# Shkhara

> highest mountain of Main Caucasus Range, Caucasus Mountains, Georgia and Russia

**Wikidata**: [Q217457](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q217457)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shkhara)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shkhara

## Summary
Shkhara is the highest mountain of the Main Caucasus Range within the Caucasus Mountains, straddling the border between Georgia and Russia. It serves as the highest point in Georgia, reaching an elevation of approximately 5,193 meters. This prominent peak is a defining geographical feature of the transcontinental region where Europe and Asia meet.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Mountain (large natural elevation of the Earth's surface).
- **Primary Distinction**: Highest mountain of the Main Caucasus Range.
- **Location**: Situated on the border between Georgia and Russia within the Caucasus Mountains.
- **Elevation**: Approximately 5,193 meters (highest point of Georgia).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 42.999444444444, Longitude 43.111666666667.
- **Associated Country (Georgia)**: Highest point of the country; Georgia is a transcontinental nation in the Caucasus region with a capital in Tbilisi.
- **Associated Country (Russia)**: Located within the territory of Russia, a transcontinental state spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.
- **Wikidata ID**:  (implied by context of "Shkhara" entity).
- **Wikipedia Title**: Shkhara.
- **Sitelink Count**: 53 (indicating presence in 53 language editions of Wikipedia).
- **Administrative Context (Georgia)**: Located in the region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti (a mkhare of Georgia).
- **Administrative Context (Russia)**: Located in the federal subject of Kabardino-Balkaria.
- **Historical Context**: The region has been influenced by the Kingdom of Georgia (emerged circa 1008 AD), the Russian Empire (1721–1917), and the Soviet Union (1922–1991).

## FAQs
**Where exactly is Shkhara located?**
Shkhara is situated in the Caucasus Mountains, directly on the international border separating Georgia and Russia. Specifically, it falls within the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region of Georgia and the Kabardino-Balkaria federal subject of Russia.

**What is the significance of Shkhara's elevation?**
At approximately 5,193 meters, Shkhara holds the title of the highest point in Georgia and is the highest peak of the Main Caucasus Range. This makes it a critical geographical landmark for the entire Caucasus region.

**Which historical empires or states have claimed this territory?**
The territory surrounding Shkhara has been part of the medieval Kingdom of Georgia (circa 1008 AD), the Russian Empire (1721–1917), and the Soviet Union (1922–1991) before becoming part of the modern independent nations of Georgia and Russia.

**How is Shkhara categorized in geographical databases?**
In knowledge bases like Wikidata, Shkhara is classified as a "mountain" and is described as the highest mountain of the Main Caucasus Range. It has a dedicated Wikipedia page titled "Shkhara" with 53 language sitelinks.

## Why It Matters
Shkhara is a critical geographical anchor for the Caucasus region, defining the highest elevation point in Georgia and the apex of the Main Caucasus Range. Its location on the border between Georgia and Russia makes it a significant marker in the geopolitical landscape of the transcontinental zone where Europe and Asia converge. As the highest point of Georgia, it is central to the country's national identity and geographical statistics, often cited alongside the capital Tbilisi and the Black Sea as a defining feature of the nation's terrain. The mountain's prominence also highlights the complex history of the region, which has transitioned through the Kingdom of Georgia, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union to its current status as a border feature between two sovereign states.

## Notable For
- **Highest Point of Georgia**: It stands as the absolute highest elevation within the borders of the modern state of Georgia.
- **Main Caucasus Peak**: It is the tallest mountain specifically within the Main Caucasus Range, distinguishing it from other peaks in the broader Caucasus system.
- **Transcontinental Border**: It physically marks the boundary between the nations of Georgia and Russia.
- **Geographical Extremes**: It represents the upper limit of elevation in a country that also features the Black Sea as its lowest point.
- **Historical Continuity**: The mountain has been a constant geographical feature through the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Georgia, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union.
- **Regional Administration**: It is uniquely associated with two specific administrative regions: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti in Georgia and Kabardino-Balkaria in Russia.

## Body

### Geographical Classification and Location
Shkhara is defined as a mountain, which is a large natural elevation of the Earth's surface. It is the highest mountain of the Main Caucasus Range, a major component of the larger Caucasus Mountains system. The peak is located at precise coordinates of latitude 42.999444444444 and longitude 43.111666666667. This location places it directly on the border between two sovereign states: Georgia and Russia. In terms of administrative divisions, the mountain is situated within the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region (mkhare) of Georgia and the Kabardino-Balkaria federal subject of Russia.

### Elevation and National Significance
The elevation of Shkhara is approximately 5,193 meters. This specific height grants it the distinction of being the highest point in Georgia. In the context of Georgia's geography, which spans 69,700 square kilometers, Shkhara represents the extreme upper limit of the country's terrain, contrasting with the lowest point, the Black Sea, which is at sea level. The mountain's status as the highest point is a key fact in the national profile of Georgia, often listed alongside the capital city, Tbilisi, and the country's population statistics.

### Historical and Political Context
The territory containing Shkhara has a complex history involving several major political entities. The region was part of the medieval Kingdom of Georgia, which emerged around 1008 AD and was also known as the Georgian Empire. Later, the area fell under the influence of the Russian Empire, which existed from 1721 to 1917 and was founded by Peter the Great. Following the dissolution of the Russian Empire, the region became part of the Soviet Union (1922–1991). Modern Georgia declared independence on December 25, 1991, while Russia was established as a successor state on the same date. Today, Shkhara remains a border feature between these two independent nations.

### Administrative and Regional Connections
Shkhara is linked to specific administrative regions within both countries. In Georgia, it is associated with Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, a region known for its mountainous terrain. In Russia, it is connected to Kabardino-Balkaria, a federal subject that also contains parts of the high Caucasus. These regions are integral to the local governance and cultural identity surrounding the mountain. The mountain's presence influences the geography of these regions, contributing to the alpine climate and diverse ecosystems found in the area.

### Data and Digital Presence
In the digital knowledge ecosystem, Shkhara is a well-documented entity. It has a Wikipedia title of "Shkhara" and is associated with 53 sitelinks, indicating its coverage across numerous language editions of the encyclopedia. The entity is described in Wikidata as the "highest mountain of Main Caucasus Range, Caucasus Mountains, Georgia and Russia." This structured data ensures that the mountain's significance is recognized globally in digital formats, providing accurate coordinates and classification for researchers and travelers alike.

### Broader Regional Geography
Shkhara is part of a larger geographical context that includes the Greater and Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges. The region is characterized by significant variations in elevation, ranging from the alpine peaks of Shkhara to the subtropical coast of the Black Sea. The climate in the vicinity of the mountain is alpine, differing sharply from the subtropical conditions found along the Georgian coast. The area is also home to various flora and fauna adapted to these diverse ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity of the Caucasus region.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GeoNames