# Gali Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/gali-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Abkhazia - Status: currently outside the control of the Georgian government ## History Gali Municipality lies in the far south-east of the **Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia**, Georgia, on the right bank of the **Enguri River**, with the town of **Gali** as its centre. The lowland municipality, crossed by the Okumi, Eristskali and other rivers, borders Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha municipalities across the Enguri. According to the Georgian Encyclopedia, the de jure municipality covers about 1,000 km². Under Georgian law, the territory has been occupied since the war of 1992–1993 and is not under the control of the Georgian government. Historically the area was part of **Samurzakano**, and its population has always been predominantly Georgian (Mingrelian). In 1991 about 79,600 people lived in the district, around 94% of them ethnic Georgians. In the 19th century the area came under Russian protection (1805) and later belonged to the Sokhumi district; Gali received town status in **1932**. Today it remains the only part of Abkhazia with an ethnic Georgian majority. The war of 1992–1993 and later outbreaks of violence, especially in **May 1998**, displaced tens of thousands of residents; many later returned to their villages, but they face serious restrictions on their rights, movement and education in the Georgian language. The **Enguri River** forms the line of occupation, and the power station of the Enguri hydroelectric scheme, one of the largest sources of electricity in Georgia, operates on the Gali side of the river. The **Enguri Bridge** between Zugdidi Municipality and Gali is the only official crossing point; since 2017 the other crossings have been closed by the de facto authorities. The international community, including the EU and the UN General Assembly, supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and the right of displaced persons to return. Visiting information: under the Law of Georgia on Occupied Territories, entry into Abkhazia is permitted only from the direction of Zugdidi Municipality, and the crossing is currently restricted; many governments advise against travel to the region. This page presents the history of Gali for reference; the Enguri valley can be seen from the Zugdidi side. ## FAQ **1) Where is Gali Municipality located?** In the far south-east of Abkhazia, Georgia, on the right bank of the Enguri River. **2) What is the status of the territory?** Under Georgian law it is occupied territory, not controlled by the Georgian government since 1992–1993. **3) Who lives in Gali?** It is the only part of Abkhazia with an ethnic Georgian (Mingrelian) majority. **4) When did Gali become a town?** In 1932. **5) What happened in May 1998?** An outbreak of violence displaced many residents of the district. **6) What is the Enguri Bridge?** The only official crossing point between Gali and Zugdidi. **7) Are there other crossings?** Since 2017 the de facto authorities have closed the other crossings, leaving only the Enguri Bridge. **8) Which rivers flow through Gali?** The Okumi, Eristskali and others, with the Enguri forming the boundary. **9) Can Gali be visited?** Entry is permitted only from the Zugdidi direction and is currently restricted; many governments advise against travel. **10) Where can I find official information?** On the website of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia. ## Sources - [Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia](https://abkhazia.gov.ge/) - [Gali (town) (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gali_%28town%29) - [Gali District (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gali_District,_Abkhazia) - [Gali Municipality — Georgian Encyclopedia](https://georgianencyclopedia.ge/ka/form/24258) - [Enguri (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enguri) - [Abkhazia–Georgia border (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abkhazia–Georgia_border) ## Settlements - [Achigvara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/achigvara): Discover Achigvara, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Agvavera](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/agvavera): Discover Agvavera, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akvarikva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/akvarikva): Discover Akvarikva, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Anaria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/anaria): Discover Anaria, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bedia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/bedia): Discover Bedia, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bogveti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/bogveti): Discover Bogveti, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bulishkhinji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/bulishkhinji): Discover Bulishkhinji, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chkhortoli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/chkhortoli): Discover Chkhortoli, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chqonkhumla](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/chqonkhumla): Discover Chqonkhumla, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chuburkhinji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/chuburkhinji): Discover Chuburkhinji, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dikhagudzba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/dikhagudzba): Discover Dikhagudzba, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dikhazurga](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/dikhazurga): Discover Dikhazurga, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Etseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/etseri): Discover Etseri, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gagida](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/gagida): Discover Gagida, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ganakhleba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/ganakhleba): Discover Ganakhleba, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghvashigverdi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/ghvashigverdi): Discover Ghvashigverdi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gudava](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/gudava): Discover Gudava, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khole](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/khole): Discover Khole, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khumeni Natopuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/khumeni-natopuri): Discover Khumeni Natopuri, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khumushkuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/khumushkuri): Discover Khumushkuri, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kokhora](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/kokhora): Discover Kokhora, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Barghebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/kvemo-barghebi): Discover Kvemo Barghebi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Ghumurishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/kvemo-ghumurishi): Discover Kvemo Ghumurishi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvishona](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/kvishona): Discover Kvishona, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lecharaie](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/lecharaie): Discover Lecharaie, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekukhona](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/lekukhona): Discover Lekukhona, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekumkhara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/lekumkhara): Discover Lekumkhara, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Makhunjia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/makhunjia): Discover Makhunjia, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Akvagha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/meore-akvagha): Discover Meore Akvagha, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Gudava](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/meore-gudava): Discover Meore Gudava, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Otobaia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/meore-otobaia): Discover Meore Otobaia, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Shesheleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/meore-shesheleti): Discover Meore Shesheleti, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mukhuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/mukhuri): Discover Mukhuri, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mziuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/mziuri): Discover Mziuri, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nabakevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/nabakevi): Discover Nabakevi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nachkadu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/nachkadu): Discover Nachkadu, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Najikhuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/najikhuri): Discover Najikhuri, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nakarghali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/nakarghali): Discover Nakarghali, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nakhingu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/nakhingu): Discover Nakhingu, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Okhurei Achigvaris Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/okhurei-achigvaris-temi): Discover Okhurei Achigvaris Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Okhurei Gudavis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/okhurei-gudavis-temi): Discover Okhurei Gudavis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Okumi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/okumi): Discover Okumi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Okvinore Ganakhlebis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/okvinore-ganakhlebis-temi): Discover Okvinore Ganakhlebis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Okvinore Otobaiis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/okvinore-otobaiis-temi): Discover Okvinore Otobaiis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Otsartse](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/otsartse): Discover Otsartse, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Partoghali Ghumurishis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/partoghali-ghumurishis-temi): Discover Partoghali Ghumurishis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Partoghali Pirveli Galis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/partoghali-pirveli-galis-temi): Discover Partoghali Pirveli Galis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Partonokhori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/partonokhori): Discover Partonokhori, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patrakhutsa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/patrakhutsa): Discover Patrakhutsa, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pichori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/pichori): Discover Pichori, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pirveli Akvagha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/pirveli-akvagha): Discover Pirveli Akvagha, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pirveli Gudava](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/pirveli-gudava): Discover Pirveli Gudava, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pirveli Otobaia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/pirveli-otobaia): Discover Pirveli Otobaia, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pirveli Shesheleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/pirveli-shesheleti): Discover Pirveli Shesheleti, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pitsarghali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/pitsarghali): Discover Pitsarghali, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pshauri Bediis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/pshauri-bediis-temi): Discover Pshauri Bediis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pshauri Tsarchis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/pshauri-tsarchis-temi): Discover Pshauri Tsarchis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Putsquri Achigvaris Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/putsquri-achigvaris-temi): Discover Putsquri Achigvaris Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Putsquri Tsarchis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/putsquri-tsarchis-temi): Discover Putsquri Tsarchis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rami](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/rami): Discover Rami, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rechkhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/rechkhi): Discover Rechkhi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Repo Etseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/repo-etseri): Discover Repo Etseri, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabchota Chai](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/sabchota-chai): Discover Sabchota Chai, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Saberio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/saberio): Discover Saberio, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabuliskirio Mukhuris Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/sabuliskirio-mukhuris-temi): Discover Sabuliskirio Mukhuris Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabuliskirio Okumis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/sabuliskirio-okumis-temi): Discover Sabuliskirio Okumis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabutbaio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/sabutbaio): Discover Sabutbaio, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sakhakhubio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/sakhakhubio): Discover Sakhakhubio, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Salkhino](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/salkhino): Discover Salkhino, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Samarkvalo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/samarkvalo): Discover Samarkvalo, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Samelaio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/samelaio): Discover Samelaio, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Samkvari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/samkvari): Discover Samkvari, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sashamugio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/sashamugio): Discover Sashamugio, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shashikvara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/shashikvara): Discover Shashikvara, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shkashisuki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/shkashisuki): Discover Shkashisuki, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sida](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/sida): Discover Sida, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tagiloni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/tagiloni): Discover Tagiloni, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tkhinashkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/tkhinashkari): Discover Tkhinashkari, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Togoni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/togoni): Discover Togoni, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsarche](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/tsarche): Discover Tsarche, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tskhiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/tskhiri): Discover Tskhiri, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Veshkudeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/veshkudeli): Discover Veshkudeli, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zartsupa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/zartsupa): Discover Zartsupa, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Barghebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/zemo-barghebi): Discover Zemo Barghebi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Gali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/zemo-gali): Discover Zemo Gali, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Ghumurishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/zemo-ghumurishi): Discover Zemo Ghumurishi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Tskhiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/zemo-tskhiri): Discover Zemo Tskhiri, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeni Chuburkhinjis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/zeni-chuburkhinjis-temi): Discover Zeni Chuburkhinjis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeni Dikhazurgis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/zeni-dikhazurgis-temi): Discover Zeni Dikhazurgis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeni Nabakevis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/zeni-nabakevis-temi): Discover Zeni Nabakevis Temi, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zhirghalishka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gali-municipality/zhirghalishka): Discover Zhirghalishka, a village in Gali Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/gali-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/gali-municipality)