Georgia

A Crossroads of Europe and Asia, Heritage and Resilience

Georgia, officially the Republic of Georgia (საქართველო), is a strategically located country at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, and the Black Sea. With stunning mountain ranges, a rich cultural legacy, and growing democratic institutions, Georgia is a rising hub of regional stability and tourism.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Ancient kingdoms: Colchis and Iberia were part of early Georgian civilization.

  • Adopted Christianity in the 4th century CE, making it one of the oldest Christian nations.

  • Flourished during the medieval Kingdom of Georgia (12th–13th century).

  • Later dominated by Ottoman, Persian, and Russian Empires.

  • Declared independence in 1918, then annexed by the Soviet Union in 1921.

  • Regained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the USSR.

  • Faced post-Soviet civil unrest and conflict in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which remain disputed territories.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Republic of Georgia (საქართველო)
Capital Tbilisi
Official Language Georgian
Currency Georgian Lari (GEL)
Area Approx. 69,700 sq. km
Population Approx. 3.7 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Georgia Standard Time (UTC+4)
ISO Code GE
Internet TLD .ge
Calling Code +995
Independence Day 26 May (from Soviet Union, 1991)

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Salome Zourabichvili (ceremonial role)
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili (executive head)
Government Type Unitary parliamentary republic
Legislature Parliament of Georgia (unicameral)
Judiciary Independent system with Constitutional and Supreme Courts

Administrative Divisions (Regions)

Georgia is divided into 12 first-level administrative divisions, including 9 regions (mkhare), 2 autonomous republics, and 1 capital city with special status.

Autonomous Republics:

  1. Adjara – Capital: Batumi

  2. Abkhazia – Capital: Sukhumi (de facto independent; limited Georgian control)

Capital City:

  • Tbilisi (თბილისი) – Administered separately

Regions (Mkhare):

  1. Guria – Ozurgeti

  2. Imereti – Kutaisi

  3. Kakheti – Telavi

  4. Kvemo Kartli – Rustavi

  5. Mtskheta-Mtianeti – Mtskheta

  6. Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti – Ambrolauri

  7. Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti – Zugdidi

  8. Samtskhe-Javakheti – Akhaltsikhe

  9. Shida Kartli – Gori

Local Government Structure

  • Each region and municipality is managed by:

    • Elected local councils (sakrebulo)

    • Mayors or governors, depending on the administrative level

  • Tbilisi has its own elected mayor and municipal assembly

  • Ongoing decentralization reforms aim to strengthen local governance

Leadership & Governance

  • President is head of state, Prime Minister is head of government.

  • Georgia is committed to EU and NATO integration, despite regional tensions with Russia.

  • Political landscape includes multiple parties; notable polarization between ruling Georgian Dream party and opposition groups.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Main bodies:

    • Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA)

    • State Security Service

  • Generally safe for residents and tourists

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 112 – Police, Fire, Ambulance (integrated response)

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Tourism, wine production, agriculture, mining, hydropower

    • IT outsourcing, real estate, and transport

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 26 billion

  • Major trade partners: EU, Turkey, China, Russia

  • Strategic location on Middle Corridor trade route (China–Europe)

Education & Institutions

  • Literacy rate: 99.8%

  • Compulsory education until age 15

  • Top institutions:

    • Tbilisi State University

    • Ilia State University

    • Georgian Technical University

  • Focus on multilingual education and international academic programs

Healthcare

  • Universal healthcare introduced in 2013

  • Private hospitals serve majority of urban population

  • Rural healthcare challenges remain

  • Notable medical centers:

    • Evex Clinics Network

    • Chapidze Heart Center

    • Tbilisi Republican Hospital

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Tbilisi International Airport

    • Batumi and Kutaisi International Airports

  • Rail links connect major cities and to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey

  • Black Sea ports: Batumi and Poti

  • Growing road and expressway network (East-West Highway project)

Tourism & Attractions

  • Historical:

    • Uplistsikhe Cave City, Mtskheta, Gelati Monastery (UNESCO)

  • Natural:

    • Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi, Svaneti, Tusheti

  • Cultural:

    • Tbilisi Old Town, Batumi waterfront, wine tours in Kakheti

  • Religious:

    • Orthodox cathedrals, ancient monasteries, diverse architecture

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Deep-rooted Orthodox Christian tradition, mixed with secular modernity

  • World-famous for:

    • Polyphonic music, folk dance, Georgian script

    • Culinary culture: khachapuri, khinkali, mtsvadi, Georgian wine

  • Hospitality is central to Georgian identity

  • Celebrations: Tbilisoba, New Wine Festival, Orthodox Easter & Christmas

Summary

Georgia is a country where history meets hospitality, and modern aspirations blend with ancient traditions. As it builds democratic institutions and global partnerships, Georgia’s resilience and unique charm make it one of the most dynamic nations in the Caucasus.