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| Georgia Information |
Population: 4,615,807 Dialing Code: +995 Languages: Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7% Religions: Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Muslim 9.9%, Armenian-Gregorian 3.9%, Catholic 0.8%, other 0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census) Internet TLD: .ge Located: Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia Area: 69,700 sq km Residents with HIV: 2,700 Literacy: 100% Comparative Size: slightly smaller than South Carolina Nationality Noun: Georgian(s) Nationality Adjective: Georgian |
Since it lies between Europe and Asia, Georgia is at the crossroads of civilizations. A country in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia was a part of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991. It had the distinction of being a favorite holiday retreat of the Russian elites. The country, however, has carefully preserved and maintained its unique culture and identity. It was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity, making it a land of grandiose churches, ancient castles and vivid mountain scenery.
Prosperous capital
Tbilisi, the country's capital, has a Mediterranean climate and is pleasantly warm. The old part of the city is known for its monumental wealth. Sioni Cathedral, built in the 5th century, is the oldest among the numerous churches dotting the cityscape. The Narikala Fortress provides a bird's eye view of the old city. The fortress itself was built by the Persians in the 4th century. Prospekt Rustaveli, the main avenue of Tbilisi, is lined with stylish buildings reflecting the country's pride and prosperity. The Georgian State Museum is an important landmark on this street.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mtskheta, the old capital of Georgia, has many monuments bearing special significance to Christianity. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is believed to have been constructed on the site where Jesus Christ's crucifixion robe was dropped. The 6th century Jvari Cathedral charms its visitors with characteristic Georgian architecture. Both the cathedrals have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
National parks
For active tourists, Georgia has numerous national parks, which offer scenic beauty. The Tusheti National Park offers a host of mountain activities and trekking opportunities. The park has a mountainous landscape with its highest point soaring to 4,800 m. Vashlovani, Lagodechi, Borjomi-Kharogauti and Kolcheti are some of the other national parks in the country.
Winter and water sports
There are opportunities abound for sports like skiing, ski touring, heli-skiing and snowboarding in the mountainous regions of Georgia, extending from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. For water activities, the go-to places are the beaches and health resorts of Batumi, Sarpi, Kueriati, Gonia, Kobuleh, Grigoleti and Ureki.