Overview
The Republic of Abkhazia is a partially recognised state in the South Caucasus. Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru, and Syria have formerly recognised the nation, whilst fellow breakaway states South Ossetia, Transnistria, and Artsakh have also recognised it. However, most countries recognise the region as part of Georgia, with Georgia herself regarding Abkhazia as an autonomous republic within its borders. It lies on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, south of the Greater Caucasus mountains in north-western Georgia. It covers 8,665 square kilometres (3,346 square miles) and has a population of around 245,000. The capital and largest city is Sukhumi.
The Georgian-Abkhazian conflict and related Georgia-Russia relations are the main reasons behind the issues surrounding this breakaway state. The region had autonomy with Soviet Georgia and ethnic tensions soured between the Abkhaz and Georgians that populated the area. This culminated in the 1992-1993 War in Abkhazia, which resulted in Georgia losing control over most of Abkhazia and the ethnic cleansing of Georgians from Abkhazia.
Despite a 1994 ceasefire agreement and many years of negotiations, the dispute remains unresolved. Despite the UN’s presence and a Russian-led Commonwealth of Independent States peacekeeping force, violence has flared up on multiple occasions since the ceasefire was agreed upon. In August 2008, Abkhaz and Russian forces fought a war against Georgian forces, which led to the formal recognition of Abkhazia by Russia, the annulment of the 1994 ceasefire agreement and the termination of the UN mission. On 28th August 2008, the Parliament of Georgia declared Abkhazia a Russian-occupied territory, a position reflected by most UN member states.
STATISTICS
| Abkhazia (Statistics) | |
|---|---|
| Capital & Largest City | Sukhumi |
| Official Language (s) | Abkhaz, Russian |
| Government | Unitary Presidential Republic |
| Previous Incarnation | Abkhaz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, 19th February 1931 - 25th August 1990 |
| Area | 8,665 sq km (3,346 sq mi) |
| Population | 245,000 (2020 Estimate) |
| GDP (Total) | $439,600,000 (2020 Estimate) |
| GDP (Per Capita) | $1,795 (2020 Estimate) |
| Currency (s) | Abkhazian Apsar, Russian Rouble |
| Religion (s) | Christianity (60%), Islam (16%), Abkhaz Neopaganism (8%), Others (16%) |
Abkhazian Navy
Военно-морские силы Республики Абхазия
The Abkhazian Navy, headquartered in Sukhumi are responsible for the naval defence of Abkhazia. It was founded in 1992 upon Abkhazia first gaining limited recognition and independence from Georgia after war erupted between the two countries. It is a very small navy that is only defensive in capability, with just over 600 sailors in active service. It is split into three divisions split equally between the three headquarters of Sukhumi, Pitsunda, and Ochamchire. There is also a marine battalion that consists of 350-400 sailors. There are three coastal defence batteries armed with unguided anti-aircraft rocket installations. There are also three stationary radar installations. It has been involved in several conflicts and skirmishes between Abkhazia and Georgia in the years since its formation. Equipment includes mainly small patrol vessels, some river vessels and a couple of landing ships, although some of these have been decommissioned in recent years.
Warships
Amphibious Warfare Ships
Amphibious Warfare Ships
Small Warships
Patrol Vessels
Riverine Vessels
In order of appearance, left-to-right, top-to-bottom. Only where attribution is required has it been provided:
Abkhazia Map: By Abkhazia_map-fr.svg: Sémhurderivative work: Amitchell125 (talk) 18:16, 22 May 2019 (UTC) – Abkhazia_map-fr.svg, CC BY-SA 3.0
Abkhazia Naval Ensign: By CzarJobKhaya – Own work based on: Abkhazia navy flag.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0
Abkhazia Riverine Vessels Image: By Mike1979 Russia – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0