Throughout the centuries Georgia has been a victim of the aggression of powerful neighbours. The nation's history has been a constant struggle for survival, interspersed with brief interludes of peace.

At the end of the 18th century, King Erekle II, a descendant of the Bagratids who ruled Georgia in the 12th century, forged a vital alliance with Catherine the Great of Russia, who was then presiding over the southward expansion of her empire. The Bagratid line was deposed by the Russians in 1801 after which the whole region was steadily absorbed into the Russian Empire.

A strong Georgian nationalist movement grew up from around this time, the precursor of the irrepressible Georgian nationalism which has shaped the republic's history during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods. Although Stalin was himself a Georgian - his real name was Djugashvili - the republic suffered terribly during the purges of the 1930s and 40s. Nonetheless, many Georgians continue to this day to idolise their most notorious son.

Stalin's repressive policies failed to stamp out Georgian nationalism. In a referendum held in April 1991, an overwhelming majority voted in favour of independence from the Soviet Union and a formal declaration of independence was made in May.

Apart from the dire state of the Georgian economy, the country's main problems have been the secessionist revolts in the outlying Georgian provinces of Abkhazia on the Black Sea coast (where Gamsakhurdia was located) and South Ossetia in the north. The only existing mediation effort, on the part of the UN, is at a standstill and Abkhazia and South Ossetia is now effectively isolated from the rest of Georgia.

Formerly the holiday haunt of the privileged elite of the Soviet Union, Georgia is blessed with stunning scenery, a balmy climate and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Enclosed high valleys, wide basins, health spas with famous mineral waters, caves and waterfalls combine in this land of varied landscapes and striking beauty. With its stone houses built around vine-draped courtyards, and winding streets, the capital, Tbilisi, has a lively, Mediterranean atmosphere. Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia in the far northwest of Georgia, was until civil unrest a relaxed, sunny port/resort, renowned for its beaches fringed with palms and eucalyptus trees, lively open-air cafes and cosmopolitan population.

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