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{{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 = ]<br>"Strength is in Unity"
|national_anthem = "]"<br>"Freedom"
|official_languages = ]<sup>1</sup>
|demonym = Georgian
|patron_saint = ], ]
|capital = ]
|latd = 41
|latm = 43
|latNS = N
|longd = 44
|longm = 47
|longEW = E
|largest_city = capital
|government_type = ] ] ]
|leader_title1 = ]
|leader_name1 = ]
|leader_title2 = ]
|leader_name2 = ]
|sovereignty_type = ]
|established_event1 = Georgian kingdoms of ] and ]
|established_date1 = <br />]2000 BC
|established_event2 = ]
|established_date2 = <br />AD 337
|established_event3 = ] unified
|established_date3 = <br />1008
|established_event4 = ]
|established_date4 = <br />] ]
|established_event5 = Independence from the ]<br />Declared<br />Finalized
|established_date5 = <br /><br />] ]<br />] ]
|area_rank = 121{{st}}
|area_magnitude = 1 E10
|area_km2 = 69,700
|area_sq_mi = 26,912<!--Do not remove per ]-->
|percent_water =
|population_estimate = 4,661,473<sup>2</sup>
|population_estimate_rank = 117{{th}}
|population_estimate_year = 2005
|population_census =
|population_census_year =
|population_density_km2 = 64
|population_density_sq_mi = 166<!--Do not remove per ]-->
|population_density_rank = 129
|GDP_PPP = $19.65 billion
|GDP_PPP_rank = 118{{th}}
|GDP_PPP_year = 2007
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $4,200
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 112{{th}}
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.754
|HDI_rank = 96{{th}}
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
|currency = ] (ლ)
|currency_code = GEL
|country_code =
|time_zone = ]
|utc_offset = +4
|time_zone_DST = Not observed
|cctld = ]
|calling_code = 995
|tourist information = http://www.tourism.gov.ge
|footnote1 = Also ] within the ].
|footnote2 = From ].<ref name=cia>, from ]</ref> Population figure excludes those parts of ] and ] that are not controlled by the Government of Georgia.
}}
{{distinguish|Georgia (U.S. state)}}
'''Georgia'''<ref>''Georgia" shall be the name of the state of Georgia.'' Article 1, Constitution of Georgia. Retrieved from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Website </ref> ({{lang-ka|საქართველო}}, ] as ''Sakartvelo'') is a ]n country in the ] located at the east coast of the ]. It is bordered on the north by ], on the south by ] and ], and on the east by ]. It is a ], located at the juncture of ] and ] - in other words, located in the transitional, mountainous ] region of ].<ref>As a ], Georgia may be considered to be in ] and/or ]. The ] places Georgia in ]; the ] ] , , and '''' also place Georgia in Asia. Conversely, numerous sources place Georgia in Europe such as the ], ] , ''Oxford Reference Online'' , '''', and .</ref>

Georgia is a ], organized as a ], ], ] ]. Georgia was the second state to adopt ] as an official state religion after ] in the 4th century AD. (The traditional date is AD 337.)<ref>The Church Triumphant: A History of Christianity Up to 1300, E. Glenn Hinson, p 223</ref><ref>Georgian Reader, George Hewitt, p. xii</ref><ref>Ethiopia, the Unknown Land: A Cultural and Historical Guide, by Stuart Munro-Hay, p. 234</ref>

Georgia is currently a member of the ], the ], the ], the ] and the ], and seeks integration with the ] and ].

== Etymology ==
] slaying the ]. 15th century ] enamel on ]. (National Art Museum of Georgia)]]

] call themselves ''Kartvelebi'' (ქართველები), their land ''Sakartvelo'' (საქართველო), and their language ''Kartuli'' (ქართული). According to legend, the ancestor of the ] was ], the great grandson of the ] ]. ] (], ], ], ], etc.) and ] (], ], etc.) referred to early eastern Georgians as ] (''Iberoi'' in some Greek sources) and western Georgians as ].<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 ]. 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>, by ], professor, historian</ref><ref></ref>

The terms Georgia and Georgians appeared in Western Europe in numerous medieval annals including that of ] and later in the official documents and letters of the ] ].<ref>Hibbert, Christopher. ''The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall''.</ref> ] and English traveler, Sir ], 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 ]; 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></ref>

== History ==

{{main|History of Georgia (country)}}

The territory of modern-day Georgia has been ] since the early ]. The ] saw the rise of the early Georgian states of ] and ]. 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>

] from the ], 14th–15th centuries]]

] 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 "]". This Golden Age was interrupted at its peak by the ] in the 13th century AD. Throughout the next six centuries, Georgia experienced repeated invasions by ] and ], resulting in the disintegration of the state into several small kingdoms. Under this climate of insecurity, in 1783 Georgia signed the ] with the ], placing the eastern Georgian kingdom of ] 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 ] 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 ], this dream was fulfilled as the ] was established. The republic was short-lived, as in ] Georgia was ] by ] eventually being incorporated into the ] in 1922. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia declared its independence in 1991, soon to be embroiled in a ] and subsequent severe economic hardships.The bloodless ] of 2003 installed a new, pro-] reformist government that aspired to join ] and attempted to bring the secessionist territories (] and ] lost in the civil war and de facto independent ever since) back under Georgia's control. These efforts resulted in severe deterioration of ], 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 ] handed over to Georgia in 2007.<ref>. Civil Georgia, Tbilisi. 2007-11-13.</ref>

=== Georgia in antiquity ===

]


The two early Georgian kingdoms of late ], known to ] and ] as ] ({{lang-ka|იბერია}}) (in the east of the country) and ] ({{lang-ka|კოლხეთი}}) (in the west), were among the first nations in the region to adopt ] (in AD 337, or in AD 319 as recent research suggests.).

In ], Colchis was the location of the ] sought by ] and the ] in ] epic tale '']''. The incorporation of the ] 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 ], 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:
.
</ref>
After the ] 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>

Known to its natives as ] or ], Colchis was often the ] and buffer-zone between the rival powers of ] and ], with the control of the region shifting hands back and forth several times. The early kingdoms disintegrated into various feudal regions by the early ]. This made it easy for ] 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 ], including the northeastern parts and almost the entire northern coast of what is now ].

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/>

] and ]]]

===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. The revival of the Georgian Kingdom was short-lived however, and the Kingdom was eventually subjugated by the ] 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 ] and the ] subjugated the eastern and western regions of Georgia, respectively.

The rulers of regions which remained partly ] 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}}
], widely regarded as the "founding father" of modern Georgia, 1860]]
In 1783, Russia and the eastern Georgian kingdom of ] signed the ], according to which Kartli-Kakheti received protection by Russia. This, however, did not prevent ] from being ] in 1795.

On ], ], ] ], at the alleged request of the Georgian King ], signed the proclamation on the incorporation of Georgia (Kartli-Kakheti) within the ], which was finalized by a decree on ], ],<ref> Gvosdev (2000), p. 85 </ref><ref> Avalov (1906), p. 186 </ref> and confirmed by Tsar ] on ], ].<ref> Gvosdev (2000), p. 86 </ref><ref> Lang (1957), p. 249 </ref> The Georgian envoy in ] 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 ] 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 ] and forced them to take an oath on the ]. Those who disagreed were arrested temporarily.<ref> Lang (1957), p. 252 </ref>

In the summer of 1805, Russian troops on the Askerani River near ] defeated the Persian army and saved ] from conquest.
]
In 1810, after a brief war,<ref> Anchabadze (2005), p. 29 </ref> the western Georgian ] was annexed by Tsar ]. The last Imeretian king and the last Georgian ] ruler ] died in exile in 1815. From 1803 to 1878, as a result of numerous Russian wars against ] and ], several territories were annexed to Georgia. These areas (], ], ], and ]) now represent a large part of the territory of Georgia. The principality of ] was abolished in 1828, and that of ] (Mingrelia) in 1857. The region of ] was gradually annexed in 1857–59.

===Brief independence period and Soviet era===
]
After the ], Georgia declared independence on ], ] in the midst of the ]. The parliamentary election was won by the Georgian Social-Democratic Party, considered to be pro-]s, and its leader, ], became prime minister. In 1918 a ] erupted over parts of Georgian provinces populated mostly by Armenians which ended due to British intervention. In 1918–19 Georgian general ] led a Georgian attack against the White Army led by Moiseev and Denikin in order to claim the ] coastline from ] to ] and ] for independent Georgia. The country's independence did not last long, however. Georgia was under British protection from 1918-1920.

] leader of the anti-Bolshevik ] of 1924, venerated as ] of Georgia]]
In February 1921 Georgia ] by the ]. Georgian army was defeated and the Social-Democrat government fled the country. On ], ] the ] entered capital ] and installed a puppet communist government led by Georgian Bolshevik ].Nevertheless the Soviet rule was firmly established only after the ] was brutally suppressed. Georgia was incorporated into the ] uniting Georgia, ] and ]. The TFSSR was disaggregated into its component elements in 1936 and Georgia became the ].

The Georgian-born communist radical ], better known by his ] ''Stalin'' (from the ] word for steel: сталь) was prominent among the Russian ]s, who came to power in the Russian Empire after the ] in 1917. ] was to rise to the highest position of the ] state.

From 1941 to 1945, during ], almost 700,000 Georgians fought as ] soldiers against ]. (A number ] the German army). About 350,000 Georgians died in the battlefields of the ]. As during this period the ], ], ] and the ] peoples from the Northern ], were deported to ] for alleged collaboration with the ] and their respective autonomous republics were abolished, the ] 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 ] and ]. Dissidents were heavily persecuted by Soviet government and their activities were harshly suppressed.

===Post-Soviet independence===
{{Georgian statehood}}
On ], ], a peaceful demonstration in the Georgian capital Tbilisi ended in a ] 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 ] and ]. 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 ], ], shortly before the collapse of the USSR, Georgia declared independence. On ], ], ] was elected as a first President of independent Georgia. However, he was soon deposed in a bloody ], from ], ] to ], ]. The coup was instigated by part of the National Guards and a paramilitary organization called "]". The country became embroiled in a bitter ] 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, ] and ], quickly became embroiled in disputes with local separatists that led to widespread inter-ethnic violence and wars. Supported by ], Abkhazia and South Ossetia achieved de facto independence from Georgia. More than 250,000 Georgians were ] from ] by Abkhaz separatists and North Caucasians volunteers, (including Chechens) in 1992-1993. More than 25,000 Georgians were expelled from ] as well, and many Ossetian families were forced to abandon their homes in the ] region and move to Russia.

In 2003, Shevardnadze (who won reelection in 2000) was deposed by the ], after Georgian opposition and international monitors asserted that the ] parliamentary elections were marred by fraud.<ref></ref> The revolution was led by ], ] and ], 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 ] led to a major ] early in 2004. Success in Ajaria encouraged Saakashvili to intensify his efforts, but without success, in the breakaway ].

== Government and politics ==
]
Following a crisis involving allegations of ballot fraud in the 2003 parliamentary elections, ] resigned as president on ], 2003, in the bloodless ]. The interim president was the speaker of the outgoing parliament (whose replacement was annulled), ]. On ], ] ], leader of the ] won the country's presidential election and was inaugurated on ].
Fresh parliamentary elections were held on ] 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 ] 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 ]n leader ] affected the elections in this region. Despite recognizing progress the ] noted the tendency to misuse state administration resources in favor of the ruling party.

The tension between the Georgian government and that of Ajaria grew increasingly after the elections until late April. Climaxing on ] 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 ] blown up. On ], Abashidze was forced to flee Georgia as mass demonstrations in ] called for his resignation and ] increased their pressure by deploying Security Council secretary ].

On ], ], Prime Minister ] allegedly died of ] poisoning in an apparent gas leak at the home of ], deputy governor of ] region. Later, Zhvania's close friend and a long-time ally, Finance Minister ] was appointed for the post by President Saakashvili.

Since coming to power in 2003, 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 ] as part of the international coalition in the region, serving in ] and the ] of ]. In May 2005, the ] 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 ] wear the "combat patches" of the American unit they served under, the ].

The Georgian government claims to have restored "constitutional order" in the Upper ] - The sole Georgia-controlled part of breakaway region Abkhazia.<ref>, Zaal Anjaparidze</ref>

Georgia has in the past few years significantly reduced corruption. ] ranked Georgia at 79th in the world in its 2007 ], giving it a ] (with number 10 being considered the best possible score).<ref>. ]. Accessed on ], ]</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 ], ], during a period of ], President Saakashvili declared Tbilisi to be in a ]. There had been massive demonstrations and protests by the civil ]. The opposition has been demanding the resignation of President Saakashvili. The Georgian police used ], ], water cannons and high tech ]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 has rejected all demands that he resign his position, but has announced early presidential elections in January 2008, effectively cutting his term in office by a year.

On ], ], ] ] announced his resignation due to poor health conditions. Noghaideli underwent heart operation in April 2007 at ] in ], ] which was led by the leading ] ] Dr. Charles Frazier.

] ] invited ], ] holder from ], ] and former ], to succeed Noghaideli on the position of the PM on the same day. ] was formally approved on the position and granted the ] of the ] on ] ]. Gurgenidze implemented only two changes in the ] so far, replacing ], 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 ] ] by a ] of the ].

] resigned from the position of the ] on ] ] as the ] requires the president stands down at least 45 days before the next ] in order to be eligible for retaking part him/herself. According to Ivane Noniashvili, Head of ] President Saakashvili will re-run in ].. Current ] ] ] took over the position until ] ] when a new President of Georgia will be announced.
] public bus promoting Georgia's NATO accession.The banner reads:"Next Station - NATO"]]
The registration for presidential elections was officially closed on ]. 22 people, including the most recent president ], approved candidate of the united opposition ], influential businessman ], Leader of the New Right Party ], the Leader of the ] ], the Leader of ] ] and Giorgi Maisashvili put forward themselves for forthcoming elections.

On ] it was announced that a ] and ] will also be held on the election day together with presidential elections.

== Foreign relations ==
{{Main|Georgia and the European Union|Georgian-Ukrainian relations|Georgian-Russian relations}}
].]]

Georgia maintains good relations with its direct neighbours ], ] and ] and participates actively in regional organizations, such as the Black Sea Economic Council and the ].<ref></ref> Georgia also maintains close political, economic and military relations with ].

The growing US and European Union influence in Georgia, notably through the Train and Equip military assistance programme and the construction of the ], 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 ]. On ], ], the ] of NATO approved the ] (IPAP) of Georgia and Georgia moved on to the second stage of Euro-Atlantic Integration. In 2005, by the decision of the ], 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 ], ], the agreement on the appointment of ] (PfP) liaison officer between Georgia and the ] came into force, whereby a liaison officer for the South Caucasus was assigned to Georgia. On ], ], 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 ]. On ], ], the discussion of the assessment report on implementation of the Individual Partnership Action Plan was held at NATO Headquarters, within 26+1 format.<ref></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.

] became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country.<ref></ref> The street leading to ] has since been dubbed George W. Bush Avenue.<ref>, ''The New York Times''</ref>

From the European commission website: President ] views membership of the ] and ] 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 ] and European Union, at the same time underlining his ambitions to advance co-operation with Russia.<ref></ref>

On ], ], Georgian and the European Union signed a joint statement on the agreed text of the Georgia-European Union Action Plan within the ] (ENP). The Action Plan was formally approved at the EU-Georgia Cooperation Council session on ], ] in ].<ref>, ''Civil Georgia'', ], ].</ref>

On ], ], Georgia officially became the most recent regional member of the ]. 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 ] republics (''avtonomiuri respublika''), and one city (''k'alak'i''). The ] are further subdivided into 69 districts (''raioni'').

*The nine regions are ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].

::Currently, the status of ], a former autonomous administrative district, also known as the ] region, is being negotiated with the Russian-supported separatist government.

*The two autonomous republics are ] and ]. Upper ] is the only part of Abkhazia that remains under effective Georgian control.

*The largest city is ].

The ]s of Georgia are: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].

The main cities of Georgia are:

*] 1,066,100 (metro area 1,270,800)
*] 183,300
*] 116,900

Other major cities include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].

== Geography and climate ==
{{main|Geography of Georgia (country)}} {{main|Glaciers of Georgia}}
]
]
In the north, Georgia has a 723 km common border with ], specifically with the ] federal district. The following Russian republics/subdivisions — from west to east — border Georgia: ], ], ], ], ], ], ]. Georgia also shares borders with ] (322 km) to the south-east, ] (164 km.) to the south, and ] (252 km.) to the south-west.

Mountains are the dominant geographic feature of Georgia. The ] divides the country into eastern and western halves. Historically, the western portion of Georgia was known as ] while the eastern plateau was called ]. Due to a complex geographic setting, mountains also isolate the northern region of ] from the rest of Georgia.

The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range separates Georgia from the ] Republics of ]. The southern portion of the country is bounded by the ]. The ] is much higher in elevation than the ], with the highest peaks rising more than 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) above sea level.

] in the ]]]

The highest mountain in Georgia is Mount ] at 5,201 meters (17,059 ft), and the second highest is Mount ] (]) at 5,051 meters (16,572 ft) above sea level. Other prominent peaks include ] (]) at 5,047 meters (16,554 ft), Tetnuldi (4,974 m./16,319ft.), Shota Rustaveli (4,960 m./16,273ft.), Mt. ] (4,710 m./15,453ft.), and Ailama (4,525 m./14,842ft.). Out of the abovementioned peaks, only ] is of ] origin. The region between ] and ] (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, ] 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 ], 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 ] origin) and plateaus that do not exceed 3,400 meters (approximately 11,000 ft) in elevation. Prominent features of the area include the ], 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 ] (aka Krubera-Voronia Cave) is the deepest known ] in the world. It is located in the ] of the ], in ], Georgia, ]. 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 ] team crossed the –2000 m mark for the first time in the history of ]. 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 ] and the ].

===Landscape===
]
The landscape within the nation's boundaries is quite varied. Western Georgia's landscape ranges from low-land marsh-forests, cow swamps, and ] 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 ]/] 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 ] 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 ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Evergreen species such as ] may also be found in many areas. Ca. 1000 of all 4000 higher plants of Georgia are endemic in this country<ref></ref>. The west-central slopes of the ] in ] as well as several locations in ] and ] are covered by ]. 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, ], and ] 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 ] zone lies above the 3,000 meter line.

] in ]]]
Eastern Georgia's landscape (referring to the territory east of the ] Range) is considerably different from that of the west. Although, much like the ] plain in the west, nearly all of the low-lying areas of eastern Georgia including the ] and ] 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 ] and south-eastern ]) 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 ] and in the extreme western areas. Out of the deciduous species of trees, ], ], and ] dominate. Other deciduous species include several varieties of ], ], ash, and ]. The Upper ] River Valley contains ] forests. At higher elevations above 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) above sea level (particularly in the ], ], and ] regions), ] and ] 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 ] Valley of ]. The eternal snow and ] 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 ] (330 ], 160 ], 48 ], 11 ]). A number of large ] live in the forests, e. g. ], ], ], and ]. The species number of ] is considered to be very high but data is distributed across a high number of publications. The ] checklist of Georgia, for example, includes 501 species<ref></ref>.

=== Climate ===
]
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). ] is the wettest region of the ], where the Mt. Mtirala ], east of ] 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 (] and ]) 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}}
], founder of ]]]

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 ] and later on the historical ]. ], ], ] and ] have been mined in the ]. ] is a very old tradition.

Throughout Georgia's modern history ] and ] 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 ] model of ].

Since the fall of the ] in 1991, Georgia embarked on a major structural reform designed to transition to a ] economy. However, as all other ], Georgia faced a severe economic collapse. The civil war and military conflicts in ] and ] aggravated the crisis. The agriculture and industry output diminished. By 1994 the ] had shrunk to a quarter of that of 1989.<ref>The ] country factsheet - .</ref>

The first financial help from the West came in 1995, when the ] and ] granted Georgia a credit of ] 206 million and ] granted ] 50 million.

As of 2001 54% of the population lived below the national ] 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 - .</ref>

]
Since early 2000s visible positive developments have been observed in the economy of Georgia. In 2006 Georgia's ] growth rate reached 8.8%, making Georgia one of the fastest ] in Eastern Europe.<ref name=cia/> The ] 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 ].<ref>.</ref>However, the country has high ] of 12.6% and has fairly low ] compared to ]an countries.

IMF 2006 estimates place Georgia's ] at US$7.76 billion. Georgia's economy is becoming more devoted to ] (now representing 54.8% of GDP), moving away from ] ( 17.7%).<ref name=cia/>

The country has sizable ] resources.

] of ] 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>. June 1, 2007.</ref> In addition, Russia increased the price of gas for Georgia. This was followed by the spike in the ]'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>. 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>, 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 - </ref>

Georgia is becoming more ] 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 ], ] products, ] and parts, and transport equipment.

In 2004, a 12% ] was introduced in Georgia.<ref>The Financial Times - </ref> Tax collection increased significantly, thereby reducing the government's formerly large ]s.{{Fact|date=July 2007}}

Georgia is developing into an international transport corridor through ] and ] ports, an oil pipeline from ] through ] to ], the ] (BTC) and a parallel gas pipeline, the ].

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/</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{main|Demographics of Georgia}}
]

Ethnic ] 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 ]'s control – ] and ] – 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). (607kb, ''Microsoft Word Document'').</ref> Other major ethnic groups include ], who form 6.5% of the population, ] - 5.7%, ] - 1.5%, ], and ]. Numerous smaller groups also live in the country, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Notably, ] is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world.

Georgia also exhibits significant linguistic diversity. Within the ], Georgians speak ] (also known as Kartuli), ], ], and ]. Additionally, non-Georgian ethnic groups within the country often speak their native languages in addition to ]. The official languages of Georgia are ] and also ] within the autonomous region of ]. 71% of the population speaks ] (this includes ], ], and ]), 9% - Russian, 7% - Armenian, 6% - Azeri and 7% other.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} Georgia's ] is 100%.

In the early 1990s, following the dissolution of the ], violent ] conflicts broke out in the autonomous regions of ] and ], which resulted in ] of Georgians from Abkhazia, where ethnic Georgians previously had constituted the largest single ethnic group (46% of population in 1989). Many ] living in Georgia also left the country, mainly to Russia's North Ossetia.<ref> Human Rights Watch/Helsinki, , May 1996.</ref> Of the ]s who were ] 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 ] and ].

Today most of the population practices ] of the ] (81.9%). The religious ] are: ] (9.9%); ] (3.9%); ] (2.0%); Roman ] (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)}}
], one of the oldest Eastern Orthodox churches in ].<ref>The Early Church, Henry Chadwick, p. 34 </ref>]]

According to the ], religious institutions are separate from government and every citizen has the right of religion. However, most of the population of Georgia (82%) practices ] and ] is an influential institution in the country.

The Gospel was preached in Georgia by the Apostles, ], ], and ]. ] was officially converted to Christinaity in ] <ref>Riassophore, Adrian monk. "A brief history of Orthodox Christian Georgia." Orthodox Word, 2006: p. 11.</ref> by ] of ], 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 ], gained an ] status in the 4th century during the reign of King ]<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 ] Communities and various Protestant sects. <ref></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></ref> ).

== Culture ==
{{main|Culture of Georgia}}

] Alphabet in David Gareja Monastery]]

Georgian culture evolved over thousands of years with its foundations in ] and ] 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 ]. Georgian culture enjoyed a golden age and renaissance of ], ], ], ] and ] in the 11th century.<ref> Studies in medieval Georgian historiography: early texts and European contexts, Rapp, Stephen </ref> The ], and the Classical Georgian literature of the poet ], were revived in the 19th century after a long period of turmoil, laying the foundations of the ] and ] of the modern era such as ], ], ], ], ], and many others.<ref> Lang David, Georgians </ref> Georgian culture was influenced by ], the ] and the ], and later by the ] which contributed to the European elements of Georgian culture.
] on Eurovision 2007]]
Georgia is well known for its rich ], unique traditional music, ], ], 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 ], ], ]; ] choreographers such as ], ], and ]; poets such as ], ], and ]; and theatre and film directors such as ], ], ] and ].<ref> Lang David, Georgians </ref>

===Architecture===
] in ], an example of Georgian cross-dome style]]

Georgian architecture has been influenced by many civilizations. There are several different architectural styles for ], ], ] and churches. The ] fortifications, and the castle town of ] in ], 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 ] style with original ] 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 ], and this is expressed through the allocation of interior space in Georgian churches. Other examples of Georgian ecclesiastic architecture can be found outside Georgia: ] in Bulgaria (built in 1083 by the Georgian military commander Grigorii Bakuriani), ] in Greece (built by Georgians in the 10th century), and the ] in Jerusalem (built by Georgians in the 9th century).

] in ], an example of ] style with elements of barocco in Georgia. Architect Vakhtang Gogoladze.]]

Other architectural aspects of Georgia include ] avenue in ] in the Hausmann style, and the Old Town District.

===Art===
]
painting of Old Town district of ] by ]]]
The art of Georgia spans the ], the ancient ], ], ], ], ] and modern ]. One of the most famous late nineteenth/early twentieth century Georgian artists is the ] painter ]. Pirosmani's works can also been seen as early impressionistic, due to the fact that his work inspired ] and ], who represent the more mainstream impressionism of the twentieth century.

===Cuisine===
{{main|Georgian cuisine}}
]
] and ] 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 ]. 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, ] (meat dumplings), from eastern mountainous Georgia, and ], mainly from ], ] and ].

In addition to traditional Georgian dishes, the foods of other countries have been brought to Georgia by immigrants from ], ], and recently ].

===Sport===
{{main|Sport in Georgia (country)}}
] art depicting wrestling]]
Among the most popular sports in Georgia are ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Historically, Georgia has been famous for its physical education; it is known that the ] were fascinated with Georgians' physical qualities after seeing the training techniques of ancient ].<ref>Romans erected the statue of the Iberian King Pharsman after he demonstrated Georgian training methods during his visit to Rome; ], ''Roman History'', LXIX, 15.3</ref> Wrestling remains a historically important sport of Georgia, and some historians think that the ] 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 ] region of Georgia has three different styles of wrestling. Other popular sports in 19th century Georgia were ], and ], 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;">
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] (nicknamed ''Lelos'')
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] of Bacteriophage, Microbiology and Virology (IBMV)
* ]

===Education===
Universities in Tbilisi include:
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

===Lists===
* ]
* ]
* ]
</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:Central part of Tbilisi.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|] Kakheti
Image:Village Soli.jpg|Soli, Svaneti
</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}}
*
*
*
* {{wikiatlas|Georgia}}
* {{wikitravel}}
* {{wikia|world:Georgia|Georgia}}
* {{CIA World Factbook link|gg|Georgia}}
* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/Georgia}}
* (In English, German, Russian and Georgian)
*
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{{Template group
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{{Administrative divisions of Georgia}}
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{{Template group
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{{Georgia ties}}
{{Commonwealth of Independent States}}
{{Council of Europe}}
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{{Black Sea Naval Co-operation Task Group (BLACKSEAFOR)}}
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Revision as of 20:59, 23 April 2008