• Geography

GEOGRAPHICAL INFO

 

Georgia has long been a flash point for cultural and geographical collision. Its culture is ancient and built around a vast variety of influences; its people are a mix of traditional and very modern; and the food is legendary.

 

Capital: T'bilisi

Languages: Georgian/Russian

Currency: Lari

 

Geography

The winter can be grim everywhere, mainly due to power shortages, although thanks to the buffer of the Caucasus Mountains that protects the country from the freezing northern winds, Georgia rarely freezes. If you like to see locals celebrate, then check out Independence Day in late May, or Tbilisi Festival day in late October. Georgia, along with the other Caucasian states of Azerbaijan and Armenia, is a relatively young entity. It first came together when a number of small principalities united from the 10th to the 13th centuries. Over time, this unification disintegrated, only to commence reformation in the late 18th century.

 

Climate

Georgia has something for everyone with different conditions spread over the altitudes and latitudes of this region. While coastal Georgia has a near tropical climate in summer, making it an attractive region, inland and down south things are much drier, with daily July highs averaging a fiery 31°C (87°F). Up north and at higher altitudes, things are much cooler. Winter consumes the entire country with freezing temperatures, even in the previously warm south and there is a surprising amount of rain year-round.