Land Boundaries:
Total: 1,814 km, Boder Countries: Russia 894 km, Turkey 273 km, Armenia 219 km, Azerbaijan 428 km
Geography of Georgia
Georgia is a country in the mountainous South Caucasus region in Eurasia. Georgia is located at the juncture of Eastern Europe
and Western Asia. Georgia Geography covers an area of
over 69,000 square KM and shares borders with Russia in the north,
Turkey and Armenia in the south, Azerbaijan in the east, and black sea in the
west. Georgia has enclosed high valleys, wide basins, health spas with
famous mineral waters, caves, and waterfalls. The country has varied
landscapes and amazing beauty at the same time. Tbilisi is the capital
city of Georgia. Tbilisi is located on the banks of the river Mtkvari,
in a valley surrounded by hills.
Mountains in the country determine Georgia's nature.
The Greater Caucasus ranges cross the country, where the highest peaks
are Mt. Shkhara and Mt. Kazbek. The country is very lively, which visitors
can observe in its warm climate, stone houses built around vine-draped
courtyards, and winding streets.
Climate and Weather in Georgia
Georgia's climate is influenced by two factors. One is
subtropical influence from the west side, and the other is continental
influence from the east side. The Greater Caucasus range moderates the local
climate. It acts as a barrier for the cold air that comes from the
north. The climate in Georgia is predominantly subtropical in the Kolhida lowland from Abkhazia to the borders of Turkey, which goes along
black sea coast. This region has high humidity and heavy precipitation.
In this region, the average temperature in winter is 5 °C, and the average
temperature in summer is 22 °C. In the plains of Georgia, it is mainly a continental climate as the region is shielded by mountains. In this
region, the average temperature is 3 °C in winter and 22 °C in summer.
Other regions have distinct microclimates in Georgia.
Georgia's weather is generally quite good. Summers are warm in the capital city, and winters are long, cold, and partly cloudy as well. The best time to visit Georgia is from early July to late August.
History of Georgia
The history of Georgia has been full of unions and
collapses. For the first time, the country was united in the 8th to 9th century under the Bagrationi dynasty by the king Bagrat III. From that time till the mid-13th century, the country flourished first under King David IV the
Builder and then Queen Tamar the Great. In 1243, however, Georgia was
invaded by the Mongols, and Georgia fell to them. The country reunited for a
while and again fell to the Timurid Empire. Georgia was fragmented into many
kingdoms and principalities by 1490. This continued, and Georgia
struggled to maintain its autonomy for a long time against the Ottoman and
Iranian. Finally, Georgia got freedom from the domination of the Ottoman and
Iranian, only to be annexed by the Russian Empire in the 19th century.
Georgia's history saw the domination of external powers, leaving the land divided. For a while during 1918-1921 Georgia saw
independence and then later on became part of the Transcaucasian Socialist
Federative soviet Republic from 1922 to 1936. After that it formed the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic until Soviet Union was finally
dissolved. Georgia became independent in the fall of the Soviet Union in
1991 and since then it is independent Republic of Georgia. Visitors can
experience the history of Georgia best by walking the land themselves.
Culture and Traditions of Georgia
Georgia's culture evolved over centuries. Throughout
the long history, the country evolved with a unique national culture and
literary tradition. This allowed culture of Georgia to
be distinctive despite being under foreign occupation for very long
time. Georgian is the primary language of Georgia. Georgian Orthodox is
the religion followed by almost 65% Georgians. Russian Orthodox or
Armenian Apostolic religions are followed by 18-20 % population.
Religion however is the not an impacting factor in Georgian culture.
Persian culture spread and influenced Georgia significantly from early
16th century until 19th century. This is because many Georgian kings
were either born or raised in Iran. This can be seen in Georgian
columns, painting, literature and architecture.
People of Georgia are quite welcoming, where in Georgia tradition
guests are considered as gift. When people meet they shake hands saying
“gamarjoba” which means “hello”. Giving gifts is also a natural thing
in the tradition. Other traditions of Georgia are also worth exploring.
Culture of craftsmanship is widespread in the country where folk
craftsmanship even now makes handmade products and not in a factory.
Folk craftsmanship started in Georgia thousands years ago when mankind
created stone tools, carved patterns on stone and developed aesthetic
vision. In Tbilisi, in historic town Mtskheta you can see people selling
traditional handcrafted toys and other products.
Food and Cuisine in Georgia
Tourists visiting Georgia find the cuisine of the place one of the main attractions. Georgian cuisine is thousands years old pertaining to Georgian cooking style and dishes. Georgian cuisine is specific to the country but also have some influences from Europe and Middle East. It includes variety of Georgia food and dishes rich in many herbs and spices. Different historical provinces of Georgia have distinct culinary traditions. Georgian food
is mainly variety of vegetarian based dishes. Both food and drink has
importance in Georgia and it can be best observed during a feast called
supra. During feast a huge assortment of dishes are prepared and they
are accompanied by big amount of local (one of the world’s oldest) wine.
Tamada or toastmaster has honoured position in a Georgian feast.
Popular local Georgia cuisines are Abkhazia, Adjara and Guria. Most popular Georgian food
from Abkhazia cuisine is Abysta (Porridge made of corn) and the most
popular dessert is Akuarkuar, cookie with honey. In Adjara cuisine in
moutians, dairy products are main items. Most popular dish in Adjara is
Adjaruli Khachapuri and Borano. Guria is mainly based on chicken meat,
corn breads and walnuts. Satsivi (Meat, mostly chicken) is the most
popular dish in Guria. So, on your trip to Georgia, you have plenty of
dishes to try and taste.
Languages of Georgia
The national and primary language of Georgia is Georgian. The language is a part of the Caucasus region, but it is very different from other languages outside its area.
Interesting Facts About Georgia
1. Georgia isn't called Georgia by the locals. Instead they refer to their homeland as Sakartvelo, Georgia's ancient name.
2. What's the highest mountain range in Europe isn't
the Apls; It's the Caucasus Mountains, marking the border between Georgia
and Russia, with its second-highest peak in Georgia and its called
Shkara (5,193m/ 17,040ft). Mt. Shkara, which is 400m taller than Mont
Blanc, is fast becoming a destination for climbers, trekkers, and skiers.
3. One can see Joseph Stalin's posters at most marketplaces. Stalin, a revered leader, was someone who defeated Hitler and
had an impact on world history.
4. There are numerous space-age-looking architectures
in Georgia. The parliament looks like a huge glass bubble, similar to a
giant frog's eye. The new police stations have been built all glass and
see-through, symbolic of Georgia's aspirations for democratic
transparency.
5. There is a lot of body contact between men in
Georgia. Men stroll down the main avenue arm-in-arm, or lounge on street
corners, limbs entwined. While anti-gay protests have proved there's a
large number of people who are homophobic but many Georgians were
shocked by the intolerance calling it "a sad day for Georgia".
6. Georgian's are friendly to the extent that they
can pull out a bottle of Chacha or home-made wine and raise a toast.
Both must be downed in large shots. Georgians like to invite friends for a full-scale traditional dinner. Hence the term "Georgian Hospitality."
7. While many European nations have seen religious
adherence fall in recent decades, the Orthodox Church in Georgia is
booming. Over 80% of Georgians say they belong to the Church, while its
head, Patriarch Ilia II, is the most respected public figure by far. The
churches have kept people united and kept them connected.
8. Georgians do not believe in being dependent on the government or administration system and rely heavily on friends and
family in times of need. For example, they'd say - "I have a cousin,
uncle or a friend who can sort this problem.
9. The world’s deepest cave is the Voronya Cave in Georgia.
10. Georgia is considered a transcontinental country as it spans from Europe to South-west Asia.
