Georgia
Brief History
Humans have inhabited the land that is now Georgia since prehistoric times. Georgia was under Roman control from the 1st century BC and the 7th century AD. Shortly after converting to Christianity in 330, Georgia became closely tied with the Byzantine empire. In 1220, the Mongols invaded Georgia. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Georgia experienced its golden age and became a powerful independent kingdom. This period lasted until the Ottoman Turks and the Persians also invaded Georgia, repeatedly until the 1700s. During the early 1800s, Russia gained control of the country. Georgia remained tied to Russia, and then later the Soviet Union, for the next 200 years. On April 9, 1991, Georgia declared its independence and became a free nation.
National Flag
The current national flag of Georgia was adopted on February 19, 2003. It is made up of five red crosses on a white background. The main cross is the cross of St. George. All five crosses are the nation’s national color of red.
Geography
Georgia is located in the Caucasus, at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bordered by Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, and the Black Sea. Georgia has a diverse landscape, with high mountains, forests, and fertile coastal lowlands.
World Land Mass Ranking: 122nd
Highest Mountain: Shkhara, 5,193 m (17,037 ft)
Longest River: Mtkvari 1,515 km (941 mi)
Main Languages
Georgian Abkhaz
Georgia Population: 10.5 million (as of 2020)
Capital City: Tbilisi
Capital City Population: 1.1 million (as of 2022)
Climate
The climate of Georgia is varied, depending on region and elevation. On the coast and western plain, Georgian weather is mild and rainy. The central and eastern inland areas have a dry, moderate continental climate.
Key People
Cuisine
Georgian cuisine has many influences, including Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. Common ingredients in Georgian cuisine are walnuts, cheeses, cherry plums, pomegranates, and spices. The national dish of Georgia is khachapuri, which is a traditional cheese-filled bread. Another popular Georgian dish is shkmeruli, which is crispy chicken cooked in a creamy milk and garlic sauce.
Sports
Sports are an important pastime in Georgia, and the locals enjoy a variety of activities. Football was introduced to Georgia by English sailors during the early 20th century, and it is now one of the most popular sports in the country. Greco-Roman wrestling has strong ties to Georgia, and wrestling is still a traditional Georgian sport. Other sports that are popular in Georgia are rugby, basketball, and weightlifting.
Culture
The culture of Georgia has evolved over the nation’s long history. Situated geographically between Europe and Asia, Georgia has been influenced by other cultures, which is a main reason for its diverse features. Georgia is considered to be one of the friendliest countries, and the people are known to be welcoming and kind. There are many important aspects of Georgian culture, including art, architecture, literature, and music.
10 facts about Georgia
1. The Georgian language is used nowhere else on earth.
2. The lion is Georgia’s national animal.
3. Georgia is the birthplace of wine.
4. Georgia’s life expectancy is 74 years.
5. The currency of Georgia is the Georgian lari.
6. The Georgian Orthodox church is the main religion in Georgia.
7. Georgia is very ecologically diverse.
8. Locals call Georgia Saqartvelo.
9. Georgian’s drive on the right side of the road.
10. Georgia is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Q&A Corner
