About Georgia

Georgia arises between the Black and Caspian Seas in the central part of the Southern Caucasus, on the oldest and the shortest transport crossroad connecting Europe and Asia. Russian Federation is in the east border of Georgia, Azerbaijan in the southeast, Armenia and Turkey in the south and the Black Sea in the west.

Georgia and it's neighbours

One of the many legends about Georgia runs as follows: when God was dividing the Earth among the people, Georgians were late, staying too long at the traditional feast. By the moment of their arrival the whole world had been already divided. When God asked newcomers what they were drinking for, Georgians answered that they had been drinking for him, God, for themselves and for peace. The Most High liked their response and told them that though all the lands had been already given out, he had preserved one piece for himself and that he then presented it to Georgians. This land, according to God, can't be compared with anything by its beauty. And people will admire it for ever and ever.

Georgian territory is 69,7 thousand square km and is located in the warmth temperate zone. Its two third is mountainous, although there are at least all climate zones on the territory of Georgia. It's important, that Likhi range divides Georgia into two different climatic parts: West- Black seaside wet subtropical and east — steppe continental climates.
Georgia is a country abounding in water. There are more than 26000 rivers, 756 lakes, more than 2000 mineral water springs. The country is rich in fresh and thermal waters (its temperature reaches 110°C at some places, which is the highest in the world).

Georgia is a part of ancient civilization. According to official sources the first Georgian state was founded 3500 years ago and it's the Virgin's portion country. The robe of Christ is buried here, which is knitted by the Virgin. Georgia is a homeland of the first European. The fact that Georgian archeologists found the fragments of the ancient human skeleton about 1,8 million years ago is the confirmation of the antiquity of the first European's age.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia

Georgia had an important geopolitical function during thousand years. It was the Great Silk Road, cutting the whole Asia from the east to the west was paved. In the middle Ages this most ancient route gained even greater importance becoming a bridge linking Europe with Asia. Two thousand years have elapsed since that and today, at the dawn of the third millennium the attention of the entire world is again focused on this ancient route. The revival of the Silk Road is regarded as the most grandiose project at the beginning of the 21 st century by supporting of European Union.

There are 1200 historical monuments and about 170 museums in Georgia. Georgian language is one of the oldest living languages in the world, and it has its own distinctive alphabet. Georgian writing was first seen in the 5th century. It's also very important that among 14 main alphabets existing in the world Georgian is the one of the independent alphabets. Georgian many-voiced (polyphonic) songs are also very interesting. They are considered as a unique fact all over the world.
Existence of the century-old settlements in the impartial places of Caucasus causes naturally territorial and ethnic originality. Georgian population of about 5,5 million live in the 12 areas and 20 ethnically original regions, which have different family, cult rituals and traditions.

Khinkali

Nobody forgets Georgia's unique cuisine. Born of a landscape rich in alluvial minerals washed down from the mountains, the vegetables, fruits, meats and cheeses have spawned a very individual culture of food. Much is still organic, and the ingredients of Georgia's varied cuisine profit from the mild climate that provides fresh vegetables for three quarters of the year. Numerous aromatic wild herbs give the dishes their special and unique aroma.

Archaeological research provides evidence of viniculture as far back as 7000 years in the Caucasus region. Many say that the generic word 'wine' stems from the Georgian word 'gvino.' Certainly Georgia has many more original varieties of grape than any other country — over 500. Georgia's moderate climate and moist air, influenced by the Black Sea, provide the best conditions for wine culturing.

Georgia is ready to accept visitors and charm them with its famous and phenomenal hospitality. Georgian family members live together and children, parents and grandparents lead the same economy. That's why they follow country, region and family traditions. A guest is considered as a gift received from the god.