Abkhazia P-7 10 Apsar 2024 —Russian-occupied part of Georgia; Leopard

Front:

• Coat of arms
• Leopard
• Ancient bronze axe with primitive drawing of animal

Back:

• Ancient bronze axe with primitive drawing of animal
• Stylized upper part of alabasha (traditional Abkhaz military and hierarchical staff)

What the heck is Abkhazia?

Abkhazia is a territory on the eastern coast of the Black Sea in the Caucasus that functions as a de facto independent state, but is internationally recognized as part of Georgia.

In practical terms, Abkhazia governs itself with its own government, borders, and institutions. However, most countries and international organizations consider it legally part of Georgia.

Geography

Abkhazia lies along the northeastern coast of the Black Sea. To the north it borders Russia, while the rest of its land border touches Georgia. The capital and main port city is Sukhumi.

The territory is relatively small—about 8,600 square kilometers—but geographically dramatic. A narrow subtropical coastal strip rises quickly into the high Caucasus Mountains. The climate is warm and humid along the coast, which historically made the region a popular Soviet seaside resort area.

Political status

The modern political situation dates to the breakup of the Soviet Union. Abkhazia had been an autonomous republic within Soviet Georgia. As the USSR collapsed, tensions between Abkhaz and Georgian political movements intensified.

The conflict erupted in the War in Abkhazia (1992–1993). Abkhaz forces ultimately expelled Georgian government troops. During and after the war, most of the region’s ethnic Georgian population fled or was displaced.

Since then Abkhazia has operated as a self-governing state with its own president, parliament, army, and border controls. Only a handful of countries—most prominently Russia—recognize its independence. The vast majority of the world continues to treat the territory as part of Georgia.

Russia maintains military bases in Abkhazia and provides substantial economic support.

Population

The population is roughly 240,000 people. The largest ethnic group is the Abkhaz themselves, followed by Armenians, Georgians (mostly Mingrelians), and a smaller Russian community.

Three languages are commonly heard. Abkhaz is the traditional local language and belongs to the Northwest Caucasian language family. Russian functions as the main everyday lingua franca and is widely used in administration and commerce. Georgian is spoken mainly among the remaining Georgian communities.

Currency

Abkhazia has issued a small number of commemorative coins and banknotes through its national bank, 1 apsar equal to 10 Russian rubles . In everyday life, however, the Russian ruble is the currency used for nearly all transactions.

Historical background

The region has passed through many political spheres over the centuries. In antiquity it was associated with the Greek world of Colchis. Later it came under Byzantine influence and eventually formed part of medieval Georgian kingdoms.

After centuries of shifting control between regional powers, the Russian Empire annexed the area in the nineteenth century. Under the Soviet Union it became the Abkhaz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic within the Georgian SSR.

The unresolved legacy of those Soviet-era administrative borders lies at the heart of the modern dispute.

Political scientists describe Abkhazia as a partially recognized de facto state. That means it functions as an independent country in practice but lacks broad international recognition and is legally considered part of another state.

Other places often described in similar terms include Transnistria, South Ossetia, Northern Cyprus, and Somaliland.