Abkhazia

American  

[ab-key-zhuh, -zee-uh, uhb-khah-zyi-yuh] / æbˈkeɪ ʒə, -zi ə, ʌbˈxɑ zyɪ yə /

Or Abkhasia

noun

1. an autonomous republic in the Georgian Republic, on the E coast of the Black Sea. 3,360 sq. mi. (8,600 sq. km). Sukhumi.

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Abkhazia British  

/ æbˈkɑːzɪə /

noun

1. Also called: Abkhaz Autonomous Republic.  a disputed region of NW Georgia, between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains: a subtropical region, with mountains rising over 3900 m (13 000 ft); Abkhazian separatists seized control of the region in 1993; Russia formally recognized it as an independent republic following the Russian-Georgian war of 2008, although Georgia still claims the region as part of its territory. Capital: Sukhumi. Pop: 220 600 (2006 est). Area: 8600 sq km (3320 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

Moscow recognises the breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent, while most of the world recognises them as Georgian territory.

From Barron's • Oct. 15, 2025

Backed by Russia, Abkhazia fought a war of secession with Georgia in 1992-93, before unilaterally declaring independence.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2024

Protesters in the breakaway Georgia region of Abkhazia have stormed parliament and the presidential complex after the government planned to approve a controversial pro-Russia bill.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2024

Speaking in parliament on Thursday, Kobakhidze said the government will work to end the Russian occupation of Georgia’s breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and take efforts to overcome poverty.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2024

Ethnic separation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, poor governance, and Russian military bases deny the government effective control over the entirety of the state's internationally recognized territory.

From The 2002 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency