Georgia is one of three Caucasian countries. Georgia covers a territory of 69,700 km² and its population is more than 4.6 million. Mountains are the dominant geographic feature of Georgia. By Likhi range Georgia is divided into Western and Eastern parts. North Georgia is located on the slopes of great Caucasus range, and in South Georgia are lesser Caucasus ranges. Historicaly, Georgia was divided into following regions: Kartli, Kakheti, Tusheti, Khevsureti, Khevi, Javakheti, Samtskhe, Imereti, Guria, Adjara, Samegrelo, Racha, Lechkhumi, Svaneti, Abkhazeti.
Capital of Georgia and the biggest city is Tbilisi. Georgian language is spoken in Georgia. This is the only official language in the country. Georgian language has it's own alphabet system, which is one of fourteen modern day used alphabet systems.
History of Georgia dates back many centuries. First Georgian states where Kolkhida and Diaokhi, more then 3000 years ago. The First kingdom of Georgia with capital in Mtskheta was founded in IV century BC by king Farnavaz, who, regarding historical tradition invented Georgian alphabet. Georgian kingdom had close relationship with Roman Empire. Christianity was adopted by Georgians in IV century. Georgian Renaissance includes period from XI century till beginning of XIII century, period of reign David IV the Builder, till death of King Tamar. Georgia is located on the border of civilizations, so Georgian culture has both European and Asian influence. In XIX century Georgia was annexed by Russian Empire. In XX Georgia was under USSR rule, and only in 1991 was able to gain independence.
Tourism in Georgia is available whole year. For Winter tourism there are ski resorts in Gudauri and Bakuriani, this year a ski trail in Mestia will be opened. Ski seasons start in the end of December and last till the end of March.
From the end of May till October is season for trekking, horse riding, jeep tours in different parts of Georgia. From July till beginning of October it is possible to see two highland regions of Georgia – Tusheti and Khevsureti, which are not available during the rest of the year.
Fall is the best period for food and wine tours in Kakheti and Racha, which can be easily combined with light trekking in national parks.
Georgia is a small country but every region has different landscape and traditions, so when you see only some part of Georgia, this never means that you know the whole country.
Curency: Georgian lari. At this moment 1$=1.75 GEL, 1 EUR=2.45 Gel
Telephone code: +995
GSM standart: 900/1800
Internet TLD: ge
