Georgia

Georgia (Georgian: საქართველო, tr. Sakartvelo) is a country in Eurasia, located on the crossroads of Eastern Europe and West Asia. Nestled between the Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges, it is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north and northeast by Russia, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan. The capital and largest city is Tbilisi. Georgia covers a territory of 69,700 square kilometers (26,911 sq. mi), and its 2015 population is about 3.75 million. Georgia is a unitary, semi-presidential republic, with the government elected through a representative democracy.

Country

About Georgia

Georgia is located on the crossroad of Europe and Asia. It lays at the eastern end of the Black Sea, with Turkey and Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and Russia to the north, over the Caucasus Mountains. The capital and largest city is Tbilisi. Georgia’s total territory covers 69,700 square kilometers.

 

Population

Population in Georgia is almost 5 million. Official language is Georgian. Country is unitary semi-presidential republic. The native name of Georgia is “Sakartvelo”.

 

Currency

Georgian currency is Georgian Lari () (GEL). 1 $US  is approximately 2.5 GEL. Lari is subdivided into 100 Tetri. Major hotels and markets accept credit cards, but please check outside the main cities. Cash point machines are available throughout major towns and cities.

 

Climate

Climate of the country is extremely diverse, considering its small size. The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range influencing Georgia’s climate, it protects the country from cold air masses from North.

The Lesser Caucasus Mountains partially protect the region from the influence of dry and hot air masses from South as well. An average temperature in summer ranges from 32 °C to 35 °C, and in winter – from 1.5 °C to 3 °C.

 

 

Cities

Largest cities and towns of Georgia are : Tbilisi; Kutaisi; Batumi; Rustavi; Zugdidi; Gori; Poti; Khashuri; Samtredia.

 

History

Georgia has the dubious distinction of being one of the most invaded nations on Earth. As a nation at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it has been marked by war for ages. From the I century BC to the XVIII century AD the Greeks, Romans, Persians, Arabs, Ottomans and Russians have all attempted to possess this beautiful land, but none have ever conquered it completely or permanently.

As a result, our history became one of the skilled survivals – preserving our culture against overwhelming odds again and again. To protect against invaders an elaborate system of watchtowers (many of which still exist) alerted the people to an attack, and precious religious icons and relics would disappear into caves and hidden mountain fortresses. Villages in the most remote mountain valleys would escape the invaders attention entirely, thus some of the oldest and most superlative frescoes are found in the highlands. See more

 

Culture

It is quite difficult to describe the Georgian culture with couple of words. It is very ancient: the first settlements at this territory appeared many thousand years ago. In the Georgian museums you can see multiple archeological findings from the Bronze Age, the 8000-years-old evidences of developed viticulture, jewelry, icons and weapons from different historical periods. See more...

 

Georgian Folklore

Georgian Music
Georgian polyphonic music tradition is world-renowned and calls upon an enchanting combination of ancient and modern harmonies. In 2001 UNESCO acknowledged this music as “a masterpiece of the world’s intangible cultural heritage”.
Its unique, slightly dissonant style has not changed for centuries. The Greek historian Strabo recorded the multi-voiced chants of Georgians riding into battle as early as in the 1. century BC. The songs, made up of three-part harmonies, are still in the blood of modern society. They can be heard in churches and monasteries across the country; down Tbilisi’s back-streets of an early evening; or across the village fields in summer. They are also very much a part of the Georgian feast (supra).

Georgian Dance
Georgian dance, like the national polyphonic songs, remain a major cultural export. The Georgian State Dance Ensemble tours the world for most of the year. The vigorous, vibrant men leap high in the air; clash swords amidst flying sparks and razor sharp daggers are thrown into the floor in a frenetic, breathtaking choreography.
All this is contrasting with the women’s graceful, elegant and beautiful dances. Fabulous multi-colored costumes from the many mountain regions, wild drumming, accompanied by sound of pipes and accordions… The impression is mesmeric and truly unforgettable! See more...

 

Public Transport

Taxis are one of the best ways of getting around the immediate city, as they can be found almost anywhere. Fares are very affordable, and should never cost more than few USD. it’s wise to ask what the trip is going to cost before ad. Generally, taxis will be waiting outside of major public areas such as airports, train stations, bus stations, and large hotels. Alternatively, you can book a taxi by telephone with a local taxi firm or catch a cab directly on the street. The best way to get a taxi is to ask a hotel or restaurant for their help in arranging a ride.