow.

Flora Abkhazia includes more than 2000 species of plants. Forests covered over 55% of the republic. In prichernomorskoy strip, most disbursed under the cultural vegetation (subtropical, technical, fruits and ornamental culture, cereal crops, etc.) and in the gorges meet individual arrays broadleaf forests (hornbeam, grabinnik, oak, chestnut, etc.) and olshanikov. At Cape Pitsunda preserved relic pitsundskoy pine grove. In the mountains dominated by beech (places with boxwood in the second floor), at the top of the slopes - fir and spruce forests. From 2000 m start krivolese subalpine, alpine meadows and rocky-schebenistaya vegetation.

In the forests there are bears, wild boar, lynx, the noble red deer, roe deer, in high altitudes - sulphuric Caucasian grouse, in lowlands - jackal; in rivers and lakes - trout, salmon, sazan, pike and other fish species. On the territory of Abkhazia are Ritsinsky, Gumistsky, Pitsundsky reserves.