Georgia

The Crossroad of Europe and Asia

Georgia, officially the Republic of Georgia, is a beautiful mountainous country located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bounded by the Black Sea to the west and the Caucasus Mountains to the north. Known for its ancient Christian heritage, unique language, and remarkable hospitality, Georgia is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions and a vibrant hub of history and modern development.

🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

Georgia’s history is a blend of ancient kingdoms, religious devotion, and continuous resilience against foreign empires.

Key Historical Timeline:

  • c. 12th Century BCE: Early Georgian tribes form the Kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia

  • 4th Century CE: Christianity adopted as the state religion (among the first in the world)

  • 11th–13th Century: Golden Age under King David IV and Queen Tamar

  • 16th–18th Century: Periods of Persian and Ottoman invasions

  • 1801: Incorporated into the Russian Empire

  • 1918: Declared independence as the Democratic Republic of Georgia

  • 1921: Soviet invasion — becomes part of the USSR

  • 1991 (April 9): Restores independence after Soviet collapse

  • 2003: Rose Revolution ushers democratic reforms

  • Present: Modern democratic republic integrating with European and global institutions

🧭 Basic National Information

Category Details
Official Name Republic of Georgia
Capital City Tbilisi
President Salome Zurabishvili
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze
Area ~69,700 sq. km
Population ~3.7 million (2025 estimate)
Currency Georgian Lari (GEL)
Time Zone Georgia Standard Time (UTC+4)
Dial Code +995
Top-Level Domain .ge
National Motto “Strength is in Unity”

⚖️ Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
President Salome Zurabishvili
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze
Government Type Unitary Parliamentary Republic
Legislature Parliament of Georgia (unicameral)
Judiciary Supreme Court of Georgia
Administrative Capital Tbilisi

Georgia upholds democratic values, multi-party politics, and strong regional autonomy with ongoing economic and judicial reforms.

🗺️ Administrative Structure

Georgia is divided into 9 regions (mkhare), 2 autonomous republics, and 1 capital city territory.

Region / Republic Capital
Adjara (Autonomous Republic) Batumi
Abkhazia (Disputed) Sukhumi
Kakheti Telavi
Imereti Kutaisi
Samegrelo–Zemo Svaneti Zugdidi
Samtskhe–Javakheti Akhaltsikhe
Shida Kartli Gori
Kvemo Kartli Rustavi
Mtskheta–Mtianeti Mtskheta
Guria Ozurgeti
Tbilisi (Capital Territory) Tbilisi

🌐 Geography & Environment

  • Location: Crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia

  • Borders: Russia (north), Turkey and Armenia (south), Azerbaijan (east), Black Sea (west)

  • Terrain: Mountains (Caucasus), valleys, rivers, and coastal plains

  • Major Rivers: Mtkvari (Kura), Rioni, Alazani

  • Climate: Ranges from humid subtropical (west) to alpine (north)

  • Natural Resources: Forests, hydropower, manganese, copper, and fertile land

Mount Shkhara (5,201 m) is the highest peak in Georgia.

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)

🕍 Religion, Language & Culture

Category Details
Major Religion Christianity (Georgian Orthodox Church)
Other Faiths Islam, Armenian Apostolic, Judaism
Official Language Georgian (unique Kartvelian language)
Writing System Georgian script (Mkhedruli)
Cultural Identity Deeply traditional yet modern; strong emphasis on family, faith, and hospitality

Cultural Highlights:

  • Traditional Feast: Supra (table of friendship and wine)

  • National Dance: Kartuli

  • Famous Dishes: Khachapuri (cheese bread), Khinkali (dumplings), Lobio (bean stew)

  • Ancient Wine Culture: Over 8,000 years of winemaking history

  • Music: Polyphonic singing recognized by UNESCO

📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Georgia’s economy is one of the most open and rapidly reforming in the Caucasus.

Sector Description
Agriculture Grapes, fruits, nuts, tea, wine production
Tourism Mountain resorts, cultural heritage, Black Sea beaches
Energy Hydropower, renewable energy potential
Industry Mining, textiles, food processing, construction
Technology Emerging IT and fintech industries
Trade Partners EU, Turkey, China, Russia, Azerbaijan
GDP Growth Among the highest in the South Caucasus region

🎓 Education & Healthcare

Sector Details
Education System Free and compulsory primary & secondary education
Top Universities Tbilisi State University, Ilia State University
Medium of Instruction Georgian, English (in higher education)
Healthcare System Universal Health Coverage since 2013
Life Expectancy ~75 years
Focus Areas Digital education, tourism management, medical services

✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

Category Details
Main Airports Tbilisi Intl, Batumi Intl, Kutaisi Intl
Ports Poti, Batumi (Black Sea)
Railways Connects Europe and Central Asia trade routes
Highways East–West Highway (E-60 corridor)
Development Focus Logistics, renewable energy, smart tourism infrastructure

🏞️ Tourism & Attractions

Georgia’s mix of nature, history, and spirituality makes it a gem for travelers.

Top Destinations:

  • Tbilisi: Colorful capital with old town charm and modern skyline

  • Mtskheta: Ancient capital, UNESCO heritage site

  • Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): Stunning mountain landscapes and Gergeti Trinity Church

  • Batumi: Black Sea resort city with vibrant nightlife

  • Svaneti: Medieval towers and Caucasus trekking routes

  • Kakheti: Renowned wine region

  • Vardzia: Cave monastery complex (12th century)

🌍 Global Role & Relations

Aspect Details
UN Membership Since 1992
Regional Cooperation GUAM, BSEC, Council of Europe
Foreign Policy Focus European and NATO integration
Major Allies EU, USA, Turkey, Ukraine
Trade Agreements EU Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA)

Georgia is often called the “Gateway between Europe and Asia.”

📝 Summary

Georgia stands as a living bridge between continents — where ancient Orthodox churches, vineyards, and snow-capped mountains meet a forward-looking, tech-savvy society. Rooted in faith and culture, Georgia continues to inspire with its hospitality, resilience, and reform-driven growth.

📢 News & Articles

  • “Georgia’s Wine Heritage: 8,000 Years of Civilization in a Cup”

  • “Tbilisi: A City of Diversity and Design”

  • “How Georgia Balances Ancient Tradition with Modern Progress”

🎯 Our Mission

This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, dedicated to showcasing nations’ cultures, civilizations, and progress — bridging understanding between people and countries.

📬 Contact Us

For cultural collaborations, updates, or contributions about Georgia, contact our editorial team.