a country lying on the western shores of the Caspian Sea, chiefly between N. Lat. 41. and 43. and E. Long. 46. and 50. As its name implies, it is of a very rugged and mountainous character, with the exception of a narrow strip along the sea-coast. Though nominally belonging to Russia, the inhabitants do not acknowledge the supremacy of that power, but are governed by independent chiefs. See CAUCASUS.