Country Description:

Since independence in May 1991, Georgia has confronted civil strife, territorial conflicts and severe economic crisis. Poverty is pervasive throughout the country, especially in remote regions and high mountainous areas. The government is unable to provide an adequate social safety net (e.g., food, health care, education) to ensure the livelihood-security needs of large segments of the population, especially vulnerable groups, including pensioners, orphans, handicapped and institutionalized persons.