Georgia – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Georgia (Sakartvelo / საქართველო)
Area: ~69,700 km² – mountains, valleys, and a Black Sea coastline
Population: ~3.7 million (2024)
Location: South Caucasus, bordered by Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, and the Black Sea
Form of government: Unitary parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Salome Zourabichvili
Head of Government: Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili
Capital city: Tbilisi – ~1.1 million
Time zone: Georgia Standard Time (UTC+4)
Official language: Georgian
Currency: Georgian lari (GEL)
EU member: No
Schengen area: No
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Tbilisi – ~1.1 million
- Kutaisi – ~200,000
- Batumi – ~180,000
- Rustavi – ~130,000
- Zugdidi – ~120,000
- Gori – ~60,000
- Poti – ~55,000
- Samtredia – ~45,000
- Telavi – ~35,000
- Ozurgeti – ~30,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Tbilisi: Old Town, sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress, and vibrant café culture.
- Batumi: Black Sea beaches, modern architecture, and seaside promenade.
- Kazbegi / Stepantsminda: Stunning mountains and Gergeti Trinity Church.
- Kutaisi: Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, and nearby caves.
- Svaneti: Remote villages, medieval towers, and hiking trails.
- Wine regions (Kakheti): Ancient vineyards, wine tastings, and charming countryside.
Climate
Varies: subtropical along the Black Sea coast (hot, humid summers; mild winters) and continental/mountainous inland (warm summers, cold winters with snow). Pack layers if you plan to go from coast to mountains in one trip.
Culture & Daily Life
- Ancient heritage: One of the world’s oldest Christian nations with monasteries and churches everywhere.
- Wine culture: Winemaking goes back thousands of years; tasting is practically a duty.
- Friendly locals: Hospitable, talkative, and proud of their traditions.
- Festivals: Music, dance, and religious holidays celebrate Georgian culture year-round.
Food & Drink
- Classic dishes: Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), lobio (bean stew).
- Pastries & desserts: Churchkhela (nut candies), sweet bread, fruit preserves.
- Beverages: Georgian wines (red and white), chacha (grape brandy), and herbal teas.
- Street food: Quick bites of khinkali, bread, and local pastries.
Summary
Georgia is a land of mountains, wine, and ancient culture. Tbilisi buzzes with life and history, Batumi shines on the coast, and Svaneti and Kazbegi offer dramatic mountain adventures. Warm hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes make Georgia a must-visit country in the Caucasus.