The Georgian Orthodox Church contributed to the spiritual and political unification of early Georgian states. [citation needed] [167], The new Patruli force was first introduced in the summer of 2005 to replace the traffic police, a force which was accused of widespread corruption. Out of the deciduous species of trees, beech, oak, and hornbeam dominate. [85][86][87] A bomb explosion on 1 August 2008 targeted a car transporting Georgian peacekeepers. "[145] He was quoted as saying that if NATO accepts Georgian membership with the article on collective defense covering only Tbilisi-administered territory (i.e., excluding the Georgian territories Abkhazia and South Ossetia, both of which are currently Russian-supported unrecognized breakaway republics), "we will not start a war, but such conduct will undermine our relations with NATO and with countries who are eager to enter the alliance. [151] On 27 February 2017, the Council adopted a regulation on visa liberalisation for Georgians travelling to the EU for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period. [203], Archaeological research demonstrates that Georgia has been involved in commerce with many lands and empires since ancient times, largely due its location on the Black Sea and later on the historical Silk Road. [18] The name Sakartvelo (საქართველო) consists of two parts. It is a part of the Caucasus region, bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north and east by Russia, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan. In 1783, one of the Georgian kingdoms entered an alliance with the Russian Empire, which proceeded to annex the territory of modern Georgia in a piecemeal fashion throughout the 19th century. Tamar was the royal couple’s first child, and it has been claimed that the Georgian king decided that when his daughter reached the age of 12, she would be his co-ruler. Following the bloodless Rose Revolution in 2003, Georgia strongly pursued a pro-Western foreign policy; it introduced a series of democratic and economic reforms aimed at NATO and integration into the European Union. The executive branch of power is made up of the Cabinet of Georgia. [n 1], Religious minorities of Georgia include Muslims (10.7 percent), Armenian Christians (2.9 percent) and Roman Catholics (0.5 percent). km (26,900 sq mi). [181] It was called South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast when Georgia was part of Soviet Union. OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license. Located on the crossroads of protracted Roman–Persian wars, the early Georgian kingdoms disintegrated into various feudal regions by the early Middle Ages. [205], Since the early 21st century visible positive developments have been observed in the economy of Georgia. In Greek mythology, Colchis was the home of Medea and the destination of the Argonauts, a land of fabulous wealth and the domain of sorcery. [216] In 2015, the average monthly income of a household was 1,022.3₾ (about $426). A Norwegian, Carl Anton Larsen, established the first land-based whaling station and first permanent habitation at Grytviken in 1904. in 1904. The head of the Bagrationi dynasty Ashot I of Iberia (r.813–826), who had migrated to the former southwestern territories of Iberia, came to rule over Tao-Klarjeti and restored the Principate of Iberia in 813. He also conducts the highly philosophical toasts, and makes sure that everyone is enjoying themselves. With 1,560 troops in 2013, it was at that time the largest non-NATO[158] and the largest per capita[159][160] troop contributor. The Action Plan was formally approved at the EU–Georgia Cooperation Council session on 14 November 2006, in Brussels. In Georgia: Origins of the Georgian nation…of the important kingdom of Iberia, the region that now comprises modern Kartli and Kakheti, along with Samtskhe and adjoining regions of southwestern Georgia. [290] The Georgian folk song "Chakrulo" was one of 27 musical compositions included on the Voyager Golden Records that were sent into space on Voyager 2 on 20 August 1977. This page was last updated on February 24, 2021, All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2021 worldatlas.com. There are several architectural styles for castles, towers, fortifications and churches. Between 600–1,000 metres (1,969–3,281 ft) above sea level, the deciduous forest becomes mixed with both broad-leaf and coniferous species making up the plant life. The map [75] On 26 May 1991, Zviad Gamsakhurdia was elected as the first President of independent Georgia. Lore-based theories were given by the traveller Jacques de Vitry, who explained the name's origin by the popularity of St. George amongst Georgians,[16] while traveller Jean Chardin thought that "Georgia" came from Greek γεωργός ("tiller of the land"). [64] The Georgian nobility did not accept the decree until 12 April 1802, when Knorring assembled the nobility at the Sioni Cathedral and forced them to take an oath on the Imperial Crown of Russia. During the reign of Queen Tamara (1184?1213), its territory included the whole of Transcaucasia. [246], The most widespread language group is the Kartvelian family, which includes Georgian, Svan, Mingrelian and Laz. Since February 2021, Irakli Gharibashvili has been the Prime Minister of Georgia. [89] South Ossetian separatists began shelling Georgian villages on 1 August. [153] Georgia's main imports are fuels, vehicles, machinery and parts, grain and other foods, pharmaceuticals. [244] On the other hand, more than 150,000 Georgians left Abkhazia after the breakout of hostilities in 1993. The detailed table of contents is bilingual (English, German), and helps to find texts and maps easily. [118] In response to Russia's recognition, the Georgian government severed diplomatic relations with Russia. However, the new code failed to address the Venice Commission's primary recommendation to strengthen the equality of the vote by reconstituting single-mandate election districts to be comparable in size. It was an "official" reason, but instability of economic relations with Russia is well known, as they use the economic ties for political purposes. Jehovah’s Witnesses have meetings for worship twice each week. [105] Tskhinvali was seized by the Russian military by 10 August. The country has sizable hydropower resources. [154] After its independence from the Soviet Union, Georgia began to develop its own military industry. [168] The police introduced an 022 (currently 112) emergency dispatch service in 2004. Georgia is a representative democratic parliamentary republic, with the President as the head of state, and Prime Minister as the head of government. However, scholars agree that the word is derived from the Karts, the latter being one of the proto-Georgian tribes that emerged as a dominant group in ancient times. USA: Alabama, almost all of Georgia, a bit of the Florida panhandle, most of Tennessee, and parts of southern Kentucky (Allen, Barren, Calloway, Logan, Simpson, and Warren counties). The penetration of humid air masses from the Black Sea is often blocked by mountain ranges (Likhi and Meskheti) that separate the eastern and western parts of the nation. In 2004, the penetrated depth was increased on each of three expeditions, when a Ukrainian team crossed the 2,000-meter (6,562 ft) mark for the first time in the history of speleology. Areas under Georgian control shown in dark green; "Languages of Georgia" redirects here. [84], Tensions between Georgia and Russia began escalating in April 2008. Neighboring large empires subsequently exploited the internal division of the weakened country, and beginning in the 16th century up to the late 18th century, Safavid Iran (and successive Iranian Afsharid and Qajar dynasties) and Ottoman Turkey subjugated the eastern and western regions of Georgia, respectively. On 25 February 1921, the Red Army entered Tbilisi and established a government of workers' and peasants' soviets with Filipp Makharadze as acting head of state. [284] The Georgian language is written in three unique scripts, which according to traditional accounts were invented by King Pharnavaz I of Iberia in the 3rd century BC. [31][32] From the first centuries A.D, the cult of Mithras, pagan beliefs, and Zoroastrianism were commonly practised in Georgia. Located in Eurasia's Caucasus region, Georgia occupies an area of 69,700 sq. In recent years, the Patrol Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has undergone a radical transformation, with the police having now absorbed a great many duties previously performed by dedicated independent government agencies. Russian suzerainty over eastern Georgia was officially finalized with Iran in 1813 following the Treaty of Gulistan. [217] 2015 calculations place Georgia's nominal GDP at US$13.98 billion. In alphabetical order, the regions are: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Shida Kartli. [153] These in turn are subdivided into 67 districts and 12 self-governing cities. [195] The Rioni River may contain a breeding population of the critically endangered bastard sturgeon. [72] Georgia would remain an unindustrialized periphery of the USSR until the first five-year plan when it would become a major center for textile goods. Georgia was further weakened by several disastrous invasions by Tamerlane. Special Bible Talk: During the month of March, a special talk will be given in all congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. [204] Throughout Georgia's modern history agriculture and tourism have been principal economic sectors, because of the country's climate and topography. The new government's efforts to reassert Georgian authority in the southwestern autonomous republic of Ajaria led to a major crisis early in 2004. [117] Russia recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia as separate republics on 26 August. Mingrelia, although a Russian protectorate since 1803, was not absorbed until 1867. Various historical regions of Georgia are known for their particular dishes: for example, khinkali (meat dumplings), from eastern mountainous Georgia, and khachapuri, mainly from Imereti, Samegrelo and Adjara. [76] Supported by Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia achieved de facto independence from Georgia, with Georgia retaining control only in small areas of the disputed territories. [21] Ancient Greeks (Strabo, Herodotus, Plutarch, Homer, etc.) It is unicameral and has 150 members, known as deputies, of whom 30 are elected by plurality to represent single-member districts, and 120 are chosen to represent parties by proportional representation. [213] As a result, budget revenues have increased fourfold and a once large budget deficit has turned into a surplus. Following an invitation by Georgia's King Erekle for Russian troops to protect Georgia from Ottoman and Persian incursions, the Georgians join the Russian empire as a client kingdom. [citation needed]. [233] There are a number of seaports along Georgia's Black Sea coast, the largest and most busy of which is the Port of Batumi; whilst the town is itself a seaside resort, the port is a major cargo terminal in the Caucasus and is often used by neighbouring Azerbaijan as a transit point for making energy deliveries to Europe. The political struggle for control over the public broadcaster have left it without a direction in 2014 too. The first exhibition of products made by STC Delta was in 1999. [206] Georgia improved its position to 6th in World Bank's Doing Business report 2019. Georgian culture evolved over thousands of years from its foundations in the Iberian and Colchian civilizations. [271] Gross primary enrollment ratio was 117 percent for the period of 2012–2014, the 2nd highest in Europe after Sweden.[272]. [171], The government came under criticism for its alleged use of excessive force on 26 May 2011 when it dispersed protesters led by Nino Burjanadze, among others, with tear gas and rubber bullets after they refused to clear Rustaveli avenue for an independence day parade despite the expiration of their demonstration permit and despite being offered to choose an alternative venue. [185], Adjara under local strongman Aslan Abashidze maintained close ties with Russia and allowed a Russian military base to be maintained in Batumi. [11][292][293][294] In 2013, UNESCO added the ancient traditional Georgian winemaking method using the Kvevri clay jars to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. [235], Like most native Caucasian peoples, the Georgians do not fit into any of the main ethnic categories of Europe or Asia. [214][153][215], As of 2001, 54 percent of the population lived below the national poverty line but by 2006 poverty decreased to 34 percent, by 2015 it is 10.1 percent. [208] In addition, Russia increased the price of gas for Georgia. Georgia is positioned both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. For example, the Khevsureti region of Georgia has three styles of wrestling. Georgia's moderate climate and moist air, influenced by the Black Sea, provide the best conditions for vine cultivating. [40][41] The most prosperous period of the Abkhazian kingdom was between 850 and 950. The country is a member of international organizations across both Europe and Asia, such as the Council of Europe, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Eurocontrol, OSCE, and the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development. The Likhi Range divides the country into eastern and western halves. [289], Georgia has an ancient musical tradition, which is primarily known for its early development of polyphony. [141] The majority of Georgians and politicians in Georgia support the push for NATO membership. [citation needed] Three types of polyphony have developed in Georgia: a complex version in Svaneti, a dialogue over a bass background in the Kakheti region, and a three-part partially-improvised version in western Georgia. In 2016, 2,714,773 tourists brought approximately US$2.16 billion to the country. [25] The earliest evidence of wine to date has been found in Georgia, where 8,000-year old wine jars were uncovered. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, Georgia emerged as an independent republic[13] under German protectorate. [citation needed], Eastern Georgia's landscape (referring to the territory east of the Likhi Range) is considerably different from that of the west, although, much like the Colchis plain in the west, nearly all of the low-lying areas of eastern Georgia including the Mtkvari and Alazani River plains have been deforested for agricultural purposes. The present day Georgian or Kartvelian nation is thought to have resulted from the fusion of aboriginal, autochthonous inhabitants with immigrants who moved into South Caucasus from the direction of Anatolia in remote antiquity. ): ``National Atlas of Georgia``, 138 pages, Steiner Verlag, 2018, Nakhutsrishvili, I.G. The atlas was presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2018, where Georgia was the guest of honor. The region between Kazbek and Shkhara (a distance of about 200 km (124 mi) along the Main Caucasus Range) is dominated by numerous glaciers. Western Georgia's forests consist mainly of deciduous trees below 600 meters (1,969 ft) above sea level and contain species such as oak, hornbeam, beech, elm, ash, and chestnut. [269], Most of these institutions offer three levels of study: a Bachelor's Program (three to four years); a Master's Program (two years), and a Doctoral Program (three years). [citation needed], The Krubera Cave is the deepest known cave in the world. [33] In 337 AD King Mirian III declared Christianity as the state religion, giving a great stimulus to the development of literature, arts, and ultimately playing a key role in the formation of the unified Georgian nation,[34][35] The acceptance led to the slow but sure decline of Zoroastrianism,[36] which until the 5th century AD, appeared to have become something like a second established religion in Iberia (eastern Georgia), and was widely practised there.[37]. However, German support enabled the Georgians to repel the Bolshevik threat from Abkh [104] Abkhaz forces opened a second front on 9 August by attacking the Kodori Gorge, held by Georgia. ["Flora of Spore Producing Plants of Georgia (Summary)"]. [citation needed], The climate of Georgia is extremely diverse, considering the nation's small size. Lake Paliastomi area). The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range plays an important role in moderating Georgia's climate and protects the nation from the penetration of colder air masses from the north. As observed on the physical map of Georgia above, it is a very mountainous country, with the rugged Caucasus Mountains stretching across the northern third, and the Lesser Caucasus Mountains dominating the central and southern landscape.The country's highest point, (100% within its borders) is Mt. [citation needed], At higher elevations above 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) above sea level (particularly in the Tusheti, Khevsureti, and Khevi regions), pine and birch forests dominate. [43] The Golden age of Georgia left a legacy of great cathedrals, romantic poetry and literature, and the epic poem The Knight in the Panther's Skin, the latter which is considered a national epic. The Kingdom of Georgia, however, had not yet had a female ruler, and George hoped to ensure that the nobles w… [99] According to Russian military expert Pavel Felgenhauer, the Ossetian provocation was aimed at triggering the Georgian response, which was needed as a pretext for premeditated Russian military invasion. [296], The most popular sports in Georgia are football, basketball, rugby union, wrestling, judo, and weightlifting. Many Ossetians living in Georgia left the country, mainly to Russia's North Ossetia. Georgia had five players in the NBA: Vladimir Stepania, Jake Tsakalidis, Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Tornike Shengelia and current Golden State Warriors center Zaza Pachulia. In contrast with western Georgia, nearly 85 percent of the forests of the region are deciduous. [263], In addition to traditional religious organizations, Georgia retains secular and irreligious segments of society (0.5 percent),[264] as well as a significant portion of religiously affiliated individuals who do not actively practice their faith. The Kingdom of Georgia collapsed into anarchy by 1466 and fragmented into three independent kingdoms and five semi-independent principalities. [109] Russian Black Sea Fleet blockaded the Georgian coast. The region's weather patterns are influenced both by dry Caspian air masses from the east and humid Black Sea air masses from the west. Georgia does not begin with a particularly strong economy or manpower pool, and it will likely remain so for several decades. The first mention of the name spelled as “Georgia” is in Italian on the mappa mundi of Pietro Vesconte dated AD 1320,[14] At the early stage of its appearance in the Latin world, it was not always written in the same transliteration, and the first consonant was being spelt with J as "Jorgia". [189] The main roads through the mountain range into Russian territory lead through the Roki Tunnel between Shida Kartli and North Ossetia and the Darial Gorge (in the Georgian region of Khevi). [13] As the Ottomans advanced into the Caucasian territories of the crumbling Russian Empire, Georgia declared independence on 26 May 1918. Romans erected the statue of the Iberian King Pharsman after he demonstrated Georgian training methods during his visit to Rome; one of the oldest wine-producing countries, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development, Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic, Adapted Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Tensions between Georgia and Russia began escalating, ethnic cleansing against Georgians in South Ossetia, Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Role of Georgia in the War in Afghanistan (2001–14), Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Administrative divisions of Georgia (country), Georgian territory under Russian occupation, International Union for Conservation of Nature, 2014 General Population Census Main Results, Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, secular and irreligious segments of society, Index of Georgia (country)-related articles, "საქართველოს მოსახლეობის საყოველთაო აღწერის საბოლოო შედეგები", "2014 General Population Census Main Results General Information — National Statistics Office of Georgia", "World Economic Outlook Database, October 2019", "World Economic Outlook Database October 2019", "GINI index (World Bank estimate) - Georgia", "2014 General Population Census – Main Results", "UNESCO - Ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method", "The establishment of Soviet power in Transcaucasia: The case of Georgia 1921–1928", "Now that's what you call a real vintage: professor unearths 8,000-year-old wine", "Evidence of ancient wine found in Georgia a vintage quaffed some 6,000 years BC", The Gold Mine of Sakdrisi and Earliest Mining and Metallurgy in the Transcausus and the Kura-Valley System, "Georgia iii. [225], Today transport in Georgia is provided by rail, road, ferry, and air. Nana Bolashvili, Andreas Dittmann, Lorenz King, Vazha Neidze (eds. They are collectively known as the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF). Georgia was immediately recognized by Germany and the Ottoman Empire.The young state had to place itself under German protection and to cede its largely Muslim-inhabited regions (including the cities of Batumi, Ardahan, Artvin, Akhaltsikhe and Akhalkalaki) to the Ottoman government (Treaty of Batum, June 4).). Queen Tamar was born in 1166 AD to King George III and Queen Burdukhan. As in the western parts of the nation, elevation plays an important role in eastern Georgia where climatic conditions above 1,500 metres (4,921 ft) are considerably colder than in the low-lying areas. [242] Georgia has nonetheless been inhabited by immigrants from all over the world throughout its independence. United Kingdom is about 1.6 times bigger than Georgia. Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan. [229] Infrastructural development has also been high on the agenda for the railways, with the key Tbilisi railway junction expected to undergo major reorganisation in the near future. Ca. [citation needed], Much of the natural habitat in the low-lying areas of western Georgia has disappeared during the past 100 years because of the agricultural development of the land and urbanization. By the 1980s, an independence movement was established and grew, leading to Georgia's secession from the Soviet Union in April 1991. With the death of Nader Shah in 1747, both kingdoms broke free of Iranian control and were reunified through a personal union under the energetic king Heraclius II in 1762. The principality of Guria was abolished and incorporated into the Empire in 1829, while Svaneti was gradually annexed in 1858. [268][270] As of 2016[update], 75 higher education institutions are accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. Georgian Jews trace the history of their community to the 6th century BC; their numbers have dwindled in the last decades due to high levels of immigration to Israel. The European map is outdated and illogical. Through his mother Gurandukht, sister of the childless Abkhazian king Theodosius III (c. 975–978), Bagrat was a potential heir to the realm of Abkhazia. There remained significant opposition to the Bolsheviks in Georgia, which was unindustrialized and viewed as socially backward, and this culminated in the August Uprising of 1924. Tbilisi is the country's capital and largest city. [153] The mission and functions of the GAF are based on the Constitution of Georgia, Georgia's Law on Defense and National Military Strategy, and international agreements to which Georgia is signatory. During the 13th century, Tamerlane and the The goal was to import English speakers from across the world to ensure that all children in Georgia spoke English in four years and replace Russian as a second language. The self-designation used by ethnic Georgians is Kartvelebi (ქართველები, i.e. [291], Georgian cuisine and wine have evolved through the centuries, adapting traditions in each era. For languages of the U.S. state of Georgia, see, Georgia after restoration of independence, Largest cities or towns in Georgia (country). However, several early wars will be necessary to ensure Georgia’s survival, and what money Georgia does have should be spent to make these go quick and pain free. Other popular sports in 19th century Georgia were polo, and Lelo, a traditional Georgian game very similar to rugby. Despite the revitalization of the Iberian monarchy, remaining Georgian lands were divided among rival authorities, with Tbilisi remaining in Arab hands. Hosting is supported by … Soviet rule was firmly established only after the insurrection was swiftly defeated. (1996). The highest mountain in Georgia is Mount Shkhara at 5,068 meters (16,627 ft), and the second highest is Mount Janga (Dzhangi–Tau) at 5,059 m (16,598 ft) above sea level. [139], The growing U.S. and European Union influence in Georgia, notably through proposed EU and NATO membership, the U.S. [152], Georgia's military is organized into land and air forces.