Adjara,
an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia. Sometimes considered Georgia's second capital, with a
population of 180,000 (2008 census), Batumi serves as an important port and a
commercial center. It is situated in a subtropical zone, rich in agricultural
produce such as citrus fruit and tea. While industries of the city include shipbuilding,
food processing, and light manufacturing, most of its economy revolves around
tourism. Since 2010, the face of the city has been transformed by the
construction of new high-rise landmark buildings and the renovation of the Old
Town
