Georgia is a vibrant, multinational state that stands apart from its Central Asian counterparts. The majority of its population is composed of Caucasians, with Georgians making up about 70% of this demographic. Within this group, there are several distinct ethnic subgroups, including the Megrels and Svans, who reside in the mountainous regions and gorges of the Greater Caucasus. While these groups primarily differ in dialects, they also exhibit variations in lifestyle, customs, and traditions.
In addition to the Georgians, the country is home to various other ethnic groups, including Kartmians, Imeretians, Kazhtinians, Meskhs, Rachians, Lechkhums, Pshavs, Khevsurs, Mtiuls, Hirians, and Adzharians. Each of these groups contributes to the rich tapestry of Georgian culture, showcasing a diverse array of customs and practices that highlight the country’s multifaceted identity.
The ethnic minorities in Georgia include Armenians, who migrated to the region during the 19th century, as well as Azerbaijanians, Ossetians, and Abkhazians. There are also smaller communities of Jews, Assyrians, Kurds, and Tatars, adding to the country’s cultural mosaic. Each of these groups brings its unique heritage and traditions, enriching the national identity and fostering a spirit of coexistence. More about Georgian people >>>
The official language of Georgia is Georgian, which belongs to the Kartvelian group of the Caucasian language family. This group also encompasses Megrelian, Svan, and Lazian languages, each contributing to the linguistic diversity of the region.
The Georgian language is notable for its ancient alphabet, which is unique among all Caucasian languages. This distinctive script has no parallels in the world, making it a fascinating aspect of Georgian culture. The Georgian alphabet consists of 33 characters, including 5 vowels and 28 consonants, and is written from left to right. More about Georgian language >>>