Core Facts / Infobox

Present this as a clean two-column table containing accurate and verified national facts. Include only fields with real data.

Geography & Environment

• Georgia is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, and the Black Sea.
• Major geographical features include the Caucasus Mountains, the fertile Kolkheti lowlands, and the Black Sea coastline.
• Mount Shkhara and Mount Kazbek are among the highest peaks in Europe.
• Climate varies from subtropical on the coast to alpine in the mountains.
• Best time to visit: April–June and September–October.
• National parks: Borjomi-Kharagauli, Kazbegi, Tusheti, Vashlovani.
• Wildlife includes bears, wolves, lynxes, ibex, eagles, and rare Caucasian species.
• Environmental challenges: deforestation, pollution, climate-related risks, and glacier retreat.
• Unique natural wonders: Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave, Svaneti mountain region.

Demographics

• Total population: ~3.7 million.
• Median age: ~38 years.
• Urban vs rural: ~60% urban, ~40% rural.
• Ethnic groups: Georgian majority with Azerbaijani, Armenian, Russian, and others.
• Religions: Eastern Orthodox Christianity (majority), Islam (minority).
• Literacy rate: ~99.4%.
• Major cities: Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Zugdidi.

History

• Georgia is home to ancient kingdoms like Colchis and Iberia, dating back thousands of years.
• It became one of the earliest Christian nations in the 4th century.
• Experienced a golden age under Queen Tamar in the 12th–13th centuries.
• Later influenced by Persians, Ottomans, and Russians.
• Annexed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century.
• Became part of the Soviet Union until independence on 9 April 1991.
• Modern history includes democratic reforms, economic development, and territorial conflicts.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Unitary parliamentary republic.
• Executive: President (ceremonial) and Prime Minister (head of government).
• Legislature: unicameral Parliament.
• Judiciary: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and lower courts.
• Administrative divisions: 9 regions, 2 autonomous republics, and Tbilisi as a separate entity.
• Foreign policy: EU integration, partnerships with NATO, regional diplomacy.

Economy

• Georgia has a fast-growing, service-based economy.
• Major industries: tourism, agriculture, mining, hydropower, winemaking, construction.
• Main exports: wine, mineral water (Borjomi), fruits, metals, fertilizers.
• Main imports: machinery, fuel, chemicals, food products.
• Strengths: strategic location, tourism, low tax rates, high ease-of-doing-business.
• Weaknesses: regional instability, dependence on imports, unemployment challenges.
• GDP sectors: Services (~60%), Industry (~25%), Agriculture (~15%).
• Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors.

Culture & Society

• Georgia has a unique cultural identity shaped by its Caucasian and Christian heritage.
• Values emphasize hospitality, tradition, and strong family connections.
• Festivals: Tbilisoba, Alilo, Wine festivals, traditional celebrations.
• Traditional dress includes chokha for men and colorful Caucasian garments.
• Arts: polyphonic singing (UNESCO), theatre, poetry, dance, and Orthodox iconography.
• Georgian language uses its own alphabet, one of the oldest in the world.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Khachapuri — cheese-filled bread, often with egg and butter.
• Iconic dishes: Khinkali (dumplings), Pkhali, Badrijani (eggplant rolls), Mtsvadi (BBQ).
• Street foods: lobiani (bean bread), shawarma, pastries.
• Desserts: churchkhela, honey cakes, walnut sweets.
• Beverages: world-famous Georgian wine, chacha, and mineral waters.
• Georgian cuisine is known for herbs, spices, and rich flavors.

Education & Institutions

• Education is mandatory at primary and basic levels.
• Medium of instruction: Georgian; English widely taught.
• Literacy rate: ~99.4%.
• Top universities: Tbilisi State University, Ilia State University, Georgian Technical University.
• Key fields: engineering, medicine, humanities, business, IT.

Tourism

• Top attractions: Tbilisi Old Town, Batumi Boulevard, Svaneti, Kazbegi, Kakheti wine region.
• UNESCO sites: Gelati Monastery, Mtskheta, Upper Svaneti.
• Natural attractions: Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea beaches, canyons, caves.
• Historical sites: Narikala Fortress, Uplistsikhe cave city, Ananuri Fortress.
• Adventure tourism: hiking, skiing, paragliding, mountain trekking.
• Visa: largely visa-free for many nationalities.
• Transportation: buses, trains, taxis, domestic flights.

Practical Information

• Safety: generally safe; exercise caution in border areas.
• Healthcare: improving systems; good services in major cities.
• Emergency numbers: 112 for all services.
• Plug type: C & F; Voltage: 230V.
• Internet: widespread 4G; good connectivity.
• Best time to visit: spring and autumn.
• Budget: affordable; ideal for backpackers, food lovers, and adventure travelers.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

• National sports: rugby and traditional wrestling.
• Popular sports: football, basketball, judo, weightlifting.
• Notable athletes: world champion judokas and rugby stars.
• Famous cultural figures: poets Shota Rustaveli, musicians, filmmakers, and artists.
• Georgia is known for its polyphonic choir traditions.

Neighboring Countries of Georgia

Georgia shares land borders with the following countries:

• • 219 km with Armenia
  • 428 km with Azerbaijan
  • 894 km with Russia
  • 273 km with Turkey

Famous For

• Ancient wine-making traditions (8,000 years old).
• Caucasus Mountains.
• Unique Georgian alphabet.
• Tbilisi architecture & sulfur baths.
• Khachapuri & Georgian cuisine.
• UNESCO polyphonic singing.
• Warm hospitality and rich culture.

Sources

• World Bank
• United Nations (UN Data)
• IMF
• CIA World Factbook
• National Statistics Office of Georgia
• Official Government Publications