Georgia (country)

Georgia is a country in the Caucasus region on the coast of the Black Sea. It is located where Eastern Europe meets West Asia, and is generally considered part of Europe. It is bordered to the north and northeast by Russia; to the west by the Black Sea, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan. Georgia covers an area of 69,700 square kilometres and has a population of 3.9 million, of which over a third live in Tbilisi, the capital and largest city.

Georgians are native to the region and primarily speak Georgian, a Kartvelian language that has no relation to any other language family in the world. The country has a rich history, with evidence of habitation since prehistory. It is known for hosting the world's earliest known sites of winemaking. During the classical era, kingdoms such as Colchis and Iberia emerged, and in the early fourth century, Georgians officially adopted Christianity, which helped unify the region.

Georgia had a Golden Age during the High Middle Ages under leaders like King David IV and Queen Tamar. Later, the country faced attacks from empires such as the Mongols, the Ottoman Empire, and Persia. Georgia sought help from the Russian Empire, which eventually annexed the country. After brief independence following the Russian Revolution in 1917, Georgia was invaded and annexed by the Red Army in 1921 and became part of the Soviet Union.

Georgia regained independence in 1991 after the Soviet Union dissolved. The country has worked on reforms and aims for closer ties with the European Union and NATO. Georgia continues to develop as a representative democracy and a developing country with a focus on economic growth and reform.

Etymology

Names of Georgia

Main article: Names of Georgia

Ancient Greeks and Romans knew the western Georgians as Colchians and the eastern Georgians as Iberians. The name "Georgia" first appeared in Italian maps in 1320. Some historians think the name comes from St. George, while others believe it comes from the Persian word Gurj, meaning "land of wolves".

The native name for Georgia is Sakartvelo, meaning "land of Kartvelians", from the central region of Kartli. This name has been used since the 9th century and refers to the whole country. Georgians call themselves Kartvelebi, meaning "Kartvelians".

History

Main article: History of Georgia (country)

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Georgian (country) history.

Prehistory

See also: Prehistoric Georgia

The oldest signs of people in Georgia are from about 1.8 million years ago. Farming began there around the 6th millennium BC, especially in the west. People there made the first fibers for clothes over 34,000 years ago. Georgia also has the oldest known places where wine was made (around 6000 BCE) and the first signs of gold mining (3rd millennium BC).

Antiquity

In ancient times, several states grew in Georgia. In the west, there was Colchis. In the east, many small groups stayed until Alexander the Great took over in the 4th century BC. This led to the start of the Kingdom of Iberia under the Seleucid Empire. In 337, King Mirian III made Christianity the official religion of Iberia.

Medieval unification of Georgia

In 580, a big empire ended the Kingdom of Iberia. This caused Georgia to split into smaller areas. In the 800s, the Bagrationi dynasty began to rise. Bagrat III became King of Abkhazia, Prince of Tao-Klarjeti, and King of the Iberians. He united most of Georgia and was crowned King of Georgia in 1010.

Golden Age and Division

In the 1100s, Georgia had some problems. But ties with Byzantium got better when they faced a new enemy, the Seljuk Empire, in the 1060s. From the 1100s to early 1200s, Georgia was very strong. This time, under kings David IV and Tamar, is called the Georgian Golden Age. Georgia built many cathedrals and created poems and stories, including The Knight in the Panther's Skin, a famous book.

Tripartite division

By 1466, Georgia broke apart into three smaller kingdoms and five areas with their own leaders. Big empires nearby took advantage of this and began to control parts of Georgia from the 1500s onward.

Within the Russian Empire

On December 22, 1800, Russia’s leader Paul I of Russia agreed to bring Georgia (Kartli-Kakheti) into the Russian Empire. This happened officially in January 1801 and was confirmed later that year. Russian rule kept Georgia safe from outside attacks but was often strict and uncaring.

Declaration of independence

After the Russian Revolution in 1917, Georgia joined with nearby areas to form a republic. But Georgia was not happy and declared independence on May 26, 1918, becoming an ally of the German Empire. In 1920, Soviet Russia said Georgia could be independent, but in 1921, the Red Army attacked Georgia and took it over in 1922.

Soviet Socialist Republic

In 1921, during a big fight in Russia, the Red Army moved into Georgia and put local leaders in power. Georgia became part of the Soviet Union. During World War II, many Georgians fought to stop the invaders.

Independence, civil wars

In 1988, many people in Georgia protested for independence. In 1990, they held their first elections with many parties. On April 9, 1991, Georgia declared independence after a vote in March.

Rose revolution and UNM government

In 2003, protests led to the Rose Revolution because elections were unfair. Mikheil Saakashvili became president in 2004.

Russo-Georgian War

Georgia and areas like Abkhazia and South Ossetia have had trouble since 1991. In 2008, a war happened between Georgia and Russia. After the war, parts of Abkhazia and South Ossetia were controlled by groups supported by Russia, who set up military bases there.

Georgian Dream government (2012–present)

Before the 2012 elections, Georgia changed its rules to make the prime minister more powerful. The 2012 Georgian parliamentary election saw the United National Movement lose and the Georgian Dream party win — the first peaceful change of power in Georgia. Georgian Dream won again in 2016. In 2018, they supported Salome Zurabishvili for president, who became Georgia’s first female president.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Georgia (country)

Georgia is a mountainous country in the South Caucasus, with parts also in the North Caucasus. It lies between latitudes 41° and 44° N, and longitudes 40° and 47° E, covering an area of 67,900 km². The Likhi Range splits the country into eastern and western parts.

The Greater Caucasus Mountains form Georgia’s northern border, while the Lesser Caucasus Mountains lie to the south. Mount Shkhara is the highest peak, and Mount Janga is the second highest. The landscape changes from lowland forests in the west to semi-arid plains in the east. Western Georgia has temperate rainforests, while eastern Georgia has valleys and gorges. The climate also changes, with western Georgia being humid and eastern Georgia having a mix of humid and continental climates. Georgia’s environment supports many animals and plants, including brown bears, wolves, and lynxes.

Main article: Climate of Georgia (country)

See also: List of fauna of Georgia and List of fish of the Black Sea

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Georgia (country)

Georgia is a representative democratic parliamentary republic. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Cabinet of Georgia, led by the Prime Minister, holds executive power. The Parliament of Georgia has 150 members who serve four-year terms.

Georgia’s politics have seen changes and debates about how democratic the country is. Some believe Georgia is becoming more democratic, while others see challenges.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Georgia (country)

Georgia wants strong ties with Western countries, especially the United States and the European Union. It hopes to join the EU and NATO, seeking support through various agreements. These efforts have sometimes caused tension with Russia, especially about areas like Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Military

Main articles: Defense Forces of Georgia, Role of Georgia in the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), and Conscription in Georgia

Georgia’s military, the Georgian Defense Forces, has land and air forces. The country has taken part in international operations, such as in Afghanistan, by sending troops to support efforts led by NATO and the United States.

Law enforcement

Main article: Law enforcement in Georgia (country)

Georgia improved its police forces to fight corruption. They created a new patrol force called Patruli. This change aimed to build public trust and improve service quality.

Corruption

Main article: Corruption in Georgia

Before reforms, Georgia had big corruption problems. Efforts have reduced obvious corruption, but some hidden forms still exist. Progress has slowed in recent years.

Human rights and freedom

Main article: Human rights in Georgia

Georgia’s constitution protects human rights, and an independent public defender helps uphold these rights. The country has faced criticism for how it handles protests and policies affecting some groups. Recent laws have caused concern among human rights groups.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of Georgia (country)

See also: Russian-occupied territories in Georgia

Georgia is divided into regions and autonomous republics. Two regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, declared independence and are supported by Russia, but most countries still see them as part of Georgia. These areas remain a point of dispute.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Georgia (country) and Agriculture in Georgia (country)

Georgia has a rich history of trade. It is located near the Black Sea and along the ancient Silk Road. The country has mined valuable metals like gold, silver, copper, and iron for centuries. Georgian wine making is a long-standing tradition and an important part of the economy. Georgia also has plenty of hydropower resources.

In the 20th century, Georgia's economy followed the Soviet model's command economy. After the Soviet Union fell in 1991, Georgia worked to change its economy to a free market. This was a difficult time, but since the early 2000s, Georgia has grown strongly. Georgia now trades more with the world, importing things like vehicles and fuels, and exporting ores, wines, and mineral waters. The country has become known for making it easier to do business there.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Georgia (country)

Tourism is becoming more important for Georgia. In recent years, many visitors have come to enjoy the country’s beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and many mineral springs. Georgia has numerous resorts and famous places like Bagrati Cathedral and Mount Kazbek. The government hopes to welcome even more tourists in the future.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Georgia (country)

Georgia’s transport system includes railways, roads, ports, and airports. The country’s railways are important for moving people and goods. The main airport is Tbilisi International Airport, which connects Georgia to many European cities. There are also busy ports along the Black Sea coast, such as the Port of Batumi, which helps trade flow between Europe and Asia.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Georgia (country) and Georgians

Georgia is a country where people from many different backgrounds live together. The Georgian language is special because it is not part of the main language families found in Europe or Asia. Most people in Georgia are ethnic Georgians. Other groups include Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Russians, and several smaller communities.

The population of Georgia was about 3,914,000 in 2024. This number has changed over time due to people moving away and other factors. Georgia has many languages and religions. Most people practice Eastern Orthodox Christianity, but there are also Muslims, Armenian Christians, and others living in the country. Children go to school from ages 6 to 14, and many students go on to higher education at universities, especially in the capital city, Tbilisi.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Georgia (country)

Georgian culture has grown over many years, starting with old groups like the Iberians and Colchians. In the 11th century, Georgia had a time of great art, books, buildings, and learning. Ideas from Classical Greece, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and Iranian empires helped shape its culture. Later, the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union also changed it.

Today, Georgia is famous for its stories, music, dances, plays, movies, and art. Important people include painters like Niko Pirosmani and poets such as Galaktion Tabidze. The country has special ways to build castles, towers, and churches, with famous places like the Upper Svaneti fortifications and the Old Town in Tbilisi.

Main article: Mass media in Georgia (country)

Main article: Music of Georgia (country)

Main article: Georgian cuisine

Main article: Georgian wine

Main article: Sport in Georgia (country)