The Abkhaz are an ethnic group primarily residing in the region of Abkhazia, which is located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea. They speak the Abkhaz language, a Northwest Caucasian language, and have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, and crafts. Historically, the Abkhaz have faced various political challenges, especially regarding their status within Georgia. Following the Abkhaz War in the early 1990s, the region declared independence, but this status is not widely recognized internationally, leading to ongoing tensions and complex relationships with neighboring countries.