Description: : Periodic flare-ups in tension and violence culminated in a five-day conflict in August 2008 between Russia and Georgia, including the invasion of large portions of undisputed Georgian territory. Russian troops pledged to pull back from most occupied Georgian territory, but in late August 2008 Russia unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and Russian military forces remain in those regions. Periodic changes in leadership represent unique examples of a former Soviet state that emerged to conduct democratic and peaceful government transitions of power. Popular and government support for integration with the West is high in Georgia. Joining the EU and NATO are among the country's top foreign policy goals. slightly smaller than South Carolina, largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; lowlands open to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; fertile soils in river valley flood plains and foothills.