ABOUT GEORGIA
Georgia is located in the Caucasus region and is a gateway between Europe and Asia. It borders the Black Sea from the west, Russia from the north, Turkey and Armenia from the south and Azerbaijan from the southeast. The country spans 69,700 square kilometres and its population is 3.7 million.
Capital
The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi.
Tbilisi Population: 1.1 million
Language
Georgian is the official language of Georgia. In the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia Abkhazian is co-official language, along with Georgian, most people also speak English and Russian.
Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
Time
+ 4 hrs GMT (Winter Time), + 3 hrs GMT (Summer Time)
Climate
There are diverse climate zones in Georgia. In the western part of Georgia, the dominant subtropical climate features high humidity and heavy precipitation, while the eastern part of Georgia has a more continental and drier climate. The average summer temperature varies from 20°C to 24°C and average winter temperature varies from 2°C to 4°C.
Airports
- Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport – 25 km from Tbilisi Centre
- David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport – 25 km from Kutaisi Centre
- Alexander Kartveli Batumi International Airport – 10 km from Batumi Centre
More information see here:
History of Georgian alphabet and language
The Mkhedruli alphabet, modern Georgian is written in, evolved from the Nuskhuri script, which in turn derives its origin from Asomtavruli (round-shaped letters). The Mkhedruli script consists of 33 letters and fully corresponds to the standard script for modern Georgian consisting of 28 consonants and 5 vowels.
The Asomtavruli inscriptions found on Davit's stele (the 4th century AD) and on the walls of the Bolnisi Sioni Church (492-493 AD) are considered to be the oldest examples of Georgian writing. Archaeological excavations at the Nekresi Monastery (Kakheti) conducted in the 1990s and during the period from 2000 to 2003 have proved that the Georgian alphabet was created long before the spread of Christianity in Georgia. The excavations have brought to daylight the remains of a pagan temple. A ceramic vine vessel and a vine press found there feature inscriptions dating back to the 1st and the 2nd centuries AD.
The history of the Georgian language is divided into two periods - the ancient one (from the archaic era to the late 11th century) which is marked by a series of phonetic, morphological and lexical differences and variations. However, the ancient Georgian literary language represents a strictly regular system of linguistic norms. The modern Georgian literary language was formed in the 12th century.
GEORGIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
If you want to learn Georgian or improve your communication skills for various purposes please visit this website:
LEARNING GEORGIAN IN GEORGIA
In Georgia you will find different language courses. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner you will find a course adapted to your needs.
- http://www.georgiancourses.com/georgian-courses.html
- http://www.lsgeorgia.com/methods.html
- http://www.alctbilisi.ge/en/georgian/
- https://arisc.org/opportunities/learn-georgian/
- http://www.icgl.org/methods.html
Useful link:
Georgia is an ancient country at the crossroads of the Eastern and Western civilizations, where the European and Asian way of life and traditions have been merging for thousands of years. It is a country of diverse culture, rich history and unique artefacts.
Georgian monumental architecture, world famous polyphonic singing and traditional music, book miniature, rich spiritual and secular literature, colourful folk dances and ballet, theatre and cinema, jewellery, metal works, enamels, and paintings all bear trademark qualities of this ancient culture.
Gastronomy
Nothing tells you more about the spirit and culture of a country than its cuisine.
Georgian national dishes are amongst the best in the world for their diversity and taste. Each historical province of the country has its own distinct culinary tradition that has been refining for centuries. Especially distinguished and unique are Imeretian, Megrelian and Kakhetian cuisines. While meat plays an important part in Georgian cuisine, very close attention is also paid to the locally produced vegetables, fruit and greens.
Traditional Georgian feast is called “Supra”, where Georgian social culture is encapsulated in a single ceremonial feast of traditional Georgian cuisine, multitudes of Georgian wine and the traditional Georgian toastmaster – “Tamada”.
Useful links:
Reasons to visit Georgia
Cultural Routes of Georgia
Ecotourism in Georgia
Are you looking for local tours or travel agencies?
Are you looking for different cultural events?
- 1, 2 January - New Year Holidays
- 7 January - Christmas
- 19 January - Epiphany
- 3 March - Mothers' Day
- 8 March - Women's Day,
- 9 April - Day of National Unity
- Moveable - Eastern Orthodox Good Friday, Great Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
- 9 May - Day of Victory over Fascism
- 12 May - Saint Andrew the First-Called Day
- 26 May - Independence Day
- 28 August - Feast of the Virgin Mary
- 14 October - Svetitskhovloba, (Celebration of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral)
- 23 November - St. George's Day