Georgia (country) | Map, People, Language, Religion, Culture, & History

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class="col-auto"> <div class="topic-left-rail md-article-drawer position-relative d-flex border-right-sm border-left-sm open"> <div class="drawer d-flex flex-column open"> <div class="left-rail-section-content"> <div class="topic-left-rail-header text-truncate bg-gray-50 position-relative text-right d-flex align-items-center"> <div class="tlr-title px-20 py-15 text-left"> <em class="material-icons text-gray-400 d-lg-none" data-icon="toc"></em> <a class="font-serif font-weight-bold text-black link-blue" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Georgia">Georgia</a> </div> <button aria-label="Close" class="js-sections-close-button btn-link btn-sm btn d-lg-none position-absolute top-0 p-10 right-0" > <em class="material-icons font-26" data-icon="close"></em> </button> </div> <div class="section-content pl-10 pr-20 pl-sm-50 pr-sm-60 pl-lg-5 pr-lg-10 pt-10 pt-lg-0 bg-gray-50 clear-catfish-ad"> <div class="toc mb-20"> <div class="font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mx-15 mb-15 mt-20"> Table of Contents </div> <ul class="list-unstyled my-0" data-level="h1"><li data-target="#ref1"><div class="pl-25"><a class="link-gray-900 w-100" href="/place/Georgia">Introduction & Quick Facts</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"></div></li><li data-target="#ref44302"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia#ref44302">Land</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44303"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia#ref44303">Relief, drainage, and soils</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44304"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia#ref44304">Climate</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44305"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia#ref44305">Plant and animal life</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref44307"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/People">People</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref340279"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/People#ref340279">Ethnic groups</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref340280"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/People#ref340280">Language</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref340281"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/People#ref340281">Religion</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref340282"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/People#ref340282">Settlement patterns</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref340283"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/People#ref340283">Demographic trends</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref44308"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/People#ref44308">Economy</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44309"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/People#ref44309">Resources</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44310"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/People#ref44310">Agriculture</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44311"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Industry">Industry</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref340278"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Industry#ref340278">Trade</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44312"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Industry#ref44312">Transportation</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref44313"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Industry#ref44313">Government and society</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44314"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Industry#ref44314">Constitutional framework</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref346159"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Industry#ref346159">Political process</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44315"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Industry#ref44315">Security</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44316"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Industry#ref44316">Education</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44317"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Industry#ref44317">Health and welfare</a></li></ul></div></li><li data-target="#ref44318"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><div class="ml-25"></div><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Cultural-life">Cultural life</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"></div></li><li data-target="#ref214120"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><button class="h1-link-drawer-button btn btn-xs btn-circle d-flex rounded" type="button" aria-label="Toggle Heading"><em class="material-icons font-18" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></em></button><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Cultural-life#ref214120">History</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44320"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Cultural-life#ref44320">Origins of the Georgian nation</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44321"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Cultural-life#ref44321">Medieval Georgia</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44322"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Turkish-and-Persian-domination">Turkish and Persian domination</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref44323"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Turkish-and-Persian-domination#ref44323">National revival</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref272349"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Turkish-and-Persian-domination#ref272349">Incorporation into the U.S.S.R.</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h2"><li data-target="#ref272350"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Independent-Georgia">Independent Georgia</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref343663"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Independent-Georgia#ref343663">Rose Revolution</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref343664"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Independent-Georgia#ref343664">Conflict in South Ossetia</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h3"><li data-target="#ref343665" class="has-children"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Independent-Georgia#ref343665">Georgian Dream government</a><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h4"><li data-target="#ref400743"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Independent-Georgia#ref400743">Rise of Georgian Dream (GD)</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h4"><li data-target="#ref400744"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Independent-Georgia#ref400744">GD-backed presidency of Salome Zurabishvili</a></li></ul><ul class="list-unstyled" data-level="h4"><li data-target="#ref400745"><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/place/Georgia/Independent-Georgia#ref400745">GD, Zurabishvili, and the fight over accession to the European Union</a></li></ul></li></ul></li></ul></div></li></ul> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Georgia/additional-info">References & Edit History</a> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="/facts/Georgia">Facts & Stats</a> </div> <div class="tlr-media-slider pb-10 mb-30"> <a class="section-header link-gray-900 font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mb-10 mx-10" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Georgia/images-videos">Images, Videos & Interactives</a> <div class="slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100 "> <div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex overflow-hidden text-nowrap ml-15"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/17/4717-050-0B745462/Flag-Republic-of-Georgia.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/61875" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/17/4717-004-6F48198E/Flag-Republic-of-Georgia.jpg" alt="Georgia" height="50" /> </a> <a href="" data-href="/media/1/230186/151410" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <em class="material-icons md-48" data-icon="volume_up"></em> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/22/4722-050-59D98A21/Republic-of-Georgia-boundaries-map-locator-cities.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/61878" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/22/4722-004-71788862/Republic-of-Georgia-boundaries-map-locator-cities.jpg" alt="Georgia" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/4721-050-66ADEB61/promenade-coast-Rustaveli-Prospekt-Black-Sea-Georgia.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/3768" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/4721-004-A74686C9/promenade-coast-Rustaveli-Prospekt-Black-Sea-Georgia.jpg" alt="Sokhumi, Georgia: Rustaveli Prospekt" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/137616-050-B3055D7D/town-background-Ushguli-Mount-Shkhara-Geo-Svaneti.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/140388" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/137616-004-98E6D53F/town-background-Ushguli-Mount-Shkhara-Geo-Svaneti.jpg" alt="Ushguli" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/47/183647-050-8CB3191B/World-Data-Locator-Map-Georgia.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/208618" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/47/183647-004-90D86A20/World-Data-Locator-Map-Georgia.jpg" alt="Georgia" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/4723-050-4F01AE9E/features-Georgia.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/61879" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/4723-004-AF572527/features-Georgia.jpg" alt="Physical features of Georgia" height="50" /> </a> <a 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Sewell Jr. Distinguished University Professor of History, University of Michigan. Author of <em>“They Can Live in the Desert but Nowhere Else”: A History of the Armenian Genocide</em>, <em>The...</em></div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> Ronald Grigor Suny</span><span class="text-gray-700 mx-5">•</span><a class="see-all border-gray-700 gtm-byline" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Georgia/additional-info#contributors">All</a> </div> <div class="font-serif font-12 text-gray-700"> <span class="qa-fact-checked-by">Fact-checked by</span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 qa-editor-popup font-12" href="/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 text-black">Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link font-12 "> The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</span></div> <div class="last-updated font-12 font-serif"> <span class="text-gray-700"> Last Updated: <time datetime="2025-02-25T00:00:00CST" >Feb 25, 2025</time> •</span> <a class="byline-edit-history" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Georgia/additional-info#history" rel="nofollow">Article History</a> </div></div> </div> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button d-none d-sm-block js-sections-inline-button module-spacing btn d-lg-none"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <div class="d-flex d-sm-none flex-row"> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button js-sections-inline-button module-spacing"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <button class="ai-ask-button btn btn-sm border-2 btn-outline-red-400 border-red-400 module-spacing js-inline-ai-ask-button p-10 ml-5"> Ask the Chatbot </button> </div> <div class="bg-gray-50 p-15 rounded module-spacing recent-news d-flex flex-column float-false"> <div> <h2 class="font-weight-bold font-14 m-0 d-inline"> News <span class="text-gray-600">•</span> </h2> <div class="recent-news-item first-recent-news-item d-inline"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-843474" rel="nofollow">Arkia flight en route to Batumi returns to Israel due to bad weather</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Feb. 24, 2025, 9:07 AM ET (Jerusalem Post) <button class="btn btn-link d-inline p-0 font-12 js-toggle-recent-news"> <span class="text-gray-500">...</span><span>(Show more)</span> </button> </span> </div> </div> <div class="rest-of-recent-news-items"> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/15/europe/georgia-protests-authoritarianism-fears-intl-cmd/index.html" rel="nofollow">As Georgia slides into authoritarianism, protesters vow to keep fighting Russian pivot</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Feb. 15, 2025, 6:24 AM ET (CNN) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/georgia-romania-qualify-2027-rugby-world-cup-118609584" rel="nofollow">Georgia and Romania qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Feb. 8, 2025, 10:16 AM ET (ABC News (U.S.)) </span> </div> <div class="recent-news-item mt-5"> <a class="font-14 gtm-ap-news-link" href="/news/230186/9441742b7c3ec1001d097a3f7809d583" rel="nofollow">A Russia-like crackdown has jailed dozens in Georgia, with human rights groups sounding the alarm</a> <span class="font-14 text-gray-600"> <span>•</span> Feb. 4, 2025, 12:11 AM ET (AP) </span> </div> <button class="js-toggle-recent-news d-flex btn btn-unstyled font-14 pr-10 rounded-sm mt-10" aria-label="Toggle additional news items"> Show less <em class="material-icons" data-icon="expand_less"></em> </button> </div> </div><span class="marker before-article"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref1"><span class="marker PREMOD1 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies multiple medialist slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100" data-type="other"><div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex"><div class="rw-track d-flex align-items-center"><div class="position-relative rw-slide col-100 px-20 "><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="3768" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/4721-050-66ADEB61/promenade-coast-Rustaveli-Prospekt-Black-Sea-Georgia.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/230186/3768"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/4721-050-66ADEB61/promenade-coast-Rustaveli-Prospekt-Black-Sea-Georgia.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/4721-050-66ADEB61/promenade-coast-Rustaveli-Prospekt-Black-Sea-Georgia.jpg?w=300" alt="Sokhumi, Georgia: Rustaveli Prospekt" data-width="1447" data-height="967" loading="eager"></picture><div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg">1 of 2</div><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/21/4721-050-66ADEB61/promenade-coast-Rustaveli-Prospekt-Black-Sea-Georgia.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/3768">Sokhumi, Georgia: Rustaveli Prospekt</a><span>The Rustaveli Prospekt promenade along the subtropical Black Sea coast, Sokhumi, Georgia.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="position-relative rw-slide col-100 px-20 "><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="140388" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/137616-050-B3055D7D/town-background-Ushguli-Mount-Shkhara-Geo-Svaneti.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/230186/140388"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/137616-050-B3055D7D/town-background-Ushguli-Mount-Shkhara-Geo-Svaneti.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/137616-050-B3055D7D/town-background-Ushguli-Mount-Shkhara-Geo-Svaneti.jpg?w=300" alt="Ushguli" data-width="1532" data-height="1151" loading="eager"></picture><div class="position-absolute top-10 left-10 assembly-slide-tag rounded-lg">2 of 2</div><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/16/137616-050-B3055D7D/town-background-Ushguli-Mount-Shkhara-Geo-Svaneti.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/140388">Ushguli</a><span>The town of Ushguli with Mount Shkhara in the background, Svaneti, Georgia.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div><button disabled="true" class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span></button><button disabled="true" class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue-dark m-20"><span class="material-icons" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span></button></div><p class="topic-paragraph"><strong><span id="ref481455"></span>Georgia</strong>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/nation-state" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">country</a> of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Transcaucasia" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Transcaucasia</a> located at the eastern end of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Black-Sea" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Black Sea</a> on the southern flanks of the main crest of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. It is bounded on the north and northeast by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Russia</a>, on the east and southeast by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Azerbaijan" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Azerbaijan</a>, on the south by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Armenia" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Armenia</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Turkey" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Turkey</a>, and on the west by the Black Sea. Georgia includes three ethnic enclaves: <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Abkhazia" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Abkhazia</a>, in the northwest (principal city Sokhumi); <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Ajaria" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Ajaria</a>, in the southwest (principal city Batʿumi); and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Ossetia" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">South Ossetia</a>, in the north (principal city Tskhinvali). The capital of Georgia is <span id="ref481456"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Tbilisi" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Tbilisi</a> (Tiflis).</p><span class="marker MOD1 mod-inline"></span><span class="marker PREMOD2 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="208618" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/47/183647-050-8CB3191B/World-Data-Locator-Map-Georgia.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/230186/208618"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/47/183647-050-8CB3191B/World-Data-Locator-Map-Georgia.jpg"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/47/183647-050-8CB3191B/World-Data-Locator-Map-Georgia.jpg?w=300" alt="Georgia" data-width="1600" data-height="1532" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/47/183647-050-8CB3191B/World-Data-Locator-Map-Georgia.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/208618">Georgia</a><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">The roots of the <span id="ref481457"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Georgian-people" class="md-crosslink ">Georgian</a> people extend deep in history; their cultural heritage is equally ancient and rich. During the <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="medieval" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medieval" data-type="MW">medieval</a> period a powerful Georgian kingdom existed, reaching its height between the 10th and 13th centuries. After a long period of Turkish and Persian domination, Georgia was annexed by the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Russian-Empire" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Russian Empire</a> in the 19th century. An independent Georgian state existed from 1918 to 1921, when it was incorporated into the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Soviet-Union" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Soviet Union</a>. In 1936 Georgia became a <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="constituent" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constituent" data-type="MW">constituent</a> (union) <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/republic-government" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">republic</a> and continued as such until the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/the-collapse-of-the-Soviet-Union" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">collapse of the Soviet Union</a>. During the Soviet period the Georgian economy was modernized and diversified. One of the most independence-minded republics, Georgia declared <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="sovereignty" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sovereignty" data-type="MW">sovereignty</a> on November 19, 1989, and independence on April 9, 1991.</p><div class="js-qf-module qf-module px-40 px-sm-20 py-15 mx-auto module-spacing font-14 bg-gray-50 rounded"> <div class="qf-title font-weight-bold font-14 mb-10 text-center"> Quick Facts</div> <div class="m-n10 "> <div class="slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100 media-slider card-snap-slider col-100"> <div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex col-100"> <div class="rw-track w-100"> <div class="pt-10 d-inline-flex col-100"> <div class="w-100"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/17/4717-050-0B745462/Flag-Republic-of-Georgia.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/61875" class="media-overlay-link card-media d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center px-20" > <div class="position-relative"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/17/4717-050-0B745462/Flag-Republic-of-Georgia.jpg" alt="Georgia" class="cropped-false w-100 " /> <em class="material-icons qf-zoom" data-icon="zoom_in"></em> </div> </a> <div class="card-body text-center pt-5 pb-10 font-14"> <span>See article: <a href="/topic/flag-of-Georgia-national-flag">flag of Georgia</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <button disabled class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue btn-blue-dark" aria-label="Previous"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span> </button> <button disabled class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-lg btn-blue btn-blue-dark" aria-label="Next"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span> </button> </div> </div> <audio src="https://cdn.britannica.com/99/145699-005-EED38441/instrumental-national-anthem-Georgia.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" controls=""></audio> <div class="text-center font-12 mt-5"> <span>Audio File:</span> National anthem of Georgia</div> <div class="facts-list mt-10"> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Head Of Government: </dt> <dd>Prime Minister: Irakli Kobakhidze</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Capital: </dt> <dd><a href="/place/Tbilisi">Tbilisi</a><sup>1</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population: </dt> <dd>(2025 est.) 3,633,000<sup>3</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Head Of State : </dt> <dd>President: Salome Zurabishvili</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Form Of Government: </dt> <dd>unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (Parliament [150])</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Official Language: </dt> <dd>Georgian</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Official Religion: </dt> <dd>none<sup>2</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Official Name: </dt> <dd>Sakartvelo (Georgia)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Total Area (Sq Km): </dt> <dd>69,700<sup>4</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Total Area (Sq Mi): </dt> <dd>26,911<sup>4</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Monetary Unit: </dt> <dd>Georgian lari (GEL)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population Rank: </dt> <dd>(2023) 131</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Population Projection 2030: </dt> <dd>3,570,000<sup>3</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Density: Persons Per Sq Mi: </dt> <dd>(2025) 135<sup>3</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Density: Persons Per Sq Km: </dt> <dd>(2025) 52.1<sup>3</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Urban-Rural Population: </dt> <dd>Urban: (2023) 60.4%</dd> <dd>Rural: (2023) 39.6%</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Life Expectancy At Birth: </dt> <dd>Male: (2022) 69.4 years</dd> <dd>Female: (2022) 78.1 years</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Literacy: Percentage Of Population Age 15 And Over Literate: </dt> <dd>Male: (2019) 100%</dd> <dd>Female: (2019) 99%</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Gni (U.S.$ ’000,000): </dt> <dd>(2023) 25,120<sup>3</sup></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Gni Per Capita (U.S.$): </dt> <dd>(2023) 6,680</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class="facts-item-none d-none"> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Georgian: </dt> <dd>Sakartvelo</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> <div class="footnotes mb-15"> <ol> <li>Officially T’bilisi.</li> <li>Special recognition is given to the Georgian Orthodox Church.</li> <li>Excludes Abkhazia and South Ossetia.</li> <li>Area of Georgia excluding Abkhazia and South Ossetia is 22,244 sq miles (57,612 sq km).</li> </ol> </div> <div class="text-center"> <a class="btn btn-sm btn-link p-0" href="/facts/Georgia"> See all related content </a> </div> </div> </div> <button class="facts-list-show-more-btn mt-15 p-0 mx-auto btn font-14 d-block font-weight-normal"> <span class="material-icons" data-icon="expand_more"></span> <span class="show-more-label">Show More</span> </button> </div><span class="marker MOD2 mod-inline"></span><span class="marker PREMOD3 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The 1990s were a period of instability and civil unrest in Georgia, as the first postindependence government was overthrown and separatist movements emerged in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.</p><span class="marker MOD3 mod-inline"></span></section> <span class="marker h2"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref44302"> <h2 class="h1"><span id="ref481458"></span>Land</h2> <section data-level="2" id="ref44303"> <h2 class="h2">Relief, drainage, and soils</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD4 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="61879" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/4723-050-4F01AE9E/features-Georgia.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/230186/61879"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/4723-050-4F01AE9E/features-Georgia.jpg"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/4723-050-4F01AE9E/features-Georgia.jpg?w=300" alt="Physical features of Georgia" data-width="1600" data-height="1326" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/23/4723-050-4F01AE9E/features-Georgia.jpg" data-href="/media/1/230186/61879">Physical features of Georgia</a><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">With the notable exception of the fertile plain of the Kolkhida Lowland—ancient <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Colchis" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Colchis</a>, where the legendary Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece—the Georgian terrain is largely mountainous, and more than a third is covered by forest or brushwood. There is a remarkable variety of landscape, ranging from the subtropical Black Sea shores to the ice and snow of the <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="crest" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/crest" data-type="EB">crest</a> line of the Caucasus. Such contrasts are made more noteworthy by the country’s relatively small area.</p><span class="marker MOD4 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD5 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The rugged Georgia terrain may be divided into three bands, all running from east to west.</p><a class="link-module shadow-sm d-block qa-quiz-module" href="/quiz/which-country-is-larger-by-population-quiz" data-link-module-iframe-link=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/91/142291-131-1FF39F2D/Flags-world-blue-sky-Countries-Globalization-relations-2010.jpg" alt="Flags of the world against blue sky. Countries, International. Globalization, global relations, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Poland, Palestine, Japan. Homepage 2010, arts and entertainment, history and society" class="rounded-sm mr-15" width="70" /> <div class="line-clamp clamp-5"> <div class="module-title bg-green">Britannica Quiz</div> <div class="font-weight-semi-bold mt-5">Which Country Is Larger By Population? Quiz</div> </div> </a><span class="marker MOD5 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD6 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">To the north lies the wall of the <span id="ref481459"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Greater-Caucasus" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Greater Caucasus</a> range, consisting of a series of parallel and transverse mountain belts rising eastward and often separated by deep, wild gorges. Spectacular crest-line peaks include those of Mount <span id="ref481460"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Shkhara" class="md-crosslink ">Shkhara</a>, which at 16,627 feet (5,068 metres) is the highest point in Georgia, and Mounts <span id="ref481461"></span>Rustaveli, <span id="ref481462"></span>Tetnuld, and <span id="ref481463"></span>Ushba, all of which are above 15,000 feet. The cone of the extinct <span id="ref481464"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Mount-Kazbek" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Mkinvari</a> (Kazbek) volcano dominates the northernmost Bokovoy range from a height of 16,512 feet. A number of important <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="spurs" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/spurs" data-type="EB">spurs</a> extend in a southward direction from the central range, including those of the Lomis and Kartli (Kartalinian) ranges at right angles to the general Caucasian trend. From the ice-clad flanks of these desolately beautiful high regions flow many streams and rivers.</p><span class="marker MOD6 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD7 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus merge into a second band, consisting of central lowlands formed on a great structural depression. The <span id="ref481465"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Kolkhida-coastal-plain-Georgia" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Kolkhida</a> Lowland, near the shores of the Black Sea, is covered by a thick layer of river-borne deposits accumulated over thousands of years. Rushing down from the Greater Caucasus, the major rivers of western Georgia, the Inguri, Rioni, and Kodori, flow over a broad area to the sea. The Kolkhida Lowland was formerly an almost continually <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="stagnant" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/stagnant" data-type="EB">stagnant</a> swamp. In a great development program, drainage canals and embankments along the rivers were constructed and afforestation plans introduced; the region has become of prime importance through the cultivation of subtropical and other commercial crops.</p><div class="module-spacing"> <DIV class="marketing-INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION marketing-content" data-marketing-id="INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION"><style> .student-promo-banner-wrapper { container-type: inline-size; margin-bottom: 15px; } @container (min-width: 475px) { .student-promo-banner { flex-direction: row; } .student-promo-banner-img-wrapper { margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 10px; justify-content: flex-start; } .student-promo-banner-text-wrapper { text-align: left; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; } .student-promo-banner-button-wrapper { margin-right: 0; } }</style> <div class="student-promo-banner-wrapper"> <div class="student-promo-banner d-flex flex-column align-items-center bg-blue rounded p-20"> <div class="student-promo-banner-img-wrapper mb-20 mr-0 d-flex justify-content-center"> <img class="rounded" style="max-width: 100px; min-width: 80px" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/BlueThistle.webp" /> </div> <div class="student-promo-banner-text-wrapper ml-0 mb-10 text-center text-white"> <div class="h2 mb-10">Get Unlimited Access</div> <div class="h4 font-weight-semi-bold">Try Britannica Premium for free and discover more.</div> </div> <div class="student-promo-banner-button-wrapper d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center ml-auto mr-auto"> <a class="btn btn-m btn-orange" href="https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=august-2024">Subscribe</a> </div> </div> </div> </DIV></div><span class="marker MOD7 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD8 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">To the east the structural trough is crossed by the <span id="ref481466"></span>Meskhet and <span id="ref481467"></span>Likh ranges, linking the Greater and Lesser Caucasus and marking the watershed between the basins of the Black and Caspian seas. In central Georgia, between the cities of Khashuri and Mtsʿkhetʿa (the ancient capital), lies the inner high plateau known as the <span id="ref481468"></span>Kartli (Kartalinian) Plain. Surrounded by mountains to the north, south, east, and west and covered for the most part by deposits of the loess type, this plateau extends along the Kura (Mtkvari) River and its tributaries.</p><span class="marker MOD8 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD9 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The southern band of Georgian territory is marked by the ranges and plateaus of the <span id="ref481469"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Lesser-Caucasus" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Lesser Caucasus</a>, which rise beyond a narrow, swampy coastal plain to reach 10,830 feet in the peak of <span id="ref481470"></span>Didi-Abuli.</p><span class="marker MOD9 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD10 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">A variety of soils are found in Georgia, ranging from gray-brown and saline semidesert types to richer red earths and podzols. Artificial improvements add to the <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="diversity" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity" data-type="MW">diversity</a>.</p><span class="marker MOD10 mod-inline"></span> </section> <section data-level="2" id="ref44304"> <h2 class="h2">Climate</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD11 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">The Caucasian barrier protects Georgia from cold air intrusions from the north, while the country is open to the constant influence of warm, moist air from the Black Sea. Western Georgia has a humid subtropical, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/marine-west-coast-climate" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">maritime climate</a>, while eastern Georgia has a range of climate varying from moderately humid to a dry subtropical type.</p><span class="marker MOD11 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD12 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">There also are marked elevation zones. The Kolkhida Lowland, for example, has a subtropical character up to about 1,600 to 2,000 feet, with a zone of moist, moderately warm climate lying just above; still higher is a belt of cold, wet winters and cool summers. Above about 6,600 to 7,200 feet there is an alpine climatic zone, lacking any true summer; above 11,200 to 11,500 feet snow and ice are present year-round. In eastern Georgia, farther inland, temperatures are lower than in the western portions at the same <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="altitude" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/altitude" data-type="EB">altitude</a>.</p><span class="marker MOD12 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD13 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Western Georgia has heavy rainfall throughout the year, totaling 40 to 100 inches (1,000 to 2,500 mm) and reaching a maximum in autumn and winter. Southern Kolkhida receives the most rain, and humidity decreases to the north and east. Winter in this region is mild and warm; in regions below about 2,000 to 2,300 feet, the mean January temperature never falls below 32 °F (0 °C), and relatively warm, sunny winter weather persists in the coastal regions, where temperatures average about 41 °F (5 °C). Summer temperatures average about 71 °F (22 °C).</p><span class="marker MOD13 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD14 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">In eastern Georgia, precipitation decreases with distance from the sea, reaching 16 to 28 inches in the plains and foothills but increasing to double this amount in the mountains. The southeastern regions are the driest areas, and winter is the driest season; the rainfall maximum occurs at the end of spring. The highest lowland temperatures occur in July (about 77 °F [25 °C]), while average January temperatures over most of the region range from 32 to 37 °F (0 to 3 °C).</p><span class="marker MOD14 mod-inline"></span> </section> <section data-level="2" id="ref44305"> <h2 class="h2">Plant and animal life</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD15 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Georgia’s location and its <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="diverse" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diverse" data-type="MW">diverse</a> terrain have given rise to a remarkable variety of landscapes. The luxuriant vegetation of the moist, subtropical Black Sea shores is relatively close to the eternal snows of the mountain peaks. Deep gorges and swift rivers give way to dry steppes, and the green of alpine meadows alternates with the darker hues of forested valleys.</p><span class="marker MOD15 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD16 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">More than a third of the country is covered by forests and brush. In the west a relatively constant climate over a long time span has preserved many relict and rare items, including the Pitsunda pines (<em>Pinus pithyusa</em>). The forests include <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/oak" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">oak</a>, chestnut, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/beech" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">beech</a>, and alder, as well as Caucasian fir, ash, linden, and apple and pear trees. The western underbrush is dominated by evergreens (including <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/rhododendron" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">rhododendrons</a> and holly) and such deciduous shrubs as Caucasian bilberry and nut trees. Liana strands entwine some of the western forests. Citrus <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="groves" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/groves" data-type="EB">groves</a> are found throughout the republic, and long rows of eucalyptus trees line the country roads.</p><span class="marker MOD16 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD17 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Eastern Georgia has fewer forests, and the steppes are dotted with thickets of prickly underbrush, as well as a blanket of feather and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/bluestem" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">beard grass</a>. Herbaceous subalpine and alpine vegetation occurs extensively in the highest regions. Animal life is very diverse. Goats and Caucasian antelope inhabit the high mountains; rodents live in the high meadows; and a rich birdlife includes the mountain turkey, the Caucasian black grouse, and the mountain and bearded eagles. The clear rivers and mountain lakes are full of trout.</p><div class="one-good-fact-module"> </div><span class="marker MOD17 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD18 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Forest regions are characterized by wild boars, roe and Caucasian deer, brown bears, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/lynx-mammal" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">lynx</a>, wolves, foxes, jackals, hares, and squirrels. Birds range from the thrush to the black vulture and hawk. Some of these animals and birds also frequent the lowland regions, which are the home of the introduced raccoon, mink, and nutria. 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