Georgia (country) 48768 226126190 2008-07-16T22:50:45Z Emil Kastberg 6480034 /* Religion */ wtf? :D {{Infobox Country |native_name = საქართველო <br>Sakartvelo<br>Georgia |conventional_name = Georgia |common_name = Georgia (country) |image_flag = Flag of Georgia.svg |image_coat = Coat of arms of Georgia.svg |image_map = Europe_location_GEO2.png |national_motto = [[Dzala ertobashia|ძალა ერთობაშია]]<br><small>"Strength is in Unity"</small> |national_anthem = "[[Tavisupleba|თავისუფლება]]"<br><small>"Freedom"</small> |official_languages = [[Georgian language|Georgian]]<sup>1</sup> |demonym = Georgian |capital = [[Tbilisi]] |latd = 41 |latm = 43 |latNS = N |longd = 44 |longm = 47 |longEW = E |largest_city = capital |government_type = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] [[Semi-presidential system|semi-presidential]] [[republic]] |leader_title1 = [[President of Georgia]] |leader_name1 = [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Georgia|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Lado Gurgenidze]] |sovereignty_type = [[History of Georgia (country)|Consolidation]] |established_event1 = [[Kingdom of Georgia]] |established_date1 = 1008 |established_event2 = [[Democratic Republic of Georgia]] |established_date2 = [[May 26]] [[1918]] |established_event3 = [[Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic]] |established_date3 = [[February 25]] [[1921]] |established_event4 = Independence from the [[Soviet Union]]<br/>Declared<br/>Finalized |established_date4 = <br/><br/>[[April 9]] [[1991]]<br/>[[December 25]] [[1991]] |area_rank = 121st |area_magnitude = 1 E10 |area_km2 = 69,700 |area_sq_mi = 26,916<!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |percent_water = |population_estimate = 4,630,841<sup>2</sup> |population_estimate_rank = 115th |population_estimate_year = 2008 |population_census = |population_census_year = |population_density_km2 = 66 |population_density_sq_mi = 172<!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |population_density_rank = 132 |GDP_PPP = $20.5 billion |GDP_PPP_rank = 117th |GDP_PPP_year = 2007 |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $4,700 |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 112th |HDI = {{increase}} 0.755 |HDI_rank = 95th |HDI_year = 2007 |HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font> |currency = [[Lari (Georgia)|Lari]] (ლ) |currency_code = GEL |country_code = |time_zone = [[UTC]] |utc_offset = +4 |time_zone_DST = Not observed |cctld = [[.ge]] |calling_code = 995 |footnote1 = Also [[Abkhazian language|Abkhaz]] within the [[Abkhazia|Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia]]. |footnote2 = From [[CIA World Factbook]].<ref name=cia>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gg.html Georgia], from [[CIA World Factbook]]</ref> Population figure excludes those parts of [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]] that are not controlled by the Government of Georgia. }} '''Georgia''' ({{lang-ka|საქართველო}}, [[transliteration|transliterated]] as ''Sakartvelo'') is a [[Eurasia]]n [[country]], chiefly located in the [[South Caucasus]], at the [[transcontinental country|juncture]] of [[Eastern Europe]] and [[Western Asia]]. Georgia borders four countries: [[Turkey]] to the southwest, [[Russia]] to the north, [[Armenia]] to the south, and [[Azerbaijan]] to the east. In addition, there is a western coastline on the [[Black Sea]]. Georgia’s population is over 4.3 million, nearly 84% of which are ethnic [[Georgians]] (2002).<ref>Department of Statistics under Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia. [http://www.statistics.ge/_files/yearbook/Yearbook_2007.pdf Statistical Yearbook of Georgia: 2007,] p. 22. Tbilisi, 2008.</ref> Ancient Georgian states were the kingdoms of [[Colchis]] and [[Caucasian Iberia|Iberia]]. The latter, one of the first countries in the world to adopt [[Christianity]] as an [[official religion]] early in the 4th century, subsequently provided a nucleus around which the medieval [[Kingdom of Georgia]] was formed in the 9th century. After a period of political, economic and cultural flourishing, this kingdom went in decline in the 13th century and eventually fragmented into several kingdoms and principalities in the 16th century. The three subsequent centuries of [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] and [[Persian Empire|Persian]] hegemony over these entities were followed by a piecemeal absorption into the [[Russian Empire]] in the course of the 19th century. After the [[Russian Revolution of 1917]], Georgia had a brief period of independence as a [[Democratic Republic of Georgia|Democratic Republic]] (1918-1921), which was terminated by the [[Red Army invasion of Georgia]]. Georgia became part of the [[Soviet Union]] in 1922 and regained its independence in 1991. Early [[post-Soviet]] years was marked by a [[Georgian Civil War|civil unrest]] and economic crisis. Georgia began to gradually stabilize in 1995, and achieved more effective functioning of state institutions following a bloodless change of power in the so-called [[Rose Revolution]] of 2003.<ref>Parsons, Robert ([[2008-01-11]]), "[http://www.opendemocracy.net/article/conflicts/mikheil_saakashvili_bitter_victory Mikheil Saakashvili’s bitter victory]", ''openDemocracy.net''. Retrieved on [[2008-05-21]].</ref> However, Georgia continues to suffer from the unresolved secessionist conflicts in [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]]. The relations with Russia remain tense over these issues as well as Georgia’s [[Georgia and NATO|aspiration]] of [[NATO]] membership.<ref>Cutler, David & Balmforth, Richard ([[2008-05-21]]), "[http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKL2031068420080521?sp=true Timeline – Events leading to Georgia's election]", ''[[Thomson Reuters]]''. Retrieved on [[2008-05-21]].</ref> Georgia is a [[representative democracy]], organized as a [[secular]], [[unitary state|unitary]], [[semi-presidential]] [[republic]]. It is currently a member of the [[United Nations]], the [[Council of Europe]], the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]], the [[World Trade Organization]], the [[Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation]], and [[GUAM]]. The country seeks to join NATO and, in the longer term, accession to the [[European Union]].<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.ge/files/115_1973_997704_Strategy_MFA2006-2009En.pdf Foreign Policy Strategy 2006-2009], pp. 9-10. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. Retrieved on [[2006-06-27]].</ref> == Etymology == [[Image:St George (15th cent, Georgia).jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[St George]] slaying the [[Dragon]]. 15th century [[cloisonné]] enamel on [[gold]]. (National Art Museum of Georgia)]] [[Georgians]] call themselves ''Kartvelebi'' (ქართველები), their land ''Sakartvelo'' (საქართველო), and their language ''Kartuli'' (ქართული). According to legend, the ancestor of the [[Kartvelian people]] was [[Kartlos]], the great grandson of the [[Biblical]] [[Japheth]]. [[Ancient Greeks]] ([[Strabo]], [[Herodotus]], [[Plutarch]], [[Homer]], etc.) and [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] ([[Titus Livius]], [[Cornelius Tacitus]], etc.) referred to early eastern Georgians as [[Caucasian Iberians|Iberians]] (''Iberoi'' in some Greek sources) and western Georgians as [[Colchians]].<ref>Braund, David. Georgia in Antiquity: A History of Colchis and Transcaucasian Iberia, 550 BC-AD 562, pp. 17-18 </ref> The origin of the name Georgia is still disputed and has been explained in the following ways: 1. Linking it semantically to Greek and Latin roots (respectively, γεωργος "tiller of the land" and georgicus "agricultural")<ref>{{cite book| last = Wilson| first = Nigel Guy| title = Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece| year = 2006| publisher = Routledge| isbn = 0415973341| pages = 320}}</ref><br> 2. Its derivation from the name of [[St. George]]. At least, popularity of the cult of Saint George in Georgia influenced the spread of the term.<br> 3. Under various Persian empires (536 BC-AD 638), Georgians were called Gurjhān (Gurzhan/Gurjan), or "Gurj/Gurzh people." The early Islamic/Arabic sources spelled the name Kurz/Gurz and the country Gurjistan (see Baladhuri, Tabari, Jayhani, Istakhri, Ibn Hawqal, etc.). This also could evolve or at least contribute to the later name of Georgia.<ref>[http://www.kartvfund.org.ge/anewtheory.htm A New Theory on the Etymology of the Designations of the Georgians]</ref> The terms Georgia and Georgians appeared in Western Europe in numerous medieval annals including that of [[Crusaders]] and later in the official documents and letters of the [[Florence|Florentine]] [[Cosimo de' Medici|de’Medici family]].<ref>Hibbert, Christopher. ''The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall''.</ref> [[Jacques de Vitry]] and English traveler, Sir [[John Mandeville]], stated that Georgians are called ''Georgian'' because they especially revere and worship Saint George. Notably, the country recently adopted the five-cross flag, featuring the [[Saint George's Cross]]; it has been argued that the flag was used in Georgia since the 5th century.<ref>David Marshall Lang, ''The Georgians,'' (New York: Frederick A. Praeger, Inc., 1966), 17-18.</ref><ref>[http://www.georgianweb.com/religion/stnino.html St. Nino And The Conversion Of Georgia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == History == {{main|History of Georgia (country)}} The territory of modern-day Georgia has been [[Prehistoric Georgia|continuously inhabited]] since the early [[Stone Age]]. The [[classical antiquity|classic period]] saw the rise of the early Georgian states of [[Colchis]] and [[Caucasian Iberia|Iberia]]. The proto-Georgian tribes first appear in written history in the 12th century BC.<ref>Phoenix: The Peoples of the Hills: Ancient Ararat and Caucasus by Charles Burney , David Marshall Lang, Phoenix Press; New Ed edition (December 31, 2001)</ref> Archaeological finds and references in ancient sources reveal elements of early political and state formations characterized by advanced metallurgy and goldsmith techniques that date back to the 7th century BC and beyond.<ref>Phoenix: The Peoples of the Hills: Ancient Ararat and Caucasus by Charles Burney, David Marshall Lang, Phoenix Press; New Ed edition (December 31, 2001)</ref> In the 4th century BC a unified kingdom of Georgia - an early example of advanced state organization under one king and the hierarchy of aristocracy, was established.<ref>Lives and Legends of the Georgian Saints, St Vladimirs Seminary Pr; N.e.of 2r.e. edition (March 1997) by David Marshall Lang</ref> [[Image:St Mamas tondo, Georgia.jpg|thumb|150px|left|[[Tondo (art)|Tondo]] depicting [[Saint Mamas]] from the [[Gelati Monastery]], 14th–15th centuries]] [[Christianity]] was declared the state religion as early as AD 337 proving a great stimulus to literature, arts and the unification of the country. As a crossroad between Christian and Islamic traditions, Georgia experienced the dynamic exchange between these two worlds which culminated in a true renaissance around 12-13th centuries AD.<ref>Sketches of Georgian Church History by Theodore Edward Dowling </ref> This early Georgian renaissance, which preceded its European analogue, was characterized by the flourishing of romantic- chivalric tradition, breakthroughs in philosophy, and an array of political innovations in society and state organization, including religious and ethnic tolerance. The Golden age of Georgia left a legacy of great cathedrals, romantic poetry and literature, and the epic poem "[[The Knight in the Panther's Skin]]". This Golden Age was interrupted at its peak by the [[Mongol invasions of Georgia and Armenia|Mongol Invasion]] in the 13th century AD. Throughout the next six centuries, Georgia experienced repeated invasions by [[Persians]] and [[Ottoman empire|Turks]], resulting in the disintegration of the state into several small kingdoms. Under this climate of insecurity, in 1783 Georgia signed the [[Treaty of Georgievsk]] with the [[Russian Empire]], placing the eastern Georgian kingdom of [[Kartli-Kakheti]] under the Russian patronage. Despite Russia's commitment to defend Georgia, it rendered no assistance when the Turks invaded in 1785 and again in 1795. This period culminated in the 1801 Russian annexation of remaining Georgian lands and the deposing of the [[Bagrationi]] dynasty. A few decades later, Georgian society produced a modernist nationalistic elite which united Georgian society around the dream of the restoration of their once glorious state. In [[1918]], this dream was fulfilled as the [[Democratic Republic of Georgia]] was established. The republic was short-lived, as in [[1921]] Georgia was [[Red Army invasion of Georgia|invaded and occupied]] by [[Soviet Union|Bolsheviks]] eventually being incorporated into the [[Soviet Union]] in 1922. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia declared its independence in 1991, soon to be embroiled in a [[Georgian Civil War|civil war]] and subsequent severe economic hardships.The bloodless [[Rose Revolution]] of 2003 installed a new, pro-[[Western world|Western]] reformist government that aspired to join [[NATO]] and attempted to bring the secessionist territories ([[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]] lost in the civil war and de facto independent ever since) back under Georgia's control. These efforts resulted in severe deterioration of [[Georgian-Russian relations|relations with Russia]], fuelled also by Russia's open assistance and support to the two secessionists areas. Russian military bases (dating back to Soviet era) in Georgia were evacuated, with the last remaining base in [[Batumi]] handed over to Georgia in 2007.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=16321 Russia Hands Over Batumi Military Base to Georgia]. Civil Georgia, Tbilisi. 2007-11-13.</ref> === Georgia in antiquity === [[Image:Colchisiberiamapandersen.jpg|thumb|200px|Left|Ancient Georgian Kingdoms of [[Colchis]] and [[Caucasian Iberia|Iberia]]]] The two early Georgian kingdoms of late [[Classical antiquity|antiquity]], known to [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]] and [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] as [[Caucasian Iberia|Iberia]] ({{lang-ka|იბერია}}) (in the east of the country) and [[Colchis]] ({{lang-ka|კოლხეთი}}) (in the west), were among the first nations in the region to adopt [[Christianity]] (in AD 337, or in AD 319 as recent research suggests.). In [[Greek Mythology]], Colchis was the location of the [[Golden Fleece]] sought by [[Jason]] and the [[Argonauts]] in [[Apollonius Rhodius|Apollonius Rhodius']] epic tale ''[[Argonautica]]''. The incorporation of the [[Golden Fleece]] into the myth may have derived from the local practice of using fleeces to sift gold dust from rivers.In the last centuries of the pre-Christian era, the area, in the form of the kingdom of [[Kartli-Iberia]], was strongly influenced by Greece to the west and Persia to the east.<ref name="LOCge15"> "Christianity and the Georgian Empire" (early history) Library of Congress, March 1994, webpage: [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+ge0015) LCweb2-ge0015]. </ref> After the [[Roman Empire]] completed its conquest of the Caucasus region in 66 B.C., the kingdom was a Roman client state and ally for nearly 400 years.<small><ref name=LOCge15/></small> In AD 330, King Marian III's acceptance of Christianity ultimately tied the kingdom to the neighboring Byzantine Empire, which exerted a strong cultural influence for several centuries.<small><ref name=LOCge15/></small> [[Image:Mirian III fresco.JPG|thumb|Iberian King [[Mirian III of Iberia|Mirian III]] established Christianity in Georgia as the official state religion in 327 AD]] Known to its natives as [[Egrisi]] or [[Lazica]], Colchis was often the [[Lazic War|battlefield]] and buffer-zone between the rival powers of [[Iran|Persia]] and [[Byzantine Empire]], with the control of the region shifting hands back and forth several times. The early kingdoms disintegrated into various feudal regions by the early [[Middle Ages]]. This made it easy for [[Arabs]] to conquer Georgia in the 7th century. The rebellious regions were liberated and united into a unified Georgian Kingdom at the beginning of the 11th century. Starting in the 12th century AD, the rule of Georgia extended over a significant part of the Southern [[Caucasus]], including the northeastern parts and almost the entire northern coast of what is now [[Turkey]]. Although Arabs captured the capital city of Tbilisi in AD 645, Kartli-Iberia retained considerable independence under local Arab rulers.<small><ref name=LOCge15/></small> In AD 813, the prince Ashot I also known as Ashot Kurapalat became the first of the Bagrationi family to rule the kingdom: Ashot's reign began a period of nearly 1,000 years during which the Bagrationi, as the house was known, ruled at least part of what is now the republic. Western and eastern Georgia were united under Bagrat V (r. 1027-72). In the next century, David IV (called the Builder, r. 1099-1125) initiated the Georgian golden age by driving the Turks from the country and expanding Georgian cultural and political influence southward into Armenia and eastward to the Caspian Sea.<ref name=LOCge15/> [[Image:Geor tamro.gif|thumb||200px|left|Kingdom of Georgia at peak of its military dominance, 1184-1225]] ===Medieval Georgia=== The Georgian Kingdom reached its zenith in the 12th to early 13th centuries. This period has been widely termed as Georgia's Golden Age or Georgian Renaissance during the reign of [[David the Builder]] and [[Tamar of Georgia|Queen Tamar]]. The revival of the Georgian Kingdom was short-lived however, in 1226 [[Tblisi]] was captured by [[Mingburnu]] and the Kingdom was eventually subjugated by the [[Mongols]] in 1236. Thereafter, different local rulers fought for their independence from central Georgian rule, until the total disintegration of the Kingdom in the 15th century. Neighbouring kingdoms exploited the situation and from the 16th century, the [[Persian Empire]] and the [[Ottoman Empire]] subjugated the eastern and western regions of Georgia, respectively. The rulers of regions which remained partly [[autonomous entity|autonomous]] organized rebellions on various occasions. Subsequent Persian and Ottoman invasions further weakened local kingdoms and regions. As a result of wars the population of Georgia was reduced to 250,000 inhabitants at one point. ===Within the Russian Empire=== {{Main|Georgia under the Russian Empire}} [[Image:Ili8.JPG|150px|thumb|[[Ilia Chavchavadze]], leader of the 1860s national revival]] [[Image:GeorgeBagrationiXI.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[George XI of Kartli|King George XI]]]] In 1783, Russia and the eastern Georgian kingdom of [[Kartli-Kakheti]] signed the [[Treaty of Georgievsk]], according to which Kartli-Kakheti received protection by Russia. This, however, did not prevent [[Tbilisi]] from being [[Battle of Krtsanisi|sacked by the Persians]] in 1795. On [[December 22]], [[1800]], [[Tsar]] [[Paul I of Russia]], at the alleged request of the Georgian King [[Giorgi XII of Kartli-Kakheti|George XII]], signed the proclamation on the incorporation of Georgia (Kartli-Kakheti) within the [[Russian Empire]], which was finalized by a decree on [[January 8]], [[1801]],<ref> Gvosdev (2000), p. 85 </ref><ref> Avalov (1906), p. 186 </ref> and confirmed by Tsar [[Alexander I of Russia|Alexander I]] on [[September 12]], [[1801]].<ref> Gvosdev (2000), p. 86 </ref><ref> Lang (1957), p. 249 </ref> The Georgian envoy in [[Saint Petersburg]] reacted with a note of protest that was presented to the Russian vice-chancellor Prince Kurakin.<ref> Lang (1957), p. 251 </ref> In May 1801, Russian General Carl Heinrich Knorring dethroned the Georgian heir to the throne David [[Bagrationi|Batonishvili]] and instituted a government headed by General Ivan Petrovich Lasarev.<ref> Lang (1957), p. 247 </ref> The Georgian nobility did not accept the decree until April 1802 when General Knorring compassed the nobility in [[Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral|Tbilisi's Sioni Cathedral]] and forced them to take an oath on the [[Imperial Crown of Russia]]. Those who disagreed were arrested temporarily.<ref> Lang (1957), p. 252 </ref> In the summer of 1805, Russian troops on the Askerani River near [[Zagam]] defeated the Persian army and saved [[Tbilisi]] from conquest. [[Image:DRGMap.png|thumb|left|Democratic Republic of Georgia, 1918-1921]] In 1810, after a brief war,<ref> Anchabadze (2005), p. 29 </ref> the western Georgian [[kingdom of Imereti]] was annexed by Tsar [[Alexander I of Russia]]. The last Imeretian king and the last Georgian [[Bagrationi]] ruler [[Solomon II of Imereti|Solomon II]] died in exile in 1815. From 1803 to 1878, as a result of numerous Russian wars against [[Turkey]] and [[Iran]], several territories were annexed to Georgia. These areas ([[Batumi]], [[Akhaltsikhe]], [[Poti]], and [[Abkhazia]]) now represent a large part of the territory of Georgia. The principality of [[Guria]] was abolished in 1828, and that of [[Samegrelo]] (Mingrelia) in 1857. The region of [[Svaneti]] was gradually annexed in 1857–59. ===Brief independence period and Soviet era=== {{Main|Democratic Republic of Georgia}} [[Image:Georgien Parlament Unabhängigkeit.jpg|thumb|300px|Declaration of independence by the Georgian parliament, 1918]] After the [[Russian Revolution of 1917]], Georgia declared independence on [[May 26]], [[1918]] in the midst of the [[Russian Civil War]]. The parliamentary election was won by the Georgian Social-Democratic Party, considered to be pro-[[Menshevik]]s, and its leader, [[Noe Zhordania]], became prime minister. In 1918 a [[Georgian-Armenian War 1918|Georgian–Armenian war]] erupted over parts of Georgian provinces populated mostly by Armenians which ended due to British intervention. In 1918–19 Georgian general [[Giorgi Mazniashvili]] led a Georgian attack against the White Army led by Moiseev and Denikin in order to claim the [[Black Sea]] coastline from [[Tuapse]] to [[Sochi]] and [[Adler]] for independent Georgia. The country's independence did not last long, however. Georgia was under British protection from 1918-1920. [[Image:Kakutsa Cholokashvili.jpg|120px|thumb|left|Prince [[Kakutsa Cholokashvili]] leader of the anti-Bolshevik [[August Uprising in Georgia|uprising in August]] of 1924, venerated as [[national hero]] of Georgia]] In February 1921 Georgia [[Red Army invasion of Georgia|was attacked]] by the [[Red Army]]. The Georgian army was defeated and the Social-Democrat government fled the country. On [[February 25]], [[1921]] the [[Red Army]] entered capital [[Tbilisi]] and installed a puppet communist government led by Georgian Bolshevik [[Filipp Makharadze]]. Nevertheless the Soviet rule was firmly established only after the [[August Uprising in Georgia|1924 revolt]] was brutally suppressed. Georgia was incorporated into the [[Transcaucasian SFSR]] uniting Georgia, [[Armenia]] and [[Azerbaijan]]. The TSFSR was disaggregated into its component elements in 1936 and Georgia became the [[Georgian SSR]]. The Georgian-born communist radical [[Joseph Stalin|Ioseb Jughashvili]], better known by his [[nom de guerre]] ''Stalin'' (from the [[Russian language|Russian]] word for steel: сталь) was prominent among the Russian [[Bolshevik]]s, who came to power in the Russian Empire after the [[October Revolution]] in 1917. [[Joseph Stalin|Stalin]] was to rise to the highest position of the [[Soviet]] state. From 1941 to 1945, during [[World War II]], almost 700,000 Georgians fought as [[Red Army]] soldiers against [[Nazi Germany]]. (A number [[The Georgian Legion (1941-1945)|also fought with]] the German army). About 350,000 Georgians died in the battlefields of the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]]. As during this period the [[Chechen people|Chechen]], [[Ingush]], [[Karachay]] and the [[Balkarian]] peoples from the Northern [[Caucasus]], were deported to [[Siberia]] for alleged collaboration with the [[Nazism|Nazis]] and their respective autonomous republics were abolished, the [[Georgian SSR]] was briefly granted some of their territory, until 1957. The Dissidential movement for restoration of Georgian statehood started to gain popularity in the 1960s.<ref>Socialism in Georgian Colors: The European Road to Social Democracy, 1883-1917 by Stephen F. Jones</ref> Among the Georgian dissidents, two of the most prominent activists were [[Merab Kostava]] and [[Zviad Gamsakhurdia]]. Dissidents were heavily persecuted by Soviet government and their activities were harshly suppressed. ===Post-Soviet independence=== {{Georgian statehood}} On [[April 9]], [[1989]], a peaceful demonstration in the Georgian capital Tbilisi ended in a [[April 9 tragedy|massacre]] in which several people were killed by Soviet troops. Before the October 1990 elections to the national assembly, the ''Umaghlesi Sabcho'' (Supreme Council) — the first polls in the USSR held on a formal multi-party basis — the political landscape was reshaped again. While the more radical groups boycotted the elections and convened an alternative forum (National Congress), another part of the anticommunist opposition united into the Round Table—Free Georgia (RT-FG) around the former dissidents like [[Merab Kostava]] and [[Zviad Gamsakhurdia]]. The latter won the elections by a clear margin, with 155 out of 250 parliamentary seats, whereas the ruling Communist Party (CP) received only 64 seats. All other parties failed to get over the 5%-threshold and were thus allotted only some single-member constituency seats. On [[April 9]], [[1991]], shortly before the collapse of the USSR, Georgia declared independence. On [[May 26]], [[1991]], [[Zviad Gamsakhurdia]] was elected as a first President of independent Georgia. However, he was soon deposed in a bloody [[coup d'état]], from [[December 22]], [[1991]] to [[January 6]], [[1992]]. The coup was instigated by part of the National Guards and a paramilitary organization called "[[Mkhedrioni]]". The country became embroiled in a bitter [[Georgian Civil War|civil war]] which lasted almost until 1995. Eduard Shevardnadze returned to Georgia in 1992 and joined the leaders of the coup — Kitovani and Ioseliani — to head a triumvirate called the "State Council". In 1995, Shevardnadze was officially elected as a president of Georgia. At the same time, two regions of Georgia, [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]], quickly became embroiled in disputes with local separatists that led to widespread inter-ethnic violence and wars. Supported by [[Russia]], Abkhazia and South Ossetia achieved de facto independence from Georgia. More than 250,000 Georgians were [[Ethnic cleansing of Georgians in Abkhazia|ethnically cleansed]] from [[Abkhazia]] by Abkhaz separatists and North Caucasians volunteers, (including Chechens) in 1992-1993. More than 25,000 Georgians were expelled from [[Tskhinvali]] as well, and many Ossetian families were forced to abandon their homes in the [[Borjomi]] region and move to Russia. In 2003, Shevardnadze (who won reelection in 2000) was deposed by the [[Rose Revolution]], after Georgian opposition and international monitors asserted that the [[November 2]] parliamentary elections were marred by fraud.<ref>[http://eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav112204a.shtml EurasiaNet Eurasia Insight - Georgia’s Rose Revolution: Momentum and Consolidation<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The revolution was led by [[Mikheil Saakashvili]], [[Zurab Zhvania]] and [[Nino Burjanadze]], former members and leaders of Shavarnadze's ruling party. Mikheil Saakashvili was elected as President of Georgia in 2004. Following the Rose Revolution, a series of reforms was launched to strengthen the country's military and economic capabilities. The new government's efforts to reassert the Georgian authority in the southwestern autonomous republic of [[Ajaria]] led to a major [[Ajaria Crisis|crisis]] early in 2004. Success in Ajaria encouraged Saakashvili to intensify his efforts, but without success, in the breakaway [[South Ossetia]]. == Government and politics == ''Main article: [[Politics of Georgia]]'' [[Image:GeorgianArmy.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Georgian troops in Iraq, 26 May 2006]] Following a crisis involving allegations of ballot fraud in the 2003 parliamentary elections, [[Eduard Shevardnadze]] resigned as president on [[November 23]], 2003, in the bloodless [[Rose Revolution]]. The interim president was the speaker of the outgoing parliament (whose replacement was annulled), [[Nino Burjanadze]]. On [[January 4]], [[2004]] [[Mikheil Saakashvili]], leader of the [[United National Movement]] won the country's [[Georgian presidential election, 2004|presidential election]] and was inaugurated on [[January 25]]. Fresh parliamentary elections were held on [[March 28]] where NMD secured the vast majority of the seats (with ca. 75% of the votes) with only one other party reaching the 7% threshold (the [[Rightist Opposition]] with ca. 7.5%). The vote is believed to have been one of the freest ever held in independent Georgia although an upsurge of tension between the central government and the [[Ajaria]]n leader [[Aslan Abashidze]] affected the elections in this region. Despite recognizing progress the [[OSCE]] noted the tendency to misuse state administration resources in favor of the ruling party.[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78813.htm] The tension between the Georgian government and that of Ajaria grew increasingly after the elections until late April. Climaxing on [[May 1]] when Abashidze responded to military maneuvers held by Georgia near the region with having the three bridges connecting Ajaria and the rest of Georgia over the [[Choloki River]] blown up. On [[May 5]], Abashidze was forced to flee Georgia as mass demonstrations in [[Batumi]] called for his resignation and [[Russia]] increased their pressure by deploying Security Council secretary [[Igor Ivanov]]. On [[February 3]], [[2005]], Prime Minister [[Zurab Zhvania]] allegedly died of [[carbon monoxide]] poisoning in an apparent gas leak at the home of [[Raul Usupov]], deputy governor of [[Kvemo Kartli]] region. Later, Zhvania's close friend and a long-time ally, Finance Minister [[Zurab Nogaideli]] was appointed for the post by President Saakashvili. Since coming to power in 2004, Saakashvili has boosted spending on the country's armed forces and increased its overall size to around 45,000. Of that figure, 12,000 have been trained in advanced techniques by U.S. military instructors.<ref>* http://www.kyivpost.com/bn/24927/ - "Georgian president proposes military reserve system for defense, disaster response"</ref> Some of these troops have been stationed in [[Iraq]] as part of the international coalition in the region, serving in [[Baqubah]] and the [[Green Zone]] of [[Baghdad]]. In May 2005, the [[13th "Shavnabada" Light Infantry Battalion]] became the first full battalion to serve outside of Georgia. This unit was responsible for two checkpoints to the Green Zone, and provided security for the Iraqi Parliament. In October 2005, the unit was replaced by the 21st Infantry Battalion. Soldiers of the [[13th "Shavnabada" Light Infantry Battalion]] wear the "combat patches" of the American unit they served under, the [[U.S. 3d Infantry Division|Third Infantry Division]]. The Georgian government claims to have restored "constitutional order" in the Upper [[Kodori Gorge]] - The sole Georgia-controlled part of breakaway region Abkhazia.<ref>[http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2371337 Tbilisi prepares to send Abkhaz government-in-exile to Kodori], Zaal Anjaparidze</ref> Georgia has in the past few years significantly reduced corruption. [[Transparency International]] ranked Georgia at 79th in the world in its 2007 [[Corruption Perceptions Index]], giving it a [[List of countries by Corruption Perceptions Index|score of 2.8]] (with number 10 being considered the best possible score).<ref>[http://www.transparency.org/news_room/in_focus/2007/cpi2007/cpi_2007_table Corruption Perceptions Index 2007]. [[Transparency International]]. Accessed on [[September 27]], [[2007]]</ref> This is a significant improvement on Georgia's 2005 and 2006 Corruption Perceptions Index, where it was rated joint 130th and joint 99th, respectively. On [[November 7]], [[2007]], during a period of [[2007 Georgian demonstrations|mass protests]], President Saakashvili declared Tbilisi to be in a [[state of emergency]]. There had been massive demonstrations and protests by the civil [[opposition]]. The opposition has been demanding the resignation of President Saakashvili. The Georgian police used [[teargas]], [[batons]], water cannons and high tech [[acoustic weapon]]s to clear the streets of Tbilisi. Later the same day, the President declared a state of emergency in the whole country of Georgia lasting for 15 days. The Russian government denies accusations of being involved or of interfering in the situation. President Saakashvili rejected all demands that he resign his position, but announced early presidential elections to be held in January 2008, effectively cutting his term in office by a year. On [[November 16]], [[2007]], [[Prime Minister of Georgia]] [[Zurab Noghaideli]] announced his resignation due to poor health conditions. Noghaideli underwent heart operation in April 2007 at [[St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital]] in [[Houston]], [[USA]] which was led by the leading [[US]] [[surgeon]] Dr. Charles Frazier. [[President]] Saakashvili invited [[Vladimer Gurgenidze]], [[MBA]] holder from [[Emory University]], [[USA]] and former [[business executive]], to succeed Noghaideli on the position of the PM on the same day. [[Lado Gurgenidze]] was formally approved on the position and granted the [[Trust (social sciences)|trust]] of the [[Parliament of Georgia]] on [[22 November]] [[2007]]. Gurgenidze implemented only two changes in the [[Cabinet of Georgia]] so far, replacing [[Alexandre Lomaia]], the former Minister for Education and Science and new Secretary of National Security Council with Maia Miminoshvili, former Head of the National Assessment and Examination Centre (NAEC). Prime Minister also invited Koba Subeliani, former Head of Municipal Accomplishment Service to succeed Giorgi Kheviashvili, former Minister for Refugees and Accommodation. New Prime Minister and two Ministers Koba Subeliani and Maia Miminoshvili were approved on their positions on [[22 November]] [[2007]] by a [[confidence vote]] of the [[Parliament of Georgia]]. [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] resigned from the position of the [[President of Georgia|President]] on [[25 November]] [[2007]] as the [[Constitution of Georgia]] requires the president stands down at least 45 days before the next [[election]] in order to be eligible for retaking part him/herself. The [[Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia]] [[Mrs.]] [[Nino Burjanadze]] took over the position until the results were announced on [[5 January]] [[2008]]. The registration for presidential elections was officially closed on [[27 November]]. 22 people, including the most recent president [[Mikheil Saakashvili]], approved candidate of the united opposition [[Levan Gachechiladze]], influential businessman [[Badri Patarkatsishvili]], Leader of the New Right Party [[David Gamkrelidze]], the Leader of the [[Georgian Labour Party]] [[Shalva Natelashvili]], the Leader of [[Hope Party]] [[Irina Sarishvili-Chanturia]] and Giorgi Maisashvili put forward themselves for forthcoming elections. On [[27 November]] it was announced that a [[Georgian NATO membership referendum, 2008|NATO membership referendum]] and [[Georgian legislative election date referendum, 2008|election date referendum]] will also be held on the election day together with presidential elections. [http://www.president.gov.ge/?l=E&m=0&sm=1&st=0&id=2421] The November 7th elections determined that more than 77% of the population voted in favor to NATO membership. The [[Georgian presidential election, 2008|presidential election]] votes came back with Mikheil Saakashvili winning with 1,060,042 votes, 53.47% of the vote, over double the amount of his nearest rival [[Levan Gachechiladze]], coming second with 25.69%. [[Mikhail Saakashvili]] on [[May 22]], 2008 announced his confident victory for his ruling party in parliamentary polls amid fears of political unrest, and rising tensions between Georgia and Russia. Early official results indicated his [[United National Movement]] had 63% of the votes against the opposition's 13%, with about a quarter of the 3,664 precincts.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7413482.stm news.bbc.co.uk, Georgian leader set for poll win]</ref> == Foreign relations == {{Main|Georgia and the European Union|Georgian-Ukrainian relations|Georgian-Russian relations}} [[Image:Saakashvili n bush.jpg|thumb|250px|Mikheil Saakashvili (right) with [[George W. Bush]]]] Georgia maintains good relations with its direct neighbours [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Turkey]] and participates actively in regional organizations, such as the Black Sea Economic Council and the [[GUAM]].<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/georgia/intro/index.htm redirect<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Georgia also maintains close political, economic and military relations with [[Ukraine]]. The growing US and European Union influence in Georgia, notably through the Train and Equip military assistance programme and the construction of the [[Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline]], have frequently strained Tbilisi’s relations with Russia. Georgia is currently working to become a full member of NATO. In August of 2004, the Individual Partnership Action Plan of Georgia was submitted officially to [[NATO]]. On [[October 29]], [[2004]], the [[North Atlantic Council]] of NATO approved the [[NATO#International Partnership Action Plans|Individual Partnership Action Plan]] (IPAP) of Georgia and Georgia moved on to the second stage of Euro-Atlantic Integration. In 2005, by the decision of the [[President of Georgia]], a state commission was set up to implement the Individual Partnership Action Plan, which presents an interdepartmental group headed by the Prime Minister. The Commission was tasked with coordinating and controlling the implementation of the Individual Partnership Action Plan. On [[February 14]], [[2005]], the agreement on the appointment of [[Partnership for Peace]] (PfP) liaison officer between Georgia and the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] came into force, whereby a liaison officer for the South Caucasus was assigned to Georgia. On [[March 2]], [[2005]], the agreement was signed on the provision of the host nation support to and transit of NATO forces and NATO personnel. On March 6-9, 2006, the IPAP implementation interim assessment team arrived in [[Tbilisi]]. On [[April 13]], [[2006]], the discussion of the assessment report on implementation of the Individual Partnership Action Plan was held at NATO Headquarters, within 26+1 format.<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.ge/index.php?sec_id=89&lang_id=ENG Georgia's way to NATO]</ref> In 2006, the Georgian parliament voted unanimously for the bill which calls for integration of Georgian into NATO. The majority of Georgians and politicians in Georgia support the push for NATO membership. Currently, it is expected that Georgia will join NATO in 2009. [[Image:Poland tbilisi2008.jpg|250px|thumb|Visit of the Polish President [[Lech Kaczyński]] to Georgia. Poland and Georgia maintain close relations.]] [[George W. Bush]] became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4531273.stm BBC NEWS | Europe | Bush praises Georgian democracy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The street leading to [[Tbilisi International Airport]] has since been dubbed George W. Bush Avenue.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Bush.html?hp Bush Heads to Europe for G - 8 Summit], ''The New York Times''</ref> From the European commission website: President [[Saakashvili]] views membership of the [[EU]] and [[NATO]] as a long term priority. As he does not want Georgia to become an arena of Russia-US confrontation he seeks to maintain close relations with the [[United States]] and European Union, at the same time underlining his ambitions to advance co-operation with Russia.<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/georgia/intro/index.htm redirect<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On [[October 2]], [[2006]], Georgian and the European Union signed a joint statement on the agreed text of the Georgia-European Union Action Plan within the [[European Neighbourhood Policy]] (ENP). The Action Plan was formally approved at the EU-Georgia Cooperation Council session on [[November 14]], [[2006]] in [[Brussels]].<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=13747 EU, Georgia Sign ENP Action Plan], ''Civil Georgia'', [[October 2]], [[2006]].</ref> On [[February 2]], [[2007]], Georgia officially became the most recent regional member of the [[Asian Development Bank]]. They currently hold 12,081 shares in the bank, 0.341 percent of the total. {{see also|Georgia and NATO}} == Regions, republics, and districts == {{main|Administrative divisions of Georgia (country)}} {{Georgia Labelled Map|float=right}} Georgia is divided into nine regions, two [[Autonomous entity|autonomous]] republics (''avtonomiuri respublika''), and one city (''k'alak'i''). The [[Subdivisions of Georgia|regions]] are further subdivided into 69 districts (''raioni''). *The nine regions are [[Guria]], [[Imereti]], [[Kakheti]], [[Kvemo Kartli]], [[Mtskheta-Mtianeti]], [[Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti]], [[Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti]], [[Samtskhe-Javakheti]], and [[Shida Kartli]]. ::Currently, the status of [[South Ossetia]], a former autonomous administrative district, also known as the [[Tskhinvali]] region, is being negotiated with the Russian-supported separatist government. Recently these negotiations have more or less broken down in light of Russian decisions to reinforce the region militarily and grant South Ossetians Russian passports. The government of Georgia has expressed that it views these moves as attempts by Russia to effectively annex the region. The Georgian government levels the same criticism against Russian involvement in another of its breakaway regions, [[Abkhazia]]. Abkhazia has the status of an autonomous republic, but operates as a defacto state. This condition follows the ethnic cleansing of at least 200,000 Georgians in the [[War in Abkhazia]] in 1992-1993. Upper [[Kodori Gorge]] is the only part of Abkhazia that remains under effective Georgian control. [[Ajaria]] gained autonomy unilaterally under local strongman [[Aslan Abashidze]] with help from a Russian military brigade located on a base in Ajaria. Current Georgian president [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] restored the region to Georgian control after a local uprising against Abashidze's perceived corruption. *The largest city is [[Tbilisi]]. The [[District]]s of Georgia are: [[Abasha]], [[Adigeni]], [[Akhalgori]], [[Akhalkalaki]], [[Akhaltsikhe]], [[Akhmeta]], [[Ambrolauri]], [[Aspindza]], [[Baghdati]], [[Batumi]], [[Bolnisi]], [[Borjomi]], [[Chiatura]], [[Chkhorotsku]], [[Chokhatauri]], [[Dedoplistskaro]], [[Dmanisi]], [[Dusheti]], [[Gagra]], [[Gali]], [[Gardabani]], [[Gori District, Georgia|Gori]], [[Gudauta]], [[Gulripshi]], [[Gurjaani]], [[Java district, Georgia|Java]], [[Kareli district, Georgia|Kareli]], [[Kaspi district, Georgia|Kaspi]], [[Kedi]], [[Kharagauli]], [[Khashuri district, Georgia|Khashuri]], [[Khelvachauri]], [[Khobi]], [[Khoni]], [[Khulo]], [[Kobuleti]], [[Kutaisi]], [[Kvareli]], [[Lagodekhi]], [[Lanchkhuti]], [[Lentekhi]], [[Marneuli]], [[Martvili]], [[Mestia]], [[Mtskheta]], [[Ninotsminda]], [[Oni, Georgia|Oni]], [[Ozurgeti]], [[Poti]], [[Rustavi]], [[Sachkhere]], [[Sagarejo]], [[Samtredia]], [[Senaki]], [[Shuakhevi]], [[Sighnaghi]], [[Sukhumi]], [[Stepantsminda]], [[Telavi]], [[Terjola]], [[Tetritskaro]], [[Tianeti]], [[Tkibuli]], [[Tsageri]], [[Tskhinvali]], [[Tsalenjikha]], [[Tsalka]], [[Tskaltubo]], [[Vani]], [[Zestaponi]], and [[Zugdidi]]. The main cities of Georgia are: *[[Tbilisi]] 1,066,100 (metro area 1,270,800) *[[Kutaisi]] 183,300 *[[Batumi]] 116,900 Other major cities include [[Chiatura]], [[Gagra]], [[Gori, Georgia|Gori]], [[Poti]], [[Rustavi]], [[Sukhumi]], [[Tkibuli]], [[Tskaltubo]], and [[Tskhinvali]]. == Geography and climate == {{main|Geography of Georgia (country)}} {{main|Glaciers of Georgia}} [[Image:Svaneti, georgia.jpg|300px|thumb|[[Svaneti]] region, North-Western Georgia]] [[Image:Kulay5675467.jpg|300px|thumb|Northern Georgia, Kazbegi region]] In the north, Georgia has a 723 km common border with [[Russia]], specifically with the [[Northern Caucasus]] federal district. The following Russian republics/subdivisions — from west to east — border Georgia: [[Krasnodar Krai]], [[Karachay-Cherkessia]], [[Kabardino-Balkaria]], [[North Ossetia-Alania]], [[Ingushetia]], [[Chechnya]], [[Dagestan]]. Georgia also shares borders with [[Azerbaijan]] (322 km) to the south-east, [[Armenia]] (164 km.) to the south, and [[Turkey]] (252 km.) to the south-west. Mountains are the dominant geographic feature of Georgia. The [[Likhi Range]] divides the country into eastern and western halves. Historically, the western portion of Georgia was known as [[Colchis]] while the eastern plateau was called [[Caucasian Iberia|Iberia]]. Due to a complex geographic setting, mountains also isolate the northern region of [[Svaneti]] from the rest of Georgia. The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range separates Georgia from the [[North Caucasus|North Caucasian]] Republics of [[Russia]]. The southern portion of the country is bounded by the [[Caucasus Mountains|Lesser Caucasus Mountains]]. The [[Caucasus Mountains|Greater Caucasus Mountain Range]] is much higher in elevation than the [[Caucasus Mountains|Lesser Caucasus Mountains]], with the highest peaks rising more than 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) above sea level. [[Image:Kazbek.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Kazbek]] in the [[Khokh Range]]]] The highest mountain in Georgia is Mount [[Shkhara]] at 5,201 meters (17,059 ft), and the second highest is Mount [[Janga]] ([[Jangi-Tau]]) at 5,051 meters (16,572 ft) above sea level. Other prominent peaks include [[Kazbek|Kazbegi]] ([[Kazbek]]) at 5,047 meters (16,554 ft), Tetnuldi (4,974 m./16,319ft.), Shota Rustaveli (4,960 m./16,273ft.), Mt. [[Ushba]] (4,710 m./15,453ft.), and Ailama (4,525 m./14,842ft.). Out of the abovementioned peaks, only [[Kazbek|Kazbegi]] is of [[volcanic]] origin. The region between [[Kazbek|Kazbegi]] and [[Shkhara]] (a distance of about 200 km. along the Main Caucasus Range) is dominated by numerous glaciers. Out of the 2,100 glaciers that exist in the Caucasus today, approximately 30% are located within Georgia. The term, [[Caucasus Mountains|Lesser Caucasus Mountains]] is often used to describe the mountainous (highland) areas of southern Georgia that are connected to the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range by the Likhi Range. The area can be split into two separate sub-regions; the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, which run parallel to the Greater Caucasus Range, and the [[Southern Georgia Volcanic Highland]], which lies immediately to the south of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The overall region can be characterized as being made up of various, interconnected mountain ranges (largely of [[volcanic]] origin) and plateaus that do not exceed 3,400 meters (approximately 11,000 ft) in elevation. Prominent features of the area include the [[Javakheti Volcanic Plateau]], lakes, including Tabatskuri and Paravani, as well as mineral water and hot springs. The Southern Georgia Volcanic Highland is a young and unstable geologic region with high seismic activity and has experienced some of the most significant earthquakes that have been recorded in Georgia. The [[Voronya Cave]] (aka Krubera-Voronia Cave) is the deepest known [[cave]] in the world. It is located in the [[Arabika Massif]] of the [[Gagra Range]], in [[Abkhazia]], Georgia, [[Caucasus]]. The height difference in the cave is 2,140 (± 9) metres. The same cave set the previous record for depth at 1,710 metres in 2001 by a Russian–Ukrainian team. In 2004 the penetrated depth was increased on each of three expeditions. At that point the [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] team crossed the –2000 m mark for the first time in the history of [[speleology]]. In October 2005, a new, unexplored part was found by CAVEX team, and the cave became even deeper. This expedition confirmed the depth of the cave which is now – 2,140 (± 9) metres deep. Two major rivers in Georgia are the [[Rioni River|Rioni]] and the [[Mtkvari River|Mtkvari]]. ===Landscape=== [[Image:Hpim3526.jpg|300px|thumb|Tsminda Sameba church, 2200 m high, Caucasus mountains in the back, rising more than 4000 m above sea level.]] The landscape within the nation's boundaries is quite varied. Western Georgia's landscape ranges from low-land marsh-forests, cow swamps, and [[temperate rain forests]] to eternal snows and glaciers, while the eastern part of the country even contains a small segment of semi-arid plains characteristic of Central Asia. Forests cover around 40% of Georgia's territory while the [[alpine climate|alpine]]/[[subalpine]] zone accounts for roughly around 10% of the land. Much of the natural habitat in the low-lying areas of Western Georgia has disappeared over the last 100 years due to the agricultural development of the land and urbanization. The large majority of the forests that covered the [[Colchis]] plain are now virtually non-existent with the exception of the regions that are included in the national parks and reserves (i.e. Paleostomi Lake area). At present, the forest cover generally remains outside of the low-lying areas and is mainly located along the foothills and the mountains. Western Georgia's forests consist mainly of deciduous trees below 600 meters (1,968 ft) above sea level and comprise of species such as [[oak]], [[hornbeam]], [[Oriental Beech|beech]], [[elm]], [[ash tree|ash]], and [[Sweet Chestnut|chestnut]]. Evergreen species such as [[Buxus|box]] may also be found in many areas. Ca. 1000 of all 4000 higher plants of Georgia are endemic in this country<ref>[http://www.endemic-species-caucasus.info/ Endemic Species of the Caucasus<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. The west-central slopes of the [[Meskheti Range]] in [[Ajaria]] as well as several locations in [[Samegrelo]] and [[Abkhazia]] are covered by [[temperate rain forests]]. Between 600–1,500 meters (1,968-4,920 ft) above sea level, the deciduous forest becomes mixed with both broad-leaf and coniferous species making up the plant life. The zone is made up mainly of beech, [[Caucasian Spruce|spruce]], and [[Nordmann Fir|fir]] forests. From 1,500-1,800 meters (4,920-5,904 ft), the forest becomes largely coniferous. The tree line generally ends at around 1,800 meters (5,904 ft) and the alpine zone takes over, which in most areas, extends up to an elevation of 3,000 meters (9,840 ft) above sea level. The eternal snow and [[glacier]] zone lies above the 3,000 meter line. [[Image:Shatili village, Georgia.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Shatili]] village in [[Khevsureti]]]] Eastern Georgia's landscape (referring to the territory east of the [[Likhi]] Range) is considerably different from that of the west. Although, much like the [[Colchis]] plain in the west, nearly all of the low-lying areas of eastern Georgia including the [[Mtkvari]] and [[Alazani]] River plains have been deforested for agricultural purposes. In addition, due to the region's relatively drier climate, some of the low-lying plains (especially in [[Kartli]] and south-eastern [[Kakheti]]) were never covered by forests in the first place. The general landscape of eastern Georgia comprises numerous valleys and gorges that are separated by mountains. In contrast with western Georgia, nearly 85% of the forests of the region are deciduous. Coniferous forests only dominate in the [[Borjomi Gorge]] and in the extreme western areas. Out of the deciduous species of trees, [[beech]], [[oak]], and [[hornbeam]] dominate. Other deciduous species include several varieties of [[maple]], [[aspen]], ash, and [[hazelnut]]. The Upper [[Alazani]] River Valley contains [[Taxus baccata|yew]] forests. At higher elevations above 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) above sea level (particularly in the [[Tusheti]], [[Khevsureti]], and [[Khevi]] regions), [[Scots Pine|pine]] and [[birch]] forests dominate. In general, the forests in eastern Georgia occur between 500–2,000 metres (1,640–6,560 ft) above sea level, with the alpine zone extending from 2,000/2,200–3,000/3,500 metres (roughly about 6,560–11,480 ft). The only remaining large, low-land forests remain in the [[Alazani]] Valley of [[Kakheti]]. The eternal snow and [[glacier]] zone lies above the 3,500 metre (11,480 ft) line in most areas of eastern Georgia. ===Fauna=== Due to its high landscape diversity and low latitude Georgia is home to a higher number of animal species, e. g. ca. 1000 species of [[vertebrates]] (330 [[birds]], 160 [[fish]], 48 [[reptiles]], 11 [[amphibians]]). A number of large [[carnivores]] live in the forests, e. g. [[Persian leopard]], [[Brown bear]], [[wolf]], and [[lynx]]. The species number of [[invertebrates]] is considered to be very high but data is distributed across a high number of publications. The [[spider]] checklist of Georgia, for example, includes 501 species<ref>[http://caucasus-spiders.info/introduction/checklists/ Caucasian Spiders » CHECKLISTS & MAPS<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. === Climate === [[Image:GrapesGeorgia.jpg|thumb|right|180px|The local climate is excellent for wine-making and there are 500 different kinds of wine in Georgia]] The climate of Georgia is extremely diverse, considering the nation's small size. There are two main climatic zones, roughly separating Eastern and Western parts of the country. The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range plays an important role in moderating Georgia's climate and protects the nation from the penetration of colder air masses from the north. The Lesser Caucasus Mountains partially protect the region from the influence of dry and hot air masses from the south as well. Much of western Georgia lies within the northern periphery of the humid subtropical zone with annual precipitation ranging from 1000–4000 mm. (39–157 inches). The precipitation tends to be uniformly distributed throughout the year, although the rainfall can be particularly heavy during the Autumn months. The climate of the region varies significantly with elevation and while much of the lowland areas of western Georgia are relatively warm throughout the year, the foothills and mountainous areas (including both the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains) experience cool, wet summers and snowy winters (snow cover often exceeds 2 meters in many regions). [[Ajaria]] is the wettest region of the [[Caucasus]], where the Mt. Mtirala [[temperate rain forest|rainforest]], east of [[Kobuleti]] receives around 4500 mm (177 inches) of precipitation per year. Eastern Georgia has a transitional climate from humid subtropical to continental. The region's weather patterns are influenced both by dry, Central Asian/Caspian air masses from the east and humid, Black Sea air masses from the west. The penetration of humid air masses from the Black Sea is often blocked by several mountain ranges ([[Likhi]] and [[Meskheti]]) that separate the eastern and western parts of the nation. Annual precipitation is considerably less than that of western Georgia and ranges from 400–1600 mm (16–63 inches). The wettest periods generally occur during Spring and Autumn while Winter and the Summer months tend to be the driest. Much of eastern Georgia experiences hot summers (especially in the low-lying areas) and relatively cold winters. As in the western parts of the nation, elevation plays an important role in eastern Georgia as well, and climatic conditions above 1500 metres (4920ft) above sea level are considerably cooler (even colder) than those of the low-lying areas. The regions that lie above 2000 meters (6560ft) above sea level frequently experience frost even during the summer months. == Economy == {{main|Economy of Georgia}} [[Image:20lari.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Georgian twenty lari bill portraying [[Ilia Chavchavadze]], founder of [[National Bank of Georgia]]]] Archaeological research demonstrates that Georgia has been involved in commerce with many lands and empires since the ancient times, largely due its location on the [[Black Sea]] and later on the historical [[Silk Road]]. [[Gold]], [[silver]], [[copper]] and [[iron]] have been mined in the [[Caucasus Mountains]]. [[Wine making]] is a very old tradition. Throughout Georgia's modern history [[agriculture]] and [[tourism]] have been principal economic sectors, due to the country's climate and topography.<ref name=cia/> For much of the 20th century, Georgia's economy was within the [[Soviet]] model of [[command economy]]. Since the fall of the [[USSR]] in 1991, Georgia embarked on a major structural reform designed to transition to a [[free market]] economy. However, as all other [[post-Soviet states]], Georgia faced a severe economic collapse. The civil war and military conflicts in [[South Ossetia]] and [[Abkhazia]] aggravated the crisis. The agriculture and industry output diminished. By 1994 the [[gross domestic product]] had shrunk to a quarter of that of 1989.<ref>The [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development|EBDR]] country factsheet - [http://www.ebrd.com/pubs/factsh/country/georgia.pdf].</ref> The first financial help from the West came in 1995, when the [[World Bank]] and [[International Monetary Fund]] granted Georgia a credit of [[USD]] 206 million and [[Germany]] granted [[German mark|DM]] 50 million. As of 2001 54% of the population lived below the national [[poverty line]] but by 2006 poverty decreased to 34%. In 2005 average monthly income of a household was GEL 347 (about 200 USD).<ref>The World Bank's Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Program progress report - [http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPRS1/Resources/Georgia_2APR-PRSP(Sept1-2006.pdf).pdf].</ref> [[Image:Hpim3433.jpg|250px|thumb|Rkinis Rigi (iron row) in Old Tbilisi]] Since early 2000s visible positive developments have been observed in the economy of Georgia. In 2006 Georgia's [[real GDP]] growth rate reached 8.8%, making Georgia one of the fastest [[Economic growth|growing economies]] in Eastern Europe.<ref name=cia/> The [[World Bank]] dubbed Georgia "the number one economic reformer in the world" because it has in one year improved from rank 112th to 18th in terms of [[Ease of Doing Business Index|ease of doing business]].<ref>[http://www.doingbusiness.org/EconomyRankings/ World Bank Economy Rankings].</ref>However, the country has high [[unemployment rate]] of 12.6% and has fairly low [[Median household income|median income]] compared to [[Europe]]an countries. IMF 2006 estimates place Georgia's [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|nominal GDP]] at US$7.76 billion. Georgia's economy is becoming more devoted to [[Service economy|services]] (now representing 54.8% of GDP), moving away from [[agricultural sector]] ( 17.7%).<ref name=cia/> The country has sizable [[hydropower]] resources. [[2006 Russian ban of Moldovan and Georgian wines|The 2006 ban on imports]] of [[Georgian wine]] to Russia, one of Georgia's biggest trading partners, and break of financial links was described by the IMF Mission as an "external shock",<ref>[http://www.imf.ge/view2.php?lang=1&view=290 IMF Mission Press Statement at the Conclusion of a Staff Visit to Georgia]. June 1, 2007.</ref> In addition, Russia increased the price of gas for Georgia. This was followed by the spike in the [[Georgian lari]]'s rate of inflation.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} The National Bank of Georgia stated that the inflation was mainly triggered by external reasons, including Russia’s economic embargo.<ref>[http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=15087 Central Bank Chief Reports on Inflation]. Civil Georgia, Tbilisi. 2007-05-10.</ref> The Georgian authorities expected that the current account deficit the embargo would cause in 2007 would be financed by "higher foreign exchange proceeds generated by the large inflow of foreign direct investment" and an increase in tourist revenues.<ref>[http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2006/pr06276.htm Statement by IMF Staff Mission to Georgia], Press Release No. 06/276. December 15, 2006.</ref> The country has also maintained a solid credit in international market securities.<ref>Sweet Georgia. The Financial Times - [http://search.ft.com/ftArticle?queryText=Sweet+Georgia&y=0&aje=true&x=0&id=070202001027] </ref> Georgia is becoming more [[Globalization|integrated]] into the global trading network: its 2006 imports and exports account for 10% and 18% of GDP respectively.<ref name=cia/> Georgia's main imports are natural [[gas]], [[Petroleum|oil]] products, [[machinery]] and parts, and transport equipment. In 2004, a 12% [[flat income tax]] was introduced in Georgia.<ref>The Financial Times - [http://search.ft.com/ftArticle?queryText=georgia+tax&y=0&aje=true&x=0&id=061018006831 Flat taxes could be a flash in the pan, IMF research says]</ref> Tax collection increased significantly, thereby reducing the government's formerly large [[budget deficit]]s.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} Georgia is developing into an international transport corridor through [[Batumi]] and [[Poti]] ports, an oil pipeline from [[Baku]] through [[Tbilisi]] to [[Ceyhan]], the [[Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline]] (BTC) and a parallel gas pipeline, the [[South Caucasus Pipeline]]. Tourism is an increasingly significant part of the Georgian economy. About a million tourists brought US$313 million to the country in 2006.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://unwto.org/facts/eng/pdf/barometer/unwto_barom07_2_en.pdf |title=UNTWO World Tourism Barometer, Vol.5 No.2 |accessdate=2008-03-26 |last=UNTWO |date=June 2007 |format=PDF }}</ref> There are "over 12,000 historical and cultural monuments in Georgia, four listed by UNESCO as cultural heritage sites, 103 resorts, 182 potential resort places and more than 2000 mineral springs in Georgia". <ref>[http://www.investingeorgia.org/sectors/tourism/ Invest in Georgia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == Demographics == {{main|Demographics of Georgia}} [[Image:SaintNinoCross.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Grapevine Cross of Saint Nino from the 4th century AD]] [[Image:Qartvelebi poloneti.jpg|260px|thumb|Georgian youth in traditional costumes]] [[Georgians]] (with [[Adjarians]], [[Mingrelians]], [[Svans]], [[Lazs]]) form a majority, about 83.8%, of Georgia's current population of 4,661,473 (July 2006 est.).<ref>This figure includes the territories currently out of the [[Government of Georgia|Georgian government]]'s control – [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]] – whose total population, as of 2005, is estimated by the State Department of Statistics of Georgia at 227,200 (178,000 in Abkhazia plus 49,200 in South Ossetia). [http://www.statistics.ge/Main/Yearbook/2005/05Population_05.doc ''Statistical Yearbook of Georgia, 2005: Population''] (607kb, ''Microsoft Word Document'').</ref> Other major ethnic groups include [[Azeris]], who form 6.5% of the population, [[Armenians]] - 5.7%, [[Russians]] - 1.5%, [[Abkhazians]], and [[Ossetians]]. Numerous smaller groups also live in the country, including [[Assyrians]], [[Chechens]], [[Chinese People|Chinese]], [[Georgian Jews]], [[Greeks]], [[Kabardins]], [[Kurds]], [[Tatars]], [[Turkish people|Turks]] and [[Ukrainians]]. Notably, [[Georgian Jews|Georgia's Jewish community]] is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. Georgia also exhibits significant linguistic diversity. Within the [[South Caucasian languages|South Caucasian family]], [[Georgian language|Georgian]], [[Laz language|Laz]], [[Mingrelian language|Mingrelian]], and [[Svan language|Svan]] are spoken. Additionally, non-Georgian ethnic groups in the country often speak their native languages in addition to [[Georgian language|Georgian]]. The official languages of Georgia are [[Georgian language|Georgian]] and also [[Abkhazian language|Abkhaz]] within the autonomous region of [[Abkhazia]]. 71% of the population speaks the South Caucasian languages, 9% - Russian, 7% - Armenian, 6% - Azeri and 7% other.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} Georgia's [[literacy rate]] is 100%.[http://hdrstats.undp.org/countries/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_GEO.html] In the early 1990s, following the dissolution of the [[Soviet Union]], violent [[separatism|separatist]] conflicts broke out in the autonomous regions of [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]], which resulted in [[ethnic cleansing]] of Georgians from Abkhazia, where ethnic Georgians previously had constituted the largest single ethnic group (46% of population in 1989). Many [[Ossetians]] living in Georgia also left the country, mainly to Russia's North Ossetia.<ref> Human Rights Watch/Helsinki, [http://hrw.org/reports/1996/Russia.htm RUSSIA. THE INGUSH-OSSETIAN CONFLICT IN THE PRIGORODNYI REGION], May 1996.</ref> Of the [[Meskhetian Turk]]s who were [[Population transfer in the Soviet Union|forcibly relocated]] in 1944 only a tiny fraction returned to Georgia as of 2007. Georgia's net migration rate is -4.54, excluding Georgian nationals who live abroad. Georgia has nonetheless been inhabited by immigrants from all over the world throughout its independence. According to 2006 statistics, Georgia gets most of its immigrants from [[Turkey]] and [[China]]. Today most of the population practices [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christianity]] of the [[Georgian Orthodox Church]] (81.9%). The religious [[minorities]] are: [[Islam|Muslim]] (9.9%); [[Armenian Apostolic]] (3.9%); [[Russian Orthodox Church]] (2.0%); Roman [[Catholic]] (0.8%). 0.8% of those recorded in the 2002 census declared themselves to be adherents of other religions and 0.7% declared no religion at all.<ref name=cia/> == Religion == {{main|Religion in Georgia (country)}} [[Image:Svetitskhoveli1.jpg|300px|thumb|[[Svetitskhoveli Cathedral]], one of the oldest Eastern Orthodox churches in Georgia.<ref>The Early Church, Henry Chadwick, p. 34 </ref>]] According to the [[Constitution of Georgia (country)|Constitution of Georgia]], religious institutions are separate from government and every citizen has the right of religion. However, most of the population of Georgia (82%) practices [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christianity]] and [[Georgian Orthodox Church]] is an influential institution in the country. The Gospel was preached in Georgia by the Apostles, [[Saint Andrew|Andrew the First Called]], [[Simon the Canaanite]], and [[Matthias]]. [[Caucasian Iberia|Iberia]] was officially converted to Christinaity in [[326]] <ref>Riassophore, Adrian monk. "A brief history of Orthodox Christian Georgia." Orthodox Word, 2006: p. 11.</ref> by [[Saint Nino]] of [[Cappadocia]], who is considered to be the Enlightener of Georgia and the Equal to Apostles by the Orthodox Church. The Georgian Orthodox Church, once being under the [[Antioch|See of Antioch]], gained an [[autocephaly|autocephalous]] status in the 4th century during the reign of King [[Vakhtang Gorgasali]].<ref>Riassophore, Adrian monk. "A brief history of Orthodox Christian Georgia." Orthodox Word, 2006: p. 11.</ref> Religious minorities of Georgia include Russian Orthodox (2%), Armenian Christians (3.9%), Muslims (9.9%), Roman Catholics (0.8%), as well as sizeable [[Jewish]] Communities and various Protestant minorities. <ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gg.html CIA - The World Factbook - Georgia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Despite the long history of religious harmony in Georgia,<ref>Spilling, Michael. Georgia (Cultures of the world). 1997</ref> there have been couple of instances of religious discrimination in the past decade (i.e. Vasil Mkalavishvili Case<ref>[http://www.hrw.org/backgrounder/eca/georgia/georgia_memo_full.htm Memorandum to the U.S. Government on Religious Violence in the Republic of Georgia (Human Rights Watch August 2001)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ). == Culture == {{main|Culture of Georgia}} [[Image:Garejawriting.jpg|thumb|200px|Ancient Georgian [[Asomtavruli]] Alphabet in David Gareja Monastery]] Georgian culture evolved over thousands of years with its foundations in [[Caucasian Iberia|Iberian]] and [[Colchis|Colchian]] civilizations,<ref>Georgia : in the mountains of poetry 3rd rev. ed., Nasmyth, Peter</ref> continuing into the rise of the unified Georgian Kingdom under the single monarchy of the [[Bagrationi]]. Georgian culture enjoyed a golden age and renaissance of [[classical literature]], [[arts]], [[philosophy]], [[architecture]] and [[science]] in the 11th century.<ref> Studies in medieval Georgian historiography: early texts and European contexts, Rapp, Stephen </ref> The [[Georgian language]], and the Classical Georgian literature of the poet [[Shota Rustaveli]], were revived in the 19th century after a long period of turmoil, laying the foundations of the [[Romanticism|romantics]] and [[novelists]] of the modern era such as [[Grigol Orbeliani]], [[Nikoloz Baratashvili]], [[Ilia Chavchavadze]], [[Akaki Tsereteli]], [[Vazha Pshavela]], and many others.<ref> Lang David, Georgians </ref> Georgian culture was influenced by [[Classical Greece]], the [[Roman Empire]] and the [[Byzantine Empire]], and later by the [[Russian Empire]] which contributed to the European elements of Georgian culture. [[Image:ESC 2007-Sopho Khalvashi-IMG 0986.jpg|thumb|200px|Georgian singer [[Sopho Khalvashi]] on Eurovision 2007]] Georgia is well known for its rich [[folklore]], unique traditional music, [[theatre]], [[Film|cinema]], and art. Georgians are renowned for their love of music, dance, theatre and cinema. In the 20th century there have been notable Georgian painters such as [[Niko Pirosmani]], [[Lado Gudiashvili]], [[Elene Akhvlediani]]; [[ballet]] choreographers such as [[George Balanchine]], [[Vakhtang Chabukiani]], and [[Nino Ananiashvili]]; poets such as [[Galaktion Tabidze]], [[Lado Asatiani]], and [[Mukhran Machavariani]]; and theatre and film directors such as [[Robert Sturua]], [[Tengiz Abuladze]], [[Georgi Daneliya|Giorgi Danelia]] and [[Otar Ioseliani]].<ref> Lang David, Georgians </ref> ===Architecture=== Georgian architecture has been influenced by many civilizations. There are several different architectural styles for [[castles]], [[towers]], [[fortifications]] and churches. The [[Svaneti|Upper Svaneti]] fortifications, and the castle town of [[Shatili]] in [[Khevsureti]], are some of the finest examples of medieval Georgian castle architecture. Georgian ecclesiastic art is one of the most fascinating aspects of Georgian Christian architecture, which combines classical [[dome]] style with original [[basilica]] style forming what is known as the Georgian cross-dome style. Cross-dome architecture developed in Georgia during the 9th century; before that, most Georgian churches were basilicas. Georgian culture strongly emphasizes [[individualism]], and this is expressed through the allocation of interior space in Georgian churches. Other examples of Georgian ecclesiastic architecture can be found outside Georgia: [[Bachkovo Monastery]] in Bulgaria (built in 1083 by the Georgian military commander Grigorii Bakuriani), [[Iviron monastery]] in Greece (built by Georgians in the 10th century), and the [[Monastery of the Cross]] in Jerusalem (built by Georgians in the 9th century). [[Image:Senaki theatre.jpg|thumb|200px|left|[[Senaki theatre|Akaki Khorava State Theatre]] in [[Senaki]], an example of [[neoclassicism]] style with elements of barocco in Georgia. Architect Vakhtang Gogoladze.]] Other architectural aspects of Georgia include [[Rustaveli]] avenue in [[Tbilisi]] in the Hausmann style, and the Old Town District. ===Art=== [[Image:EleneAkhvledianiOldTbilisi.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Impressionistic]] painting of Old Town district of [[Tbilisi]] by [[Elene Akhvlediani]]]] The art of Georgia spans the [[prehistoric]], the ancient [[Ancient Greece|Greek]], [[ancient Rome|Roman]], [[medieval]], [[ecclesiastic]], [[Iconography|iconic]] and modern [[visual arts]]. One of the most famous late nineteenth/early twentieth century Georgian artists is the [[primitivist]] painter [[Niko Pirosmani]]. Pirosmani's works can also been seen as early impressionistic, due to the fact that his work inspired [[Lado Gudiashvili]] and [[Elene Akhvlediani]], who represent the more mainstream impressionism of the twentieth century. ===Cuisine=== {{main|Georgian cuisine}} [[Image:Mtsvadi.jpg|200px|thumb|Mtsvadi (Georgian Pork Barbecue) on the grill]] [[Georgian cuisine]] and [[Georgian wine|wine]] have evolved through the centuries, adapting traditions in each era. One of the most unusual traditions of dining is ''Supra'', or ''Georgian table'', which is also a way of socializing with friends and extended family. The head of ''Supra'' is known as [[Tamada]]. He also conducts the highly philosophical toasts, and makes sure that everyone is enjoying themselves. Various historical regions of Georgia are known for their particular dishes: for example, [[Khinkali]] (meat dumplings), from eastern mountainous Georgia, and [[Khachapuri]], mainly from [[Imereti]], [[Samegrelo]] and [[Adjara]]. In addition to traditional Georgian dishes, the foods of other countries have been brought to Georgia by immigrants from [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and recently [[China]]. ===Sport=== {{main|Sport in Georgia (country)}} [[Image:GeorgianWrestling.jpg|thumb|200px|Ancient Georgian [[iconic]] art depicting wrestling]] Among the most popular sports in Georgia are [[football (soccer)|football]], [[basketball]], [[rugby union]], [[wrestling]], [[hockey]] and [[weightlifting]]. Historically, Georgia has been famous for its physical education; it is known that the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] were fascinated with Georgians' physical qualities after seeing the training techniques of ancient [[Caucasian Iberia|Iberia]].<ref>Romans erected the statue of the Iberian King Pharsman after he demonstrated Georgian training methods during his visit to Rome; [[Cassius Dio]], ''Roman History'', LXIX, 15.3</ref> Wrestling remains a historically important sport of Georgia, and some historians think that the [[Greco-Roman]] style of wrestling incorporates many Georgian elements.<ref>Williams, Douglas. ''Georgia in my Heart'', 1999.</ref> Within Georgia, one of the most popularized styles of wrestling is the Kakhetian style. However, there were a number of other styles in the past that are not as widely used today. For example, the [[Khevsureti]] region of Georgia has three different styles of wrestling. Other popular sports in 19th century Georgia were [[polo]], and [[lelo]], a traditional Georgian game later replaced by rugby union. == See also == {{portalpar|Georgia (country)|Flag of Georgia (bordered).svg}} <div style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> * [[Abkhazia]] * [[Adjara]] * [[South Ossetia]] * [[Georgian cuisine]] * [[Human rights in Georgia (country)]] * [[Communications in Georgia]] * [[Georgian Media]] * [[Georgian people]] * [[Peoples of the Caucasus]] * [[Religion and religious freedom in Georgia]] * [[Military of Georgia]] * [[Public holidays in Georgia]] * [[State decorations of Georgia]] * [[Transport in Georgia]] </div> == Gallery of Georgia == <gallery> Image: DSCN3638.jpg| Mountain landscape Image: Gremi.jpg| Gremi Church Image:Ananuridc.jpg| 10 century Ananuri Church Image: GWS Versuchsweinberge.JPG| Famous Georgian vineyards in Kakheti Image:Tbilis view11.jpg| Tbilisi Image:5463456.jpg| Gagra Image:Building of the City Council.jpg| Sukhumi Image:724900.jpg| Medieval fortress of Varzia Image:Bakuriani Winter.jpg| Gudauri Image:VittfarneGeorgien 155.jpg| Northern Georgia Image:Bagrati cathedral, georgia.jpg|9th century Bagrat Church Image:Shiomgvime Monastery, Georgia2.JPG|Shiomgvime Monastery Image:David Gareja (3).jpg|8th century Davidgareja Monastery Complex located in Kakheti Image:Gremi Kakheti01.jpg|[[Gremi]] Kakheti Image:Village Soli.jpg|Soli, Svaneti Image:Sighnaghi.jpg|Sighnaghi, Kakheti </gallery> == Notes == {{reflist|2}} == References == <div class="references-small"> * Anchabadze, George: ''History of Georgia: A Short Sketch'', Tbilisi 2005 ISBN 99928-71-59-8 * Avalov, Zurab: ''Prisoedinenie Gruzii k Rossii'', Montvid, S.-Peterburg 1906 * Gvosdev, Nikolas K.: ''Imperial policies and perspectives towards Georgia: 1760-1819'', Macmillan, Basingstoke 2000, ISBN 0-312-22990-9 * Lang, David M.: ''The last years of the Georgian Monarchy: 1658-1832'', Columbia University Press, New York 1957 * Suny, Ronald Grigor: ''The Making of the Georgian Nation'', (2nd Edition), Bloomington and Indianapolis, 1994, ISBN 0-253-35579-6 </div> == Further reading == <div class="references-small"> * ''Bradt Guide: Georgia'' Tim Burford * ''Claws of the Crab: Georgia and Armenia in Crisis'' Stephen Brook * ''Enough!: The Rose Revolution in the Republic of Georgia 2003'' Zurab Karumidze and James V. Wertshtor * ''Georgia: A Sovereign Country in the Caucasus'' Roger Rosen * ''Georgia in Antiquity: A History of Colchis and Transcaucasian Iberia 550 BC–AD 562'' Braund, David, 1994. Clarendon Press, Oxford. ISBN 0-19-814473-3 * ''Georgia: In the Mountains of Poetry'' Peter Nasmyth * ''Please Don't Call It Soviet Georgia: A Journey Through a Troubled Paradise'' Mary Russell * ''The Georgian Feast: The Vibrant Culture and Savory Food of the Republic of Georgia'' Darra Goldstein * ''Lonely Planet World Guide: Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan''\ * ''Organized Crime and Corruption in Georgia'' Louise Shelley, Erik Scott, Anthony Latta, eds. Routledge: Oxford. * ''Stories I Stole'' Wendell Steavenson </div> ==External links== {{portal}} {{sisterlinks}} * [http://www.president.gov.ge/?l=E&m=0&sm=0 President of Georgia] * [http://www.government.gov.ge/eng/ Government of Georgia] * [http://www.tourism.gov.ge/ Department of Tourism and Resorts] * [http://www.gitoa.ge/ Georgian Incoming Tour Operators’ Association] * {{wikiatlas|Georgia}} * {{wikitravel}} * {{wikia|world:Georgia|Georgia}} * {{CIA World Factbook link|gg|Georgia}} * {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/Georgia}} * [http://www.allgeo.org Full information about (country) Georgia] (In English, German, Russian and Georgian) * [http://www.newsgeorgia.org Georgia News] {{Template group |title = Internal |list = {{Administrative divisions of Georgia}} {{Georgian historical regions}} }} {{Template group |title = Geographic locale |list = {{Countries and regions of the Caucasus}} {{Countries of Europe}} {{Countries of Southwest Asia}} {{Countries of Asia}} {{Countries bordering the Black Sea}} }} {{Template group |title = International membership and relationships |list = {{Georgia ties}} {{Commonwealth of Independent States}} {{Council of Europe}} {{La Francophonie|state=collapsed}} {{Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)}} {{Black Sea Naval Co-operation Task Group (BLACKSEAFOR)}} {{GUAM countries}} }} <!--Other languages--> <!--Categories--> [[Category:Georgia (country)| ]] [[Category:Caucasus]] [[Category:Eastern Europe]] [[Category:Republics]] {{Link FA|es}} {{Link FA|fi}} <!--Interwiki--> [[af:Georgië]] [[als:Georgien]] [[ab:Қырҭтәыла Аҳәынҭқарра]] [[ar:جورجيا]] [[an:Cheorchia]] [[arc:ܓܘܪܓܝܐ]] [[frp:Jôrg·ie (payis)]] [[ast:Xorxa]] [[az:Gürcüstan]] [[bn:জর্জিয়া (রাষ্ট্র)]] [[zh-min-nan:Sakartvelo]] [[be:Грузія]] [[be-x-old:Грузія]] [[bs:Gruzija]] [[br:Jorjia (bro)]] [[bg:Грузия]] [[ca:Geòrgia]] [[cv:Грузи]] [[ceb:Georgia (nasod)]] [[cs:Gruzie]] [[cy:Georgia]] [[da:Georgien]] [[de:Georgien]] [[dsb:Georgiska]] [[et:Gruusia]] [[el:Γεωργία]] [[es:Georgia]] [[eo:Kartvelio]] [[eu:Georgia]] [[ee:Georgia]] [[fa:گرجستان]] [[fo:Georgia]] [[fr:Géorgie (pays)]] [[fy:Geörgje]] [[ga:An tSeoirsia]] [[gv:Yn Çhorshey]] [[gd:Gruisia]] [[gl:Xeorxia - საქართველო]] [[ko:그루지야]] [[haw:Keokia]] [[hy:Վրաստան]] [[hi:जोर्जिया]] [[hsb:Georgiska]] [[hr:Gruzija]] [[io:Georgia (stato)]] [[ilo:Georgia (pagilian)]] [[id:Georgia]] [[ia:Georgia (pais)]] [[os:Гуырдзыстон]] [[is:Georgía]] [[it:Georgia]] [[he:גאורגיה]] [[jv:Georgia]] [[pam:Georgia (country)]] [[ka:საქართველო]] [[csb:Grëzóńskô]] [[kk:Гүржістан]] [[kw:Pow Grouzi]] [[ky:Грузия]] [[sw:Georgia (nchi)]] [[ht:Jeoji]] [[ku:Gurcistan]] [[la:Georgia]] [[lv:Gruzija]] [[lb:Georgien]] [[lt:Gruzija]] [[lij:Geòrgia (stato)]] [[li:Georgië]] [[hu:Grúzia]] [[mk:Грузија]] [[ml:ജോര്‍ജ്ജിയ]] [[ms:Georgia (negara)]] [[mn:Гүрж]] [[nah:Xeorxitlān]] [[na:Georgia]] [[nl:Georgië]] [[ja:グルジア]] [[no:Georgia]] [[nn:Georgia]] [[nov:Georgia]] [[oc:Georgia (Caucàs)]] [[ug:گرۇزىيە]] [[uz:Gurjiston]] [[ps:جيورجيا]] [[pms:Geòrgia]] [[nds:Georgien]] [[pl:Gruzja]] [[pt:Geórgia]] [[crh:Gürcistan]] [[ksh:Gejorgije]] [[ro:Georgia]] [[qu:Kartulsuyu]] [[ru:Грузия]] [[se:Georgia]] [[sco:Georgie (kintra)]] [[sq:Gjeorgjia]] [[scn:Giorgia]] [[simple:Georgia (country)]] [[sk:Gruzínsko]] [[sl:Gruzija]] [[sr:Грузија]] [[sh:Gruzija]] [[fi:Georgia]] [[sv:Georgien]] [[tl:Georgia]] [[ta:ஜோர்ஜியா (நாடு)]] [[th:ประเทศจอร์เจีย]] [[vi:Gruzia]] [[tg:Гурҷистон]] [[tr:Gürcistan]] [[tk:Gürjüstan]] [[udm:Грузия]] [[uk:Грузія]] [[ur:جارجیا]] [[vo:Grusiyän]] [[war:Georgia (nasod)]] [[wo:Jeoorji]] [[yi:גרוזיע]] [[zh-yue:格魯吉亞]] [[diq:Gurcıstan]] [[zea:Georhië]] [[bat-smg:Grozėjė]] [[zh:格鲁吉亚]]