Background:
Georgia was absorbed into the
Russian Empire in the
19th century. Independent for three years (
1918-
1921) following the [Russian revolution]
?, it was forcibly incorporated into the
USSR until the Soviet Union dissolved in
1991. Russian troops remain garrisoned at four military bases and as peacekeepers in the separatist regions of
Abkhazia and [South Ossetia]
?. The country continues to move toward a [market economy]
? and greater integration with Western institutions.