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

Abkhazia was historically known as a holiday destination for the Soviet elite, and since being recognised by Moscow and its allies, has maintained a Russian presence.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2024

In 2008, Russian forces routed the Georgian army and took over two of its breakaway regions - Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 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

Nearly 200,000 Georgian refugees have since fled Abkhazia, adding substantially to the estimated 100,000 internally displaced persons already in Georgia.

From The 1995 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency