Location: Black Sea coast
Area: 69,700 square kilometers
Population: 5.72 million people
Capital: Tbilisi
State language: Georgian
Religion: Orthodox Christians 65%, Muslims 11%, Catholics 8%.
Time: UTC +04:00
Power supply: 220 V AC, 50 A; standard double plug socket
Internet zone:.ge
International telephone code: +995
Currency: GEL
The national flag of Georgia.
The Georgian flag was adopted in January 2004. The flag, which is a white cloth with 5 red crosses, has a St. George’s cross in the center and four equilateral Bolnisky crosses arranged in four squares. According to heraldry, the white color indicates wisdom, purity, innocence (chastity), while the red color symbolizes courage, bravery, love and justice.
The one rectangular cross and four small crosses on a silver (white) background depicted on the State Flag of Georgia are a common Christian symbol that personifies Jesus Christ the Savior and the four evangelists. This common Christian symbol as a heraldic sign was first recorded in 1099 on the coat of arms of the crusader Gottfried of Bouillon, as this person was awarded the title of defender of the Holy Sepulcher. From this period on, the heraldic sign became the personification of the Holy Sepulcher and at the same time the center of Christianity – Jerusalem. It is known by three names: the coat of arms of Godfrey of Bouillienne, the coat of arms of Jerusalem, and the Holy Sign.
The national emblem of Georgia.
The coat of arms of Georgia is the national emblem of Georgia, adopted on October 1, 2004. It is a red shield depicting a silver figure of the patron saint of Georgia, St. George, on a horseback, striking a dragon with a spear.
The shield is crowned with an Or crown and held by two Or lions. Below the shield is a ribbon with the motto “Strength in Unity”. This coat of arms is partially based on the medieval coat of arms of the Georgian royal house of Bagration.
The national anthem of Georgia.
Tavisupleba (თავისუფლება, “Freedom”), the Georgian anthem of April 2004. The music is taken from two operas by Zacharias Paliashvili (1871-1933) – “Daisi” (“Twilight”) and “Abesalom and Eteri”, the author of the text is a contemporary Georgian poet David Magradze, who used quotes from the poetry of Georgian classical poets Akakia Tsereteli, Grigol Orbeliani and Galaktion Tabidze.
Geography.
The Republic of Georgia is located in southeastern Europe and occupies the central and western part of the Transcaucasus. It borders Russia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Armenia and Turkey to the south. In the west, it is washed by the Black Sea. The territory of Georgia is mostly mountainous, with more than a third covered by dense forests. In the north, the border with Russia runs along the main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains, where the highest points of the country are located, the highest of which is Mount Shkhara (5068 m). The Lesser Caucasus Range runs through the south of Georgia, where the highest points do not exceed 3000 meters. The total area is 69.7 thousand square kilometers.
Climate.
Georgia’s climate directly depends on the region. In the west of the country, the climate is subtropical, and in the east it changes from subtropical to temperate. Despite the fact that the mountains have a major influence on the country’s climate, warm air from the Black Sea reaches the most remote parts of Georgia. On average, in January, the temperature ranges from +3 to +9 C in the Colchis Lowlands and Adjara, and does not fall below -2 C in the Iberian Depression. However, in mountainous areas, the temperature can drop to -16-20 C. During the long summer, the weather is mostly hot, and the average temperature in August is +23 C – +26 C almost throughout Georgia. The maximum precipitation occurs in winter and autumn throughout the country. Snow falls mainly in mountainous areas in November and does not melt until late spring. Georgia’s climate is favorable for year-round recreation and treatment, and nature pampers with a constant abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, which is especially important for visitors from the northern regions and areas with poor ecology.
Religion.
Orthodox Christianity (Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as the state religion in 337 AD), very tolerant attitude towards other religions, there are Muslims, Catholics, etc.
Currency.
The national currency of the Republic of Georgia is the GEL. Currency exchange in Georgia is available at banks and exchange offices. Banks are open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Along with the GEL, US dollars are widely used. Large hotels and supermarkets accept credit cards from major payment systems such as VISA, Eurocard/Mastercard, and Cirrus/Maestro, while private shops, hotels, and inns in the countryside are virtually impossible to pay with.
It is better to take traveler’s checks in dollars or euros. They can be exchanged at banks.
Customs regulations.
Importation of foreign currency is not limited, while importation of domestic currency is not more than 25,000 GEL. It is allowed to export imported foreign currency within a year from the date of entry, and national currency – no more than 3000 GEL. You can import up to 200 cigarettes, up to 2 liters of any alcoholic beverages (for persons over 18 years of age), food products weighing up to 5 kg and worth up to 200 GEL ($124), and items for personal use worth up to 300 GEL ($185) (up to 1500 GEL ($926) when traveling by air) to Georgia duty-free.
Imported communications equipment and high-frequency electronic equipment must be declared. Imported cash or securities in the amount of 30 thousand are subject to declaration. lari ($1850).
Imports of weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs, psychotropic substances, literature defaming the state system, and certain types of video products are prohibited.
The export of items of historical and cultural value is prohibited, and is possible only with a special permit from the Ministry of Culture of Georgia.
What is recommended to visit in Georgia:
The most popular resorts in Georgia are Batumi, Kobuleti, Borjomi, Gudauri, Bakuriani, and Tskaltubo, and in 2011 the resort of Mestia was added.
Winter: Mestia, Bakuriani, Gudauri, Tbilisi
In spring and autumn and summer: All corners of Georgia with rich programs of our company – Tbilisi, Kakheti with wine tastings, various feasts, choirs of Georgian ensembles (Kvareli, Gurjaani, Napareuli, Signagi, Telavi, Tsinandali); Mtskheta (Svetitskhoveli, Jvari, Samtavro). Traveling along the Georgian military road to the beauty of the Caucasus Mountains – Kazbegi. Be sure to see Borjomi, a medical resort, Vardzia, a city in the rock, and the ancient capital of the Colchis and Imereti kingdoms, Kutaisi.
Summer: You should definitely come to Adjara to spend unforgettable days of relaxation at one of the resorts: Grigoleti, Ureki, Shekvili, Kobuleti, Makhinjauri, Chakvi, Batumi, Gonio, Kvariati, Sarpi, and the new resort of Anaklia.
Extreme sports enthusiasts and adventure lovers will enjoy a trip to the mountain slopes of the Caucasus. Swanetia (Mestia. Ushguli, where you can see the mountain peaks of Tetnuldi (4852) and Ushba (4700 m)), Tusheti, Khevsureti, Shatili are the highest mountainous regions of Georgia, with centuries-old serf villages and wildlife oases rich in ancient traditions.
Hotels
Tbilisi and Batumi have a wide range of hotels to suit every taste and budget. From hotels with no stars to 5* hotels (including global brands such as Marriott, Radisson, Sheraton, Holiday Inn). There are a variety of small private hotels and zimmers (houses with 2-3 rooms) in all cities of the country. Many hotels have good restaurants. There are no hotels in Georgia with the All inclusive system.
In Tbilisi, all hotels are rated BB. In Bakuriani “FB”, Gudauri “NV”, Mestia resorts, the level of “BB” to “FB” depends on your desire. Kakheti and Kutaisi “BB” and “NV”, hotels in Batumi only on “BB”, but in some hotels you can additionally order dinner or lunch. Gonio hotels to choose from – you can have a meal without or with FB, Kvariati hotels either without or with BB, Sarpi hotels without meals, Kobuleti hotels to choose from – you can have a meal without or with FB.
Water.
Georgia is famous for its mineral springs. There are 22 major mineral water springs in the republic, the most famous of which are Zvare, Sairme, Nabeglavi, Borjomi, etc. Georgia supplies its healing mineral water to more than 25 countries around the world.
Georgian cuisine
Georgian cuisine is one of the most popular in the world. Food for Georgians is not just an ordinary meal, as it is for some ethnic groups, but one of the most important parts of Georgian culture. Georgian cuisine has preserved some of the traditions of its people. Many dishes of Georgian cuisine are meat. Among them are such dishes as mtsvadi kebab, a kind of lamb dumplings called khinkali, lori ham, fried or smoked kupati sausages, lamb stewed with spices called buglama, boiled meat with seasonings called khashlama, “chanakhi”, fried beef fillet “basturma”, broth from giblets with garlic “hashi”, soup “kharcho”, cold offal soup “muzhuzhi” (more like jelly), “bozbashi” with lamb, poultry dishes “satsivi”, “chakhokhbili”, chicken tobacco. Game dishes (wild boar, quail) are also very popular. Fish dishes are especially popular in western Georgia. Georgian cheese deserves special compliments. You can’t imagine how much they love cheese in Georgia! A characteristic feature of Georgian cuisine is the frequent and abundant use of cheeses (mostly brine type). Walnuts are an essential ingredient in Georgian dishes. Herbs, garlic, and sauces are actively used.
And don’t forget the dishes made from greens! After all, Georgians can’t imagine eating without fresh greens – fruits and vegetables! That’s why greens are always present in any dish of Georgian cuisine.
Unrivaled local wines, including home-made ones, occupy an honorable place in Georgian cuisine. Chacha moonshine and araki vodka are also widely brewed.
Restaurants in Georgia offer menus mainly in English, Russian and Georgian.
Georgian wines
Wine is why people around the world love Georgian cuisine! Wine is a real national pride of Georgians! After all, it was here, in Georgia, that the culture of grape cultivation and winemaking emerged. Some findings made by archaeologists can testify to this. Science has proven that as far back as the sixth millennium BC, people who lived in these places produced wine. Georgian wines are something special! These wines are not like the wines of other countries. In Georgia, there are some traditions of making this wonderful drink that every producer respects and adheres to. Unlike in France or Italy, wines in Georgia are not aged in glass bottles but in special jugs called kevri. Largely due to this, Georgian wines have such a unique, original taste! Here are just some of the brands of Georgian wines: Kindzmarauli, Tsinandali, Teliani Veli, Manavi, Mukuzani, Napareuli, Alazan Valley, Akhasheni, Khvunchkara, Tsolikouri, Chhaveri, Argveta, Kardanakhi, Khirsa, Psou, Samo, Eniseli, etc. If you have the opportunity, be sure to try Georgian wines! You won’t regret it!
Transportation
Domestic flights connect Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and Mestia. Railroad connections have been established between Tbilisi, Gori, Kutaisi, Borjomi, Khashuri, Batumi, Ureki, and Kobuleti.
Intercity buses and shuttle buses can take you to any city in Georgia that you need. Public transportation in Tbilisi is represented by the metro, buses and minibuses. Bus fares are 30-50 tetri, subway and buses 40 tetri.
You can call a taxi by phone or stop it on the street.
Georgian banks
There are a lot of banks in Georgia. In many Georgian banks, the working hours are from 9:00 to 19:00. There are, of course, those banks that start or end their working day earlier or later than this, but most banks in Georgia operate according to this schedule. Here you can exchange any currency, as well as any banking transaction you need.
State language and religion of Georgia
The only official language in Georgia is Georgian. The English language is used to communicate with foreigners. The majority of the population understands and speaks Russian well.
Georgians profess Orthodox Christianity. By the way, Georgia is the second country (after Armenia) to adopt Christianity as the state religion in 326 AD. Despite the great reverence for Christianity, people in Georgia are very tolerant and respectful of representatives of other religions. And there are many of them here. Most of them are Muslims. Some Georgians in the southern and southwestern regions (Adjara, etc.) profess Sunni Islam. Azerbaijanis, Assyrians, and Kurds are also Muslims. Armenians, Greeks, and Russians have their own Orthodox churches. There are also a small number of Catholics in Georgia.
Georgian wines
Wine is why people around the world love Georgian cuisine! Wine is a real national pride of Georgians! After all, it was here, in Georgia, that the culture of grape cultivation and winemaking emerged. Some findings made by archaeologists can testify to this. Science has proven that as far back as the sixth millennium BC, people who lived in these places produced wine. Georgian wines are something special! These wines are not like the wines of other countries. In Georgia, there are some traditions of making this wonderful drink that every producer respects and adheres to. Unlike in France or Italy, wines in Georgia are not aged in glass bottles but in special jugs called kevri. Largely due to this, Georgian wines have such a unique, original taste! Here are just some of the brands of Georgian wines: Kindzmarauli, Tsinandali, Teliani Veli, Manavi, Mukuzani, Napareuli, Alazan Valley, Akhasheni, Khvunchkara, Tsolikouri, Chhaveri, Argveta, Kardanakhi, Khirsa, Psou, Samo, Eniseli, etc. If you have the opportunity, be sure to try Georgian wines! You won’t regret it!
Transportation
Domestic flights connect Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and Mestia. Railroad connections have been established between Tbilisi, Gori, Kutaisi, Borjomi, Khashuri, Batumi, Ureki, and Kobuleti.
Intercity buses and shuttle buses can take you to any city in Georgia that you need. Public transportation in Tbilisi is represented by the metro, buses and minibuses. Bus fares are 30-50 tetri, subway and buses 40 tetri.
You can call a taxi by phone or stop it on the street.
Georgian banks
There are a lot of banks in Georgia. In many Georgian banks, the working hours are from 9:00 to 19:00. There are, of course, those banks that start or end their working day earlier or later than this, but most banks in Georgia operate according to this schedule. Here you can exchange any currency, as well as any banking transaction you need.
State language and religion of Georgia
The only official language in Georgia is Georgian. English is the language of communication with foreigners. The majority of the population understands and speaks Russian well.
Georgians profess Orthodox Christianity. By the way, Georgia is the second country (after Armenia) to adopt Christianity as the state religion in 326 AD. Despite the great reverence for Christianity, people in Georgia are very tolerant and respectful of representatives of other religions. And there are many of them here. Most of them are Muslims. Some Georgians in the southern and southwestern regions (Adjara, etc.) profess Sunni Islam. Azerbaijanis, Assyrians, and Kurds are also Muslims. Armenians, Greeks and Russians have their own Orthodox churches. There are also a small number of Catholics in Georgia.
Georgian holidays:
January 1 – New Year’s Eve
January 7 – Christmas Day
January 14 – Old New Year
January 19 – Baptism
January 27 – Ninaoba (St. Nino’s Day)
February 8 – Davidoba (St. David the Builder’s Day)
March 3 – Mother’s Day
March 8 – International Women’s Day
April 7 – Annunciation
April 9 – Remembrance Day
May 1 – Tamaraoba (St. Tamara’s Day)
May 6 – St. George’s Day
May 9 – Victory Day
May 22 – St. Nicholas Day
May 26 – Independence Day of Georgia
June 1 – Children’s Day
June 16 – David Garejoba (St. David Garejeli Day)
July 12 – St. Peter and Paul Day
July 13 – Holy Hovhoba (celebrated in Mtskheta)
August 19 – Transfiguration
August 28 – The Assumption of the Virgin Mary
September 21 – Birth of the Holy Virgin
September 27 – WORLD TOURISM DAY
October 14 – Georgian Orthodox feast of Svetitskhovloba and Mtskhetoba (Intercession)
November 23 – St. George’s Day
December 7 – St. Catherine’s Day
December 17 – St. Barbara’s Day
December 19 – St. Nicholas Day
