Georgia (country)

Georgia (country)
Last update by MapGrid SKopp · Public domain · source
Conventional long name	Georgia
Common name	Georgia
Capital	Tbilisi
Largest city	Tbilisi
Official languages	Georgian language
Government type	Unitary state
President	Salome Zourabichvili
Prime minister	Irakli Garibashvili
Area km2	69700
Population estimate	3.7 million
Currency	Georgian lari
Time zone	Georgia Standard Time
Drives on	right
Calling code	+995

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Georgia (country) Georgia is a country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia located on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Its capital, Tbilisi, is a historical and cultural hub linked by trade routes such as the Silk Road and associated with states like the Kingdom of Iberia (antiquity) and empires including the Ottoman Empire, Safavid Iran, and the Russian Empire. Modern Georgia emerged from events involving the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Etymology and Symbols

The English name derives via Medieval Latin and Greek language sources related to the Persian designation and the exonym used by Marco Polo and other travelers; indigenous names include Sakartvelo. National symbols include the Flag of Georgia, the medieval coat of arms associated with the Bagrationi dynasty, and the religious symbol of St. Nino of Cappadocia. The use of the grapevine motif recalls ancient viticulture attested in Kvemo Kartli and archaeological sites like Shulaveri-Shomu culture.

Ancient and medieval periods feature kingdoms such as Colchis and Caucasian Iberia, interaction with the Byzantine Empire, and the ascent of the Bagrationi dynasty culminating in the reign of Queen Tamar. The region saw invasions by Mongol Empire, Persian Empire, and Ottoman Empire powers. In the 18th–19th centuries Georgia entered treaties with Imperial Russia leading to annexation by the Russian Empire. The 20th century included the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918–1921), occupation by Soviet Russia, incorporation into the Soviet Union, the Georgian SSR, and participation in events like the Great Purge and World War II. Late 20th-century independence movements culminated with the 1991 restoration of sovereignty after the Dissolution of the Soviet Union, followed by internal conflicts involving South Ossetia and Abkhazia and the 2003 Rose Revolution. 21st-century milestones include conflicts with the Russian Federation (1991–present) such as the Russo-Georgian War and initiatives toward integration with European Union institutions and NATO partnerships.

Georgia's topography spans the Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus ranges, coastal lowlands along the Black Sea, and river valleys fed by the Rioni River and Kura River. Biomes include temperate rainforests in Adjara, alpine meadows in Svaneti, and semi-arid zones in Kakheti. Protected areas include Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Gelati Monastery. Environmental challenges involve deforestation in Meskheti, glacial retreat in the Caucasus Mountains, and pollution in industrial centers such as Rustavi.

The political system is based on a constitution adopted after independence, with powers divided among the President of Georgia, the Parliament of Georgia, and the Prime Minister of Georgia. Major political events include the Rose Revolution and parliamentary elections involving parties such as United National Movement and Georgian Dream. Georgia engages in international organizations including the United Nations and the Council of Europe and has negotiated association agreements with the European Union and partnerships with NATO through the NATO–Georgia Commission.

Georgia's economy combines agriculture from regions like Kakheti and Imereti, energy projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and Enguri Dam, and services centered in Tbilisi and Batumi. Key industries include winemaking tied to appellations in Kakheti, mining near Chiatura, and tourism to sites like Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta. Transport infrastructure features the Baku–Tbilisi–Akhalkalaki railway, Batumi International Airport, and highways connecting to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Economic reforms after the Rose Revolution targeted liberalization promoted by groups like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Population centers include Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. Ethnic groups encompass Georgians (ethnic group), Azerbaijanis, Armenians, and Russians, with minority communities such as Ossetians and Abkhazians. Religious life is dominated by the Georgian Orthodox Church, alongside Sunni Islam, Armenian Apostolic Church, and Jewish communities. Educational institutions include Tbilisi State University and research centers with links to programs from European Union initiatives.

Georgian culture features distinctive elements like the Georgian language and its Mkhedruli script, polyphonic singing traditions exemplified by ensembles such as Ensemble Rustavi, and culinary specialties like khachapuri and khinkali. Architectural heritage ranges from medieval monuments in Mtskheta to monastic complexes like Gelati Monastery and cave cities such as Vardzia. Literature and arts include figures linked to movements around Ilia Chavchavadze, composers like Zakharia Paliashvili, and contemporary scenes in Tbilisi Jazz Festival. Festivals include Tbilisi International Film Festival and wine celebrations in Kakheti, reflecting Georgia's long vinicultural legacy attested at archaeological sites such as Shulaveri-Shomu culture.

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