Ossetia-Abkhazia. Two abandoned new states

[brennus dux gallorum]

Does anyone remember them?

the majority may has forgotten them, but they are still there, enjoying their independence from Georgia, a country in the already "hidden" Caucasus, the forgotten bound of Europe.

Does anyone have any idea how are the things there, from any aspect (social, political, economic etc), and if they enjoy this independence and feel free, or if miss the old good times as Georgian citizens, if they emigrate etc

[Tooting Carmen]

I don't know too much about them. However, it seems that they have political and economic support from Russia. Also, our Foreign Office recommends against travel to the region due to the threat from terrorism and kidnapping.

[Porn Master]

ask Medvedev and Putin

[Mingle]

They aren't forgotten. I'm not an expert on the situation, but I still follow them from time to time. I even posted an article on Abkhazia a month or two ago. Abkhazai is on the verge of Syrian recognition at the moment. I remember a number of months ago when Georgia was approved as one of the Schengen countries (i.e. being allowed visa free travel), Abkhazia was offered the same deal as Georgia considers Abkhazia her land, but they rejected it. Around 2 months ago, Putin pledged financial support for South Ossetia. Earlier this year, there was a referendum on whether South Ossetia should change it's name to 'South Ossetia-Alania' and the yes vote won. The same guy that organized the referendum for that also said that he wanted to see South Ossetia and North Ossetia unite into one Ossetia (as part of Russia), but I haven't heard any news on that yet. NATO is also seemingly talking about helping Georgia join NATO and said that they wanted Russian troops off Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They still seem to be quite happy with their independence.

[brennus dux gallorum]

They aren't forgotten. I'm not an expert on the situation, but I still follow them from time to time. I even posted an article on Abkhazia a month or two ago. Abkhazai is on the verge of Syrian recognition at the moment. I remember a number of months ago when Georgia was approved as one of the Schengen countries (i.e. being allowed visa free travel), Abkhazia was offered the same deal as Georgia considers Abkhazia her land, but they rejected it. Around 2 months ago, Putin pledged financial support for South Ossetia. Earlier this year, there was a referendum on whether South Ossetia should change it's name to 'South Ossetia-Alania' and the yes vote won. The same guy that organized the referendum for that also said that he wanted to see South Ossetia and North Ossetia unite into one Ossetia (as part of Russia), but I haven't heard any news on that yet. NATO is also seemingly talking about helping Georgia join NATO and said that they wanted Russian troops off Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They still seem to be quite happy with their independence.

Thanks!!

Do we know anything about gdp, quality of life, possible levels of emigration etc?
I mean general things about daily routine and life there

BTW it seems that Russia is the last County on earth still growing, in spite of being already a giant itself

[Rumata]

Does anyone have any idea how are the things there, from any aspect (social, political, economic etc), and if they enjoy this independence and feel free, or if miss the old good times as Georgian citizens, if they emigrate etc

I guess Abkhazia tries to develop tourism but they both rely on support of Russia one way or another which is typical to Caucasian republics.
There were almost no time in the last centuries when Abkhazians and South Ossetians were Georgian citizens. They'd been Soviet citizens, then they broke away from Georgia.

Also, our Foreign Office recommends against travel to the region due to the threat from terrorism and kidnapping.

I know that Russian tourists visit Abkhazia and I doubt it's more dangerous than, say, Paris.

[Odin]

[Art23]

So much disinformation!

These territories are not independent countries. These are lands stolen from Georgia by Russia.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia are Georgia.

[WrestRus]

Ossetia and Abkhazia are Georgia! Just like Crimea is Ukraine and the point!

[Rumata]

Ossetia and Abkhazia are Georgia! Just like Crimea is Ukraine and the point!

You claim to be an Ossetian. Can you explain why Ossetians fought Georgian authorities if they really are Georgian citizens (according to you)?