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|map = [[File:Abkhazia_detail_map2.png|300px]]
|language = Abkhaz, Russian, Armenian
|capital = [[Aqwa|Sukhumi]]
|pop = ~200,000
|currency = Russian ruble
'''Abkhazia''' is a de-facto independent state on the eastern coast of the Black Sea and the south-western flank of the Caucasus. The country is recognised only by a few states, including [[Russia]]. The US views it as occupied by Russia, but you barely will see any of the Russian peacekeepers at all.
It was a part of the [[Georgia (country)|GeorgiaGeorgian]]n SSR during Soviet times and most countries and the United Nations still consider it as a part of Georgia. Entering Abkhazia is illegal according to Georgian laws. That's why travelling from Russia via Abkhazia to Georgia is curently not possible or connected with quite some difficulties for holders of non CIS-passports (July 2011).
===Hitchhiking===
Hitchhiking in Abkhazia is definitely easy. It is recommended to read the [[E97]] article for specific information on hitchhiking in Abkhazia. Be aware that off the main road, especially in the southern districts, traffic can get very sparse.
Abkhaz drivers love to drive very fast, be aware of that and get out whenever you're afraid of crashing into roaming cows or horses along the way. Abkhaz police is very friendly in general, don't be afraid to hitchhike next to their police posts. Nevertheless, hitchhiking is possible everywhere, even inside the capital, and you won't wait long at all (most times, [[User:Platschi|platschi]] had no chance to even put his backpack off his shoulders).
===Cities===
* [[Gagra]] (Abkhaz and Russian: Гагра; Georgian: გაგრა)
* [[New Athos]] (Abkhaz: Афон Ҿыц, Afon Ch'yts; Georgian: ახალი ათონი, Akhali Atoni; Russian: Новый Афон, Novy Afon)
* [[Pitsunda]] (Abkhaz: Пиҵунда, Georgian: ბიჭვინთა, Bichvinta; Russian: Пицунда)
* [[Aqwa|Sukhum]] (Abkhaz: Аҟəа Aqwa, Georgian: სოხუმი, Russian: Сухуми)
===Entry Permit===Holders of CIS passports can enter Abkhazia without any obligations, whereas each other traveller has to get the appropriate visa in advance. Most likely you have to apply for an [http://www.mfaabkhazia.net/en/visa entry permit letter]. [[User:Platschi|Platschi]] got his entry permit within two working days in June 2011. Afterwards, you have to get your visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in [[Aqwa|Sukhum]]. Price in 2011 was 20$ (1 month tourist visa), to be payed beforehand in Rouble at a local bank. They don't stick it into your passport, but if you do so yourself, you won't be able to visit Georgia another time.
===Sleeping===
Abkhazians are in general extremely hospitable, so you won't have a hard time finding places to sleep there. Anyway, you can pitch your tent everywhere you want, just make sure not to be visible from the roads if you don't want to have plenty of friendly visitors caring about your safety. Next to that, in the Northern districts many people rent their rooms to tourists for about 200-300 Rouble.
===Transit===
; towards Georgia
Traveling from Russia towards Georgia is currently (December 2010) not allowed, you will have entered Georgia illegaly, according to Georgian law.
There are no ATMs in Abkhazia, so make sure to bring some cash with you. The official currency is the Russian Rouble, but you can exchange US Dollars and Euros in most towns.
==Links==
* [http://www.mfaabkhazia.net/en/visa Visa] and travel information {{en}}
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=14871&post=2286503 Forum] post with useful information {{en}}
