Formal Name: Georgia (Saqartvelo in Georgian)
Location: Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia boasts a strategic position that has long captivated travelers and adventurers alike. Bordered by the Black Sea to the west, Turkey to the southwest and south, Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and Russia to the north, Georgia’s geographical placement often ignites debates about its cultural identity—whether it belongs to Eastern Europe or Western Asia. This ambiguity enriches the country with a diverse array of cultural experiences and holiday opportunities. From a geological perspective, Georgia lies on the tectonic rift between the Eurasian and Arabian plates, surrounded by the Lesser Caucasus Mountains to the south, the Greater Caucasus Mountains to the north, and the picturesque Black Sea coast to the west.
Capital: Tbilisi (located in its titular region) Read more >>>
Area:
Population: Approximately 4 million
Language: The national language of Georgia is Georgian (Qartulad), which belongs to the unique Kartvelian language family. This family also includes Megrelian, Svan, and Laz, which are spoken in various regions across the country. While Georgian is the predominant language, especially in urban areas, Megrelian is commonly spoken in the western Samegrelo region, and Svan is prevalent in the northwestern Svaneti region. The Laz language, while primarily spoken in Turkey, also has speakers in Adjara and Samtskhe-Dzhavakhetia. Along Georgia’s northern border with Russia, languages such as Abkhaz and Abaza are spoken, while Chechen and Aghul can be found in the eastern border areas with Dagestan.
Following its independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, Russian was the lingua franca; however, English is rapidly emerging as the second language of choice, particularly among the younger generations. Many Georgians, especially in urban centers, speak at least basic English, and the tourism infrastructure is increasingly accommodating English speakers. Additionally, approximately 7% of the population speaks Armenian, and 6% speaks Azeri, reflecting Georgia’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Religion:
The predominant faith in Georgia is Georgian Orthodox Christianity, which shares many characteristics with other Eastern Orthodox sects. The Georgian Orthodox Church, led by its patriarch, Elia II, has strong ties to the government, creating a unique cultural atmosphere that attracts tourists year-round. Many national holidays are rooted in religious significance, and the stunning architecture of Georgian churches draws visitors from around the globe. Mtskheta, located just outside Tbilisi, is a particularly revered pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists. Read more >>>
Political System: Georgia is a democratic republic, with the President serving as the head of state. The legislative body is the Parliament, led by the Prime Minister.
Political Division: Georgia is divided into 11 administrative regions:
National Currency: The currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL), with 1 lari equal to 100 tetri. The banknotes in circulation include denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 lari, while coins include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 tetri, as well as 1 and 2 lari coins. Read more >>>
National Symbolism: