Georgia, located in the west-central South Caucasus. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Azerbaijan and Armenia to the southeast and south, Turkey to the southwest, and the Black Sea to the west. With a total area of 69,700 square kilometers, it has a subtropical maritime climate. It consists of the capital Tbilisi, 9 regions, 1 autonomous oblast, and 2 autonomous republics. Its inhabitants are ethnic Georgia, the official language is Georgia, and most of the inhabitants are fluent in Russian.
In the 6th century BC, the slave kingdom of Korhida was established in present-day Georgia. In the 4th ~ 6th century AD, a feudal state was established. At the beginning of the 8th ~ 9th centuries AD, the feudal principalities of Kakhet, Eretin, Tao-Kralzhety and the Kingdom of Abkhazia were established. At the beginning of the 19th century, Georgia was annexed by Tsarist Russia. On May 26, 1918, the Democratic Republic of Georgia was established. On February 25, 1921, the Georgia Soviet Socialist Republic was established.
On March 12, 1922, it joined the Transcaucasian Soviet Socialist Federal Republic, and in December of the same year, it joined the Soviet Union as a member of the Federation. On December 5, 1936, the Georgia Soviet Socialist Republic officially became a Soviet republic. On November 4, 1990, the Declaration of Independence was issued, naming the country the Republic of Georgia. On April 9, 1991, independence was officially declared. On 24 August 1995, the country was named Georgia.
Georgia is known as a winemaking country due to its long history of winemaking, excellent natural conditions and unique winemaking technology. Archaeologists have discovered 7,000 years of wine relics in Georgia, the earliest wine in human history, and as an important hub of the ancient Silk Road, Georgia transmitted grapes and wine to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
geographical location
Georgia covers an area of 697 million square kilometers. Located in the west-central part of Transcaucasus, at the junction of Europe and Asia, bordered by Russia to the north, Azerbaijan and Armenia to the southeast and south, and Turkey to the southwest. The total length of Georgia's land international border is 1,461 km, of which 723 km are the common border with Russia, 164 km with Armenia, 322 km from Azerbaijan and 252 km with Turkey. Georgia is bordered by the Black Sea to the west and is 310 km long along the Black Sea coastline.
About two-thirds of Georgia is mountainous and piedmont, most of which are above 1,000 meters above sea level, belonging to the Caucasus Mountains. The north is the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the south is the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and in the middle are intermountain lowlands, plains and plateaus, 80% of the country is mountainous, foothill or piedmont hilly areas, and 50% of the country is above 1,000 meters above sea level. The Greater Caucasus Mountains in Georgia have many peaks above 4,000 meters above sea level, and the highest peak in the territory is Shikhara Peak, which is 5,068 meters above sea level.
Georgia has four distinct seasons and a pleasant climate, and is known as the "back garden of God". Most of the area is characterized by alpine characteristics. The western part has a subtropical Eastern Mediterranean climate, warm, humid and rainy, with annual precipitation of 1000 to 2500 mm; The eastern part is slightly drier but cooler, with annual precipitation ranging from 400 to 1500 mm.
Georgia is located between 40° and 45° north latitude and in the southern foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, with abundant sunshine averaging 2,500 hours per year. The average annual temperature is around 15.8°C, with the highest temperature in Tbilisi reaching 42°C in summer and minus 10°C in winter. The four seasons are distinct throughout the year, the spring flowers bloom in May, the fruits are fragrant in September ~ October, and the climate is pleasant.
Georgia is crisscrossed by rivers and lakes and has abundant hydraulic resources. There are 319 large and small rivers, the main ones being the Kura and the Rioni. There are Paravana Lake and Ritsa Lake, among others.
Georgia's minerals mainly include manganese, copper, iron, lead, zinc, etc., including the world-famous "Ziatula" manganese ore area, which has proven manganese ore reserves of 234.4 million tons, can be mined 160 million tons, and some manganese ore grades are high.
Georgia's forests cover 40% of the country's land area, with a total timber reserve of 452 million cubic meters, mainly beech, pine, cherry and walnut. Georgia is rich in water resources, and mineral water is well-known in the CIS and Central and Eastern European countries; With a theoretical reserve of 15.6 million kilowatts, it is one of the countries with the most abundant hydropower resources per unit area in the world.
national flag
The flag of Georgia was inaugurated on 14 January 2004, when the Georgian parliament passed a bill to stop using the original flag established in 1990 and replace it with a new flag with "white base, 5 red crosses". The flag is rectangular in shape, with a ratio of 3:2 to length. The white flag with the red cross divides the flag into 4 sections, each with a Malta Red Cross.
national emblem
The coat of arms of Georgia was inaugurated on 1 October 2004 and is modelled on the emblem of the Bagrat dynasty. It is in the shape of a shield, on a red ground, with a dragon slaying of St. George in the center, a crown on it, a frieze decorated with a Jerusalem cross underneath, written in Georgia with the words "unity is strength", supported by two lions.
Administrative divisions
Georgia consists of 9 regions (equivalent provinces, Guriia, Racha-Lechhumi and Nizhny Svanetia, Samegrero-Verkhnetva, Imeleti, Kakhet, Mtskhta-Mtianeti, Samtskhe-Zavakhet, Kvimo-Kartri, Shida-Kartli), 7 separate municipalities (Tbilisi, Poti, Tkibuli, Chiadulla, Kutaisi, Gagra, Rustavi), 2 autonomous republics (Abkhaz Autonomous Republic, Adjara Autonomous Republic) and 1 autonomous region (South Ossetian Autonomous Region). The capital, Tbilisi, is the political, economic, cultural and educational center of the country.
Tbilisi is located in the east-central part of Georgia and is the largest city in Georgia, with an area of 348 square kilometers, an altitude of 500~650 meters, and a population of 1.2018 million. The Kura River runs from west to east from the city. It is the political, cultural, economic, and educational center of Georgia, and at the same time an important transportation hub, which is connected by the main railway line with the North Caucasus. There are air routes with some large cities in the former Soviet Union and neighboring and European countries. In 1966, three subways were opened in the city. The city of Tbilisi is the famous ancient capital of Transcaucasia.
As of January 2023, the total population of Georgia is 3.736 million. The main ethnic groups are Georgia (86.8%), and other ethnic groups include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Ossetia, Abkhaz, Greece, etc. Tbilisi is the most densely populated city, with about 33.23% of the country's population living in Tbilisi.
tourism
Georgia is rich in tourism resources and has a good natural environment that attracts a large number of tourists from Europe and neighboring countries. In addition to the capital Tbilisi, the main tourist cities include Stalin's hometown of Gori, the ancient capital of civilization Mtskhta, the royal town of Signati, the pearl of the Black Sea, Batumi, the border city of Kazbeki and the ski resort of Gudauri.
1. Bagrat Cathedral and Glatat Monastery
It is located in Kutaisi, about 190 km northwest of the capital Tbilisi. Founded at the end of the 10th century, it is one of the masterpieces of the prosperous period of the Kingdom of Georgia, recording the glorious history and religious culture of Georgia.
2. Tbilisi Old Town
West of the Kura River and south of the Liberty Square metro station. Built in the 4th century AD, it is an important testimony to Georgia's history and culture, with a large number of important historical and religious buildings, cobblestone streets and ancient buildings that make you feel like you have traveled back in time.
3. Mother Fortress (Narikala Fortress)
Tbilisi Old Town south of the city on the Soloraki hill. Strategically important as the last line of defense around the city of Tbilisi, it is also an excellent vantage point for panoramic views of the city.
4. Freedom Square
Tbilisi city center. Formerly known as Yerevan Square, it has a long history and is surrounded by a harmonious architectural style, including important buildings such as Tbilisi City Hall and the National Gallery of Georgia.
5. Kazbek Mountain
The small town of Stepantsminda on the border of Georgia and North Ossetia. The third highest mountain in Georgia, the summit is covered in snow and ice all year round, and the scenery is magnificent, making it a paradise for hikers and mountaineering enthusiasts.
These attractions not only showcase the natural beauty and historical culture of Georgia, but also provide visitors with a rich travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient churches and castles, strolling through bustling commercial districts, or hiking up the mountain for stunning mountain views, visitors can get a sense of Georgia's unique charm.
delicacies
Georgia cuisine is known for its unique taste and rich variety, which is loved by tourists. Here are some of Georgia's specialties:
1、Expenses(格鲁吉亚肉汤)
It is usually made from a mixture of beef, pork, lamb, chicken or goose, and is stewed with rice, cherry plum sauce, crushed walnuts and more than 20 spices.
2、Khinkali(格鲁吉亚饺子)
It is similar to Chinese dumplings, but it is larger in shape, filled with meat and onions, and eaten with sour cream when cooked, giving it a unique taste.
3、Lobio（豆类炖菜）
A bean stew consisting of spices, walnuts, onions, etc., has a rich taste and is a traditional home-cooked dish in Georgia.
4. Georgia red wine
Georgia is one of the birthplaces of winemaking, and the locals love wine so much that no feast is possible without wine. Wine occupies an important place in Georgia's table culture, and each table has a wine commander who is served by an elder who is responsible for toasting and toasting.
5. Cheese
Georgia love cheese, especially the homemade salty cheese "Suuguni", which has a mellow taste and is one of the best local cheeses. In addition, there are freshly made cheese fillings with snacks such as crispy corn pancakes for a unique taste.
To sum up, Georgia cuisine attracts many diners with its rich variety and unique tastes. Whether it is a traditional dish or a non-staple snack, it reflects the love and pursuit of food by the Georgia people. In addition, the local wine culture is also one of the must-see experiences.