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.