About GE
Location
Georgia is a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the southeast, and the Black Sea to the west.
Capital
The capital and largest city of Georgia is Tbilisi.
Population
As of the latest estimates, Georgia has a population of approximately 3.7 million people.
Area
Georgia covers a total land area of about 69,700 square kilometers (26,900 square miles).
Official Language
The official language of Georgia is Georgian.
Government
Georgia is a unitary semi-presidential republic, with a president serving as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The Parliament of Georgia is the country's legislative body.
Independence
Georgia declared independence from the Soviet Union on April 9, 1991.
Currency
The currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL).
Economy
Georgia has a developing market economy that is gradually transitioning from a Soviet-style command economy. It has a diverse economy, with agriculture, tourism, mining, and manufacturing sectors contributing to its GDP. The country is also strategically located on the East-West transportation corridor, which facilitates trade between Europe and Asia.
Culture
Georgian culture is known for its rich traditions, including its distinctive cuisine, music, dance, and art. The Georgian Orthodox Church plays a significant role in the country's cultural and social life. Georgian polyphonic singing, traditional dance, and hospitality are renowned worldwide.
Tourism
Georgia is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Tourists visit Georgia to explore attractions such as the ancient city of Mtskheta, the cave city of Vardzia, the wine region of Kakheti, and the mountainous regions of Svaneti and Kazbegi.
International Relations
Georgia maintains diplomatic relations with various countries and is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
National Items of Georgia
Golden Fleece
The Golden Fleece is a national symbol of Georgia, originating from the myth of Jason and the Argonauts. It symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and the country's rich history.
White Stork
The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is considered a national bird of Georgia. It symbolizes luck, happiness, and the arrival of spring.
Grapevine
The Grapevine is the national plant of Georgia, representing the country's ancient winemaking tradition and cultural heritage. Georgia is often referred to as the "cradle of wine."
Rhododendron
The Rhododendron is considered a national flower of Georgia. Known for its beautiful blooms, it symbolizes the natural beauty of the country's diverse landscapes.
Sulguni Cheese
Sulguni cheese is a traditional Georgian cheese made from cow or buffalo milk. It represents the rich culinary traditions and dairy farming heritage of Georgia.
Khachapuri
Khachapuri is a traditional Georgian dish made of bread filled with cheese, often served with an egg on top. It represents the rich culinary traditions and comfort food of Georgia.
Borjomi Water
Borjomi is a famous brand of mineral water from the Borjomi Gorge in Georgia. It symbolizes the country's rich natural resources and the health benefits of its mineral springs.
Chokha
The Chokha is a traditional Georgian male garment, often worn during special occasions and cultural events. It symbolizes national pride, cultural heritage, and traditional attire.
Georgian Polyphonic Singing
Georgian polyphonic singing is a traditional form of choral music unique to Georgia. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, it symbolizes the rich musical heritage and cultural identity of Georgia.
Svanetian Towers
The Svanetian Towers are ancient defensive stone structures found in the Svaneti region. They symbolize the historical and architectural heritage of Georgia and the resilience of its people.
Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia)
The Kartlis Deda statue, located in Tbilisi, symbolizes the Georgian national character. Holding a sword in one hand and a bowl of wine in the other, it represents both the country's determination to defend itself and its warm hospitality.
"Tavisupleba" was adopted as the national anthem of Georgia on May 20, 2004. The music was composed by Zachariah Paliashvili, with lyrics by David Magradze and modified lyrics by Kote Potskhverashvili. It reflects the spirit of freedom, unity, and patriotism cherished by the Georgian people.
The national anthem of Georgia is called "Tavisupleba" (თავისუფლება), which means "Freedom" in English. Here are the lyrics in Georgian along with an English translation:
ხელთაში ვითარები,
ჩვენ გვიჩვენებთ,
სიყვარულის დროზე,
რომ გვიწყალებს.
გაახარე ქვეყნისა,
და უზენაეს დასახლება,
სულხარის თვალში ჩვენ,
შენი სამყარო, შენი სამყარო.
ჩვენ ვერ დავივიწყებთ,
ჩვენ ვერ დავინახებთ,
სიმართლე და შემადგენელება,
სულხარსკვლავებისა,
საზღვარგარეთა,
საქართველოსა, საქართველოსა!
We are free, we are joyful,
And in brotherhood, we stand,
Guarded by the fame of ancestors,
In defiance of the foe.
Be blessed, our country,
And the free stronghold of our people,
With the heart's courage, we swear,
Oath to thee, our Motherland, oath to thee.
Chorus:
We'll not falter, not falter,
We'll not fail, nor shall we falter,
With faith and truth in steadfastness,
We pledge our heart's warm blood,
For the freedom of the fatherland,
For our country, for our country!
