# Georgia

> country in the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia

**Wikidata**: [Q230](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q230)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(country))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/georgia

## Summary
Georgia is a transcontinental country located in the Caucasus region, spanning parts of Europe and Asia, with its capital in Tbilisi and a population of approximately 3.7 million people.

## Key Facts
- Country in the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia
- Area: 69,700 square kilometres
- Capital: Tbilisi (historical capital: Kutaisi until 1122)
- Population: 3,717,100 (2017), with historical figures including 5.4 million in 1989 and 4.0 million in 1959
- Currency: Georgian lari (introduced October 2, 1995)
- Timezone: UTC+4
- Motto: "Dzala ertobashia" (Strength is in Unity)
- Patron saint: Saint George
- Highest point: Shkhara mountain
- Lowest point: Black Sea
- ISO 3166 codes: GE (alpha-2), GEO (alpha-3), 268 (numeric)
- Internet domain: .ge
- Emergency phone number: 112 (general), 111 (fire), 113 (medical), 122 (police)

## FAQs
- **What international organizations is Georgia a member of?** Georgia is a member of the United Nations (since 1992), Council of Europe (since 1999), World Trade Organization (since 2000), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (since 1992), and World Health Organization (since 1992), among others.
- **What is the form of government?** Georgia operates as a semi-presidential system with a parliamentary republic structure, featuring both a President and Prime Minister.
- **What is the official language?** The official language is Georgian, with Russian also widely used and other languages including Armenian, Laz, Abkhaz, Mingrelian, and others recognized regionally.
- **What is the capital city?** The capital is Tbilisi, which has served as the capital since 1122, though Kutaisi was the capital until that year.
- **What is the country's religion?** The predominant religion is Eastern Orthodoxy, specifically the Georgian Orthodox Church.

## Why It Matters
Georgia's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it geopolitically significant, influencing regional security dynamics and economic connectivity. Its transition from Soviet republic to independent nation has shaped post-Cold War politics in the Caucasus, and its membership in international organizations positions it as a regional leader in democratic development and economic integration. The country's diverse cultural heritage and historical significance contribute to its importance as a cultural and historical bridge between Eastern and Western civilizations.

## Notable For
- **Geopolitical significance**: As a transcontinental country spanning Europe and Asia, Georgia serves as a critical crossroads for trade and cultural exchange.
- **Democratic transition**: Georgia is recognized for its rapid transition from Soviet republic to independent nation, establishing itself as a democratic republic.
- **Cultural heritage**: The country is notable for its rich medieval history, including the Georgian Empire (1008 AD) and distinctive cultural traditions.
- **Economic reforms**: Georgia has implemented significant economic reforms, including currency stabilization and market liberalization.
- **Georgian language**: The Georgian language, with its unique script and alphabetic system, represents one of the world's oldest written languages.

## Body
### General Information
Georgia is a transcontinental country situated in the Caucasus region, spanning parts of both Europe and Asia. The nation covers an area of 69,700 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 3.7 million people as of 2017. The country's capital is Tbilisi, with historical significance dating back to its establishment as the capital in 1122 (replacing Kutaisi as the capital). The demonym for people from Georgia is "Georgian," with variations including "grúz" and "kartvelo" in different languages.

### History
Georgia has a complex historical timeline with multiple phases of sovereignty. The medieval Kingdom of Georgia emerged around 1008 AD, known as the Georgian Empire. The country experienced periods as part of the Soviet Union, including the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1921 to 1991. Georgia declared independence from the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991. The nation has also been part of various historical entities including the Kingdom of the Iberians, First Kingdom of Kakheti, and Kingdom of Lori.

### Government and Politics
Georgia operates as a semi-presidential system with a parliamentary republic structure. The head of state is the President of Georgia, currently Salome Zourabichvili, who assumed office in December 2018. The head of government is the Prime Minister of Georgia, currently Irakli Kobakhidze. The legislative body is the Parliament of Georgia, while the executive branch is the Government of Georgia. The highest judicial authority is the Constitutional Court of Georgia. The country's constitution was adopted on October 17, 1995.

### Geography
Geographically, Georgia is located in the Caucasus Mountains, with coordinates approximately at 42° latitude and 44° longitude. The country shares borders with Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, Russia to the north, and Turkey to the west. The highest point is Shkhara mountain at an elevation of approximately 5,193 meters, while the lowest point is the Black Sea at sea level. The country's terrain is mountainous, with significant variations in elevation.

### Economy
The Georgian economy operates with the Georgian lari as its currency, which was introduced on October 2, 1995. The nominal GDP was approximately $24.6 billion in 2022. The country has a Gini coefficient of 34.5 as of 2020, indicating moderate income inequality. The total fertility rate was 1.816 as of 2014. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 73.261 years as of 2016. The country's economy has undergone significant reforms since independence, including market liberalization and integration into international trade systems.

### Culture and Society
Georgian culture is characterized by its rich heritage, including the Georgian Orthodox Church as the predominant religion. The official language is Georgian, with Russian also widely spoken. Other recognized languages include Armenian, Laz, Abkhaz, Mingrelian, Avar, Bats, Ossetian, and Svan. The country celebrates numerous public holidays, including New Year's Day, Christmas (January 7), and Saint George Day (November 23). The demonym "Georgian" appears in multiple languages with variations such as "грузин" (masculine), "грузинка" (feminine), and "грузини" (plural) in Russian, and "ქართველი" in Georgian.

### International Relations
Georgia maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries worldwide. It is a member of the United Nations (since July 31, 1992), Council of Europe (since April 27, 1999), World Trade Organization (since June 14, 2000), and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (since March 24, 1992). The country is also part of the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (since October 10, 1997) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (until August 18, 2009). Georgia has established bilateral relations with countries including the United States, Russia, Turkey, and European nations.

### Infrastructure and Technology
Georgia uses the UTC+4 timezone and has a mains voltage of 220 volts at 50 hertz. The country's telephone country code is +995. Emergency services are accessed through 112 for general emergencies, 111 for fire services, 113 for medical emergencies, and 122 for police services. The driving side is right-hand traffic, and electrical plugs typically use Europlugs. The country's ISO 3166 codes are GE (alpha-2), GEO (alpha-3), and 268 (numeric). The internet domain is .ge.

### Demographics
The population of Georgia has fluctuated over time, with figures including 2 million in 1900, 2.67 million in 1926, 3.54 million in 1939, 4.04 million in 1959, 4.69 million in 1970, 4.99 million in 1979, 5.40 million in 1989, 4.37 million in 2002, 3.72 million in 2016, and 3.717 million in 2017. The population is ethnically diverse, with Georgians forming the majority, along with significant populations of Armenians, Russians, and other ethnic groups.

### Language and Education
The official language is Georgian, with Russian widely used as a second language. The country has implemented educational reforms, though some challenges remain, including the number of out-of-school children which was 213,000 as of 2014. The education system follows international standards while maintaining Georgian cultural elements.

### Religion and Beliefs
Eastern Orthodoxy is the predominant religion in Georgia, with the Georgian Orthodox Church holding significant cultural and historical importance. The country has a diverse religious landscape including Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism, though the Georgian Orthodox Church remains the most influential institution.

### Natural Features
Georgia's geography is dominated by mountain ranges, including the Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus. The country has numerous rivers and lakes, with the Mtkvari River being the most significant. The climate varies from subtropical along the Black Sea coast to alpine in the mountainous regions. The country's biodiversity includes various flora and fauna adapted to its diverse ecosystems.

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