Georgia

Georgia is a country located at the intersection 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. It lies in the Caucasus region and is considered part of the South Caucasus. Tbilisi is the capital and largest city, serving as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. Batumi, on the Black Sea coast, is a major port and tourism hub.

Georgia has a long history of independence, though it has faced periods of foreign rule. It was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as a state religion in the early 4th century, shaping its national identity. Throughout history, it was influenced by the Byzantine Empire, Persia, and the Mongols before unifying as the Kingdom of Georgia in the 12th and 13th centuries, a golden age under Queen Tamar. Later, the country came under the control of the Russian Empire in the 19th century and was briefly independent before being annexed by the Soviet Union in 1921.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia regained independence and faced internal conflicts, including wars in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The country has pursued a pro-Western foreign policy, aiming for integration with NATO and the European Union while maintaining complex relations with Russia, which recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia after the 2008 Russo-Georgian War.

Since the 2003 Rose Revolution, Georgia has undergone significant political and economic reforms, transitioning into a democratic republic with a multi-party system. Today, it is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient winemaking traditions, and stunning landscapes, from the Caucasus Mountains to the Black Sea coastline.