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Mudslides for roads, villages without phones. In the 21st century, can Racha survive?

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STORY
Locals charge that mountainous Racha, famed for its altitude and its alcohol, is the region the revolution forgot. Neither corruption nor smuggling in this isolated territory present hot topics for government discussion in Tbilisi. And villagers claim both are running rampant.

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PROMISES vs. RESULTS
“The revolution has not yet reached Racha,” a popular witticism claims. What’s the reality? Check out three government promises and their results.

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AT A GLANCE
Population: 55, 000
Size: 4,900 sq km
Main Town: Ambrolauri (pop: 3,100) (2001)
Average salary: GEL 84.1 ($46) per month

Until recently, Racha was home to a robust Jewish Diaspora. Today, only 15 members remain.

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GEORGIAN VOICES
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"It is so hard for me that I think I will leave this place."

Shota Suladze,
Pensioner, Kvemo Bari

"Is our MP not supposed to visit us and talk with us?"

Nanuli Tsikhiseli,
Pensioner, Zemo Bari

"The authorities should have an exact policy, so that Racha’s villages are not abandoned."

Jaba Skhirtladze,
Villager, Bari