Georgia

Located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Georgia has seamlessly integrated aspects of various cultures, while at the same time retaining its own unparalleled identity.

Georgia is a four-season destination. Although a small country, you can find here the Caucasus Mountain range, Black Sea coastline, curative climate, and mineral waters, national parks and UNESCO Heritage Sites, ancient history, diverse culture and traditions, delicious cuisine, rich wine culture, and last but not least, our world-famous Georgian hospitality.

Ski the Caucasus Mountains, Europe’s highest mountain range, in the morning and relax by the Black Sea coast in the afternoon.

Language: Georgian
Currency: Georgian lari
Capital City: Tbilisi
Population: 3.7 million

History

The history of Georgia is the history of struggling for freedom. Nearly all the largest empires in the world attempted to possess this land. But after all, we amazingly managed to survive and preserve our independence. There were times when several huge invaders at the same time struggled for having influence over Georgia. The reason for all these wars was the strategic location of Georgia between Europe and Asia on the major trade artery – Silk Road.

Dmanisi archaeological excavations prove the fact of ancient humans (hominids) living on the territory of Georgia. The human skull recently discovered here is 1.8 million years old and the most ancient on the territory of Europe. It means that Georgia is the homeland of the first European.

The Georgian language is one of the oldest living languages in the world and it has its own distinctive alphabet. First preserved samples of Georgian writing date back to the 5th century, including inscriptions in the Georgian monastery of the Holy Cross in Palestine, in Bethlehem desert, and Sioni cathedral in Bolnisi.

Geography and Nature

Georgia is a small country situated on the crossroad of Europe and Asia. From the south-east, it has a border with Azerbaijan, from the south – with Armenia and Turkey, from the north – with Russia. The western part of Georgia is washed by the Black Sea.

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia founded in the fifth century. The population of the country with a total area of 69 700 square kilometers is 3 720 000 people.

It is amazing but on this small land, there are 26060 rivers and over 40 protected areas. That is why the vast part of the country is occupied by untouched nature. Here we have everything that the traveler can only dream about: mountains of eternal snow, mountain lakes, alpine meadows, canyon rivers full of flowers and fruit, palm coasts, natural canyons, ancient caves, mineral waters, and sulfur water pools – thus this place is indeed a heaven on Earth! 4 season destination; You can ski in the Caucasus Mountains in the morning and relax at the black sea coast on the same day. Georgia will surprise and delight you at every turn.

Economy

The country has a sound macroeconomic framework, an attractive business environment, and robust public financial management arrangements that are expected to support the post-COVID recovery.

Georgia’s governance indicators typically exceed Europe and Central Asia and upper-middle-income country averages (World Governance Indicators). The country also remains one of the most business-friendly countries globally, placing seventh out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 rankings.

Georgia was initially successful in containing the spread of COVID-19, supported by timely and stringent measures that included border closures and lockdowns early on in the crisis. However, the initial economic shock was severe, with the economy contracting by 16.6 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) in April.

With infections under control, restrictions were gradually loosened and the economy started to recover, with the GDP contraction narrowing to 5.3 percent y-o-y by August 2020. 

People and Culture

Georgians are friendly and hospitable people who welcome guests and treat them like family. Hospitality takes a very strong and special position in Georgian tradition and mentality. There is a saying that “a guest is a gift from God”. For Georgians however, this is not only a saying but in fact the way they consider a guest. When a guest enters into this sphere he or she will be subject to the same: The whole family will put all efforts into pleasing the guest, assuring that the guest is comfortable and happy. They will offer the guest the best of what they possibly can provide.

You are about to discover a country of diverse culture, rich history, and unique artifacts. Georgia is home to the first human outside of Africa who settled down here about 2 million years ago. Georgia is an ancient country at the crossroads of the Eastern and Western civilizations, where the European and Asian way of life and traditions merge for thousands of years. Indeed this country has a lot of amazing things to show you and tell you!

It is impossible to visit Georgia and not get charmed by its traditional architecture, which counts more than 1300 years. On the streets of the city, river canyons, and mountain peaks you will see ancient unique domed temples painted with frescoes created based on Bible.

Georgian polyphonic music is globally prominent for its special harmonious sonority. Since 2001, Georgian polyphonic music is among UNESCO’s world intangible cultural heritage list.

Important Dates

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• January 2: New Year Holiday
• January 7: Orthodox Christmas Day
• January 19: Orthodox Epiphany
• March 3: Mother’s Day
• March 8: International Women’s Day
• April 9: Independence Restoration Day
• April 30: Orthodox Good Friday
• May 1: Orthodox Easter Saturday
• May 2: Orthodox Easter Sunday
• May 3: Orthodox Easter Monday
• May 9: Victory Day
• May 12: Saint Andrew the First Called Day
• May 26: Independence Day
• August 28: Saint Mary’s Day
• October 14: Svetitskhovloba
• November 23: Saint George’s Day