| 1990–1995 | |||||||||
| Anthem: დიდება Dideba "Glory" | |||||||||
 Map of Georgian SSR from 1957 to 1991 | |||||||||
| Status | Union Republic (de jure; until 1991) Independent state (de facto; de jure from 1991) | ||||||||
| Capital | Tbilisi | ||||||||
| Common languages | Georgian Russian | ||||||||
| Demonym | Georgian | ||||||||
| Government | 1990: Unitary multi-party soviet republic 1990–1995: Unitary parliamentary republic
| ||||||||
| Head of State | |||||||||
• 1990 | Givi Gumbaridze[a] | ||||||||
• 1990–1992 | Zviad Gamsakhurdia[b] | ||||||||
• 1992 | Jaba Ioseliani and Tengiz Kitovani[c] | ||||||||
• 1992–2003 | Eduard Shevardnadze[d] | ||||||||
| Prime Minister | |||||||||
• 1990 | Nodari Chitanava | ||||||||
• 1990–1991 | Tengiz Sigua | ||||||||
• 1991–1992 | Besarion Gugushvili | ||||||||
• 1992–1993 | Tengiz Sigua | ||||||||
• 1993–1995 | Otar Patsatsia | ||||||||
| Legislature | 1990: Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR 1990–1992: Supreme Council Military Council State Council 1992–1995: Parliament | ||||||||
| Historical era | Dissolution of the Soviet Union | ||||||||
| 9 March 1990 | |||||||||
| 28 October–14 November 1990 | |||||||||
| 31 March–9 April 1991 | |||||||||
| 26 May 1991 | |||||||||
| 6 January 1992 | |||||||||
| 1991–1993 | |||||||||
| 6 July 1992 | |||||||||
| 11 October 1992 | |||||||||
| 24 August 1993 | |||||||||
• Constitution adopted | 17 October 1995 | ||||||||
| 3–23 November 2003 | |||||||||
| Currency | Soviet ruble (Rbl) | ||||||||
| Calling code | +7 881/882/883 | ||||||||
| ISO 3166 code | GE | ||||||||
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The transition of Georgia from a union republic within the Soviet Union to an independent state between 1990 and 1995 was a period marked by political upheaval, social unrest, and armed conflict. Following growing nationalist movements across the Soviet Union, the Supreme Soviet of Georgia declared sovereignty on 9 March 1990, asserting the primacy of its laws over Soviet legislation. On 31 March 1991, Georgia held a referendum on independence, with the vast majority voting in favor, and subsequently declared full independence on 9 April 1991. The early years of independence were marred by political instability, including the violent suppression of pro-independence demonstrations by Soviet forces and internal tensions that culminated in a coup against President Zviad Gamsakhurdia in late 1991. The coup led to civil unrest and armed conflict, particularly in Tbilisi and other regions loyal to Gamsakhurdia, creating a power vacuum that further destabilized the fledgling state. Concurrently, separatist conflicts erupted in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, fueled by ethnic tensions and resistance to central authority, resulting in prolonged military confrontations and significant civilian displacement.
The newly established government, led by Eduard Shevardnadze after 1992, faced the dual challenge of consolidating political authority while negotiating ceasefires and attempting to reintegrate separatist territories. International mediation and Russian involvement played a complex role, at times supporting ceasefire agreements but also influencing internal political dynamics. Economic collapse and widespread social hardship compounded the difficulties of state-building, as Georgia struggled to transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented system. Throughout this period, the government undertook efforts to draft a new constitution that would define the political structure, civil liberties, and the framework for democratic governance. After several iterations and extensive public debate, a new constitution was adopted on 17 October 1995, formalizing the separation of powers, establishing a presidential system, and recognizing the country’s commitment to democratic principles and rule of law. The adoption of the 1995 constitution marked the culmination of Georgia’s turbulent transition, providing a legal foundation for sovereignty, institutional stability, and gradual reintegration into the international community. Despite lingering territorial disputes and political challenges, this period laid the groundwork for Georgia’s ongoing development as an independent state, highlighting the interplay between national self-determination, internal political contestation, and regional security dynamics. The transition illustrates the complexities faced by post-Soviet states navigating independence amid legacies of centralized control, ethnic diversity, and geopolitical pressures. By 1995, Georgia had established the formal mechanisms of governance and a constitutional framework that continue to underpin its political system.
Background
editLate Soviet Union period
editIndependence
editPolitical struggle
editConflict and resolutions
editNew constitution
editGovernment
editForeign relations and status
editReferences
edit- ↑ as Chairman of Presidium of Supreme Soviet
- ↑ Chairman of Supreme Council and later President
- ↑ as Co-chairmans of the Military Council
- ↑ as Chairman of State Council and later President