About Georgia
Georgia is a land with an ancient history, natural beauty and unique culture. The country is located in southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia. It is largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south.
The roots of the Georgian people extend deep in history. Their cultural heritage is equally ancient and rich. Georgia became a kingdom in 4 B.C. Christianity was introduced in the 4th century A.D. During the medieval period a powerful Georgian kingdom existed, reaching its height between the 10th and 13th centuries. After a long period of Turkish and Persian domination, Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire in the 19th century. In 1936 Georgia became a constituent (union) republic of Soviet Union and continued as such until its collapse. One of the most independent-minded republics, Georgia declared sovereignty on November 19, 1989, and independence on April 9, 1991.
Georgia is known for its rich folklore, unique traditional music, theatre, cinema, and art.
For a country of modest proportions, Georgia presents a remarkable mix of landscapes and climates, ranging from high mountain peaks and wine-growing valleys to lush Black Sea resorts. Georgia’s climate along the Black Sea coast is similar to that along the Mediterranean, being warm, humid, and almost subtropical. Farther inland, the climate is continental, with warm summers and cold winters.
Georgia’s countryside is covered with ancient towered fortifications, monasteries and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which have survived through great adversities.
Georgia has one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world and has been called the birthplace of wine (also the “Cradle of Wine”), due to archaeological findings, which indicate wine production back to 8000 BC.
Architecture in Georgia is in many ways a fusion of Europe and Asia. It has been influenced by many civilizations. At the present time, it is an interesting mixture of classical buildings against the backdrop of rising skyscrapers.
