Georgia is an ancient, proud and hospitable country of Transcaucasia, located between the eastern coast of the Black Sea and the Greater Caucasus Range. Tourists have always loved this country: for the hospitality of the locals, the majestic beauty of the ancient mountain temples, soulful music, amazingly delicious cuisine and, of course, the legendary Georgian wines.
Currency: lari
Language: Georgian
Capital: Tbilisi
GEOGRAPHY
The capital is Tbilisi. The Republic of Georgia is located in the south-east of Europe and occupies the central and western part of Transcaucasia. It borders in the north with Russia, in the east with Azerbaijan, in the south with Armenia and Turkey. In the west it is washed by the Black Sea. The territory of Georgia is predominantly mountainous, more than a third is covered with dense forests. In the north, the border with Russia runs along the main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains, where the highest points of the country are located, the highest of which is Mount Shkhara (5068 m). The Lesser Caucasus Range runs through southern Georgia, where the highest points do not exceed 3,000 meters. The total area is 69.7 thousand sq. km.
The most popular resorts in Georgia are Batumi, Kobuleti, Borjomi, Gudauri, Bakuriani, Tskaltubo.
CLIMATE
According to bridgat, the climate of Georgia directly depends on the region. In the west of the country the climate is subtropical, and in the east it changes from subtropical to temperate. Despite the fact that mountains have a great influence on the climate of the country, warm air from the Black Sea reaches the most remote parts of Georgia. On average, in January the temperature is between +3 and +9 C in the Colchis lowland and Adjara, and does not fall below -2 C in the Iverian depression. However, in mountainous areas, the temperature can drop to -16-20 C. During the long summer, the weather is mostly hot, and the average temperature in August is +23 C – +26 C almost throughout Georgia. The maximum precipitation falls in winter and autumn throughout the country. Snow falls mainly in mountainous areas in November and does not melt until the end of spring.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Georgian. Russian and English are widely used.
RELIGION
Orthodox Christianity (Georgia is one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as the state religion in 337 AD), very tolerant towards other religions, Orthodox Christians 65%, Muslims 11%, Catholics 8%.
MONEY
The monetary unit of Georgia is the lari. In one lari (international designation – GEL) 100 tetri. At the moment, there are banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 lari.
POPULATION
Georgia is a multinational state in which the majority of the population is made up of the peoples of Transcaucasia. According to 2018 data, Georgians make up 83.8% of the total population, Azerbaijanis 6.5%, Armenians 5.7%, Russians 1.5%, other nationalities 2.5%.
The major cities of Georgia – Tbilisi, Batumi, Rustavi – are traditionally multinational.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Entry into Georgia with a foreign passport. For citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, entry into Armenia is visa-free.
SHOPS
Shops are open from 10:00 to 20:00, and many are open 24/7. Markets are open from 6:00–7:00 to 16:00–18:00 seven days a week.
From Georgia, as a gift, you can bring ceramics, embroidery, handmade gold and silver products, local wine, chacha and brandy, earthenware for every taste (jugs, dishes, etc.).
CUISINE
Georgian cuisine is one of the most popular in the world. Food for Georgians is not just an ordinary meal, as for some nationalities, but one of the most important parts of Georgian culture. Georgian cuisine has retained some of the traditions of its people. Many dishes from Georgian cuisine are meat. A distinctive feature of Georgian cuisine is the frequent and abundant use of cheeses (mainly of the brine type). Walnuts are an indispensable ingredient in Georgian dishes. Herbs, garlic, sauces are actively used.
Oh, and don’t forget the greens! After all, Georgians cannot imagine food without fresh herbs – fruits and vegetables! Therefore, greens are always present in any dish of Georgian cuisine.
An honorable place in Georgian cuisine is occupied by unsurpassed local wines, including home-made ones. Moonshine “chacha” and vodka “araki” are also brewed everywhere.
In restaurants in Georgia, the menu is mainly in English, Russian and Georgian.
TRANSPORT
Domestic flights connect Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and Mestia. Railway communication has been established between Tbilisi, Gori, Kutaisi, Borjomi, Khashuri, Batumi, Ureki, Kobuleti.
You can get to any city in Georgia that you need by intercity buses and fixed-route taxis. Public transport in Tbilisi is represented by metro, buses and minibuses. A ride in minibuses costs 30-50 tetri, in the metro, buses – 40 tetri.
Taxis can be called by phone or stopped on the street.
TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS
The international country code is 995, 10 is the city code of Tbilisi
How to call Georgia:
From a landline phone:
8 – 10 – 995 – (area code) – (subscriber’s phone number).
From a mobile phone:
+ 995- (area code) – (subscriber’s telephone number).
