The Georgian state is highly centralized, except for the autonomous regions of Abkhazia and Ajara, whose precise legal statuses have not been determined by law. Those regions were subjects of special autonomies during Soviet rule, and the legacy of that influence remains. In January 2004 Mikheil Saakashvili was elected to a 5-year term following the November 2, 2003 parliamentary elections which were marred by irregularities and fraud. As a result of popular demonstrations, former President Shevardnadze resigned on November 23, 2003, and the Speaker of Parliament Nino Burjanadze assumed the role of Interim President. President Saakashvili was inaugurated on January 25, 2004.

Georgia maintains an embassy in the United States at 1101 15th Street NW, Suite 602, Washington, DC 20005, telephone (202) 387-4537, fax (202) 393-4537.