Georgia Country Details

Georgia is a fascinating and unique place to live, study, and explore. Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia boasts a rich history, a diverse culture, and a welcoming environment for international students. Here’s a comprehensive look at Georgia to help you understand the country better:

1. General Overview

Official Name: Georgia (საქართველო, Sakartvelo)

Capital: Tbilisi

Official Language: Georgian

Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)

Population: Around 3.7 million people

Geographical Location: Located in the Caucasus region, Georgia borders Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, and Azerbaijan to the southeast. It has a coastline along the Black Sea to the west.

Time Zone: Georgia Standard Time (GMT+4)

Climate: Georgia has a diverse climate, ranging from subtropical on the coast to alpine in the mountains. Summers are warm, particularly in the lowlands, while winters can be cold and snowy in the highlands.

2. Historical Background

Georgia has a rich and ancient history dating back thousands of years. It was once the heart of several ancient kingdoms and empires, including Colchis and Iberia, and is known for its distinct language, culture, and traditions.

Early History: Georgia has been an important hub in the Caucasus region since the 4th century BCE. It was the site of several ancient kingdoms, and it’s believed to be one of the places where the Golden Fleece of Greek mythology originated (Colchis).

Medieval Period: The kingdom of Georgia flourished during the medieval era, particularly in the 11th to 13th centuries, under the rule of King David the Builder and Queen Tamar.

Soviet Period: Georgia was part of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1991, during which time it became one of the most industrialized republics. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Georgia declared its independence in 1991.

Modern Era: Georgia has faced challenges in its post-Soviet period, including territorial disputes over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, but it has gradually made progress in developing its economy and infrastructure. The country is working towards closer integration with European institutions, though it is not yet a member of the European Union (EU).

3. Culture and Traditions

Georgia is known for its diverse culture, which blends Eastern and Western influences, due to its location between Europe and Asia. Georgian culture is ancient and unique, with a strong sense of national identity.

Language: The Georgian language is one of the oldest living languages in the world and uses its own alphabet. It’s a non-Indo-European language, which makes it unique among its neighbors. Georgian is an official language, but many people, particularly in cities, also speak Russian and English.

Religion: The majority of Georgians belong to the Georgian Orthodox Church, which has played an essential role in the country’s identity and cultural life. Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as the state religion in the early 4th century.

Cuisine: Georgian food is highly regarded for its flavor and variety. Some notable dishes include khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), and shashlik (grilled meat). Georgian wines are also famous worldwide, as Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world.

Music and Dance: Traditional Georgian music and dance are known for their complexity and beauty. Polyphonic singing, where multiple independent melodies are sung simultaneously, is a hallmark of Georgian music.

4. Key Cities

Tbilisi: The capital and largest city, Tbilisi is the cultural and economic heart of Georgia. It’s a charming city known for its historic architecture, old town (with narrow alleys and colorful houses), and vibrant arts scene. Tbilisi has a mix of old and new, with modern cafes, bars, and restaurants alongside ancient churches and fortresses.

Batumi: Located on the Black Sea coast, Batumi is a major port city and a popular tourist destination. It’s known for its beaches, botanical gardens, and modern architecture.

Kutaisi: A historic city in western Georgia, Kutaisi is famous for its ancient landmarks, including the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati Monastery. It’s the administrative center of the Imereti region.

Zugdidi: This city in the western part of Georgia is close to the Black Sea coast and the Abkhazian border. It has a relaxed atmosphere with historic sites and green parks.

5. Economy and Industry

Georgia has been gradually transitioning from a Soviet-style planned economy to a more market-oriented system. Despite its small size, Georgia's economy is diverse, with strong sectors in agriculture, tourism, energy, and industry.

Agriculture: Agriculture is a major part of the economy, with products like wine, fruits, vegetables, and hazelnuts being significant exports. Georgian wine is especially well-regarded internationally.

Tourism: Georgia’s scenic beauty, including its mountains, beaches, and historical sites, has made it a growing tourist destination. It attracts tourists for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and wine tourism.

Energy: The country has a developing energy sector, especially in hydropower.

Tech and Startups: Tbilisi, Batumi, and other cities are starting to see an influx of tech startups and international business ventures.

6. Education System

Georgia has a robust educational system, with several top universities offering programs in a wide range of fields, including medicine, engineering, business, and humanities. The country's universities are particularly popular for medical education (MBBS/MD), as they offer affordable tuition and high-quality programs in English.

Tbilisi State University is the oldest and most prestigious university in Georgia.

Tbilisi State Medical University is one of the best for medical studies, with programs in English for international students.

Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University offers various academic programs and is popular among international students.

7. Political System

Georgia is a unitary, semi-presidential republic with a multi-party system. The president is the head of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. The country is working to develop a more democratic and transparent political system and has shown interest in integrating further into European structures, though there are challenges such as territorial disputes with regions like Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Independence: Gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

International Relations: Georgia has strong relationships with the European Union, NATO, and the United States but is not yet a full EU or NATO member.

8. Travel and Transportation

Transport: Georgia’s transport infrastructure is improving. The Tbilisi International Airport connects the country with international flights, and there is a well-developed network of buses, trains, and marshrutkas (minivans) that make it easy to get around the country.

Public Transportation: Tbilisi and other major cities have well-functioning bus and metro systems. Taxis are also common and relatively affordable.

Travel to Europe and Asia: Due to its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is an excellent base for travel to other parts of the region. Its proximity to Turkey, Russia, and the Caucasus gives it a strategic advantage for those interested in exploring nearby countries.

9. Why Choose Georgia?

Affordable Education: High-quality universities with lower tuition fees compared to Western countries.

Safe and Welcoming: A friendly atmosphere, with a low crime rate.

Visa-Free or Easy Visa Process: Many countries, including Bangladesh, have visa-free or simplified visa processes to enter Georgia.

Gateway to Europe and Asia: With a rich cultural heritage and a strategic location, Georgia offers unique travel and professional opportunities.