GEORGIA
 A
land of endless wonders, unspoilt by modern tourism and still
retaining its authentic character – Georgia. Once experienced,
it will stay with you forever. Exploring Georgia is a constant
pleasure. For walkers and hikers the country is sheer heaven,
while botanists and bird-watchers will be simply enthralled
and archaeologists can’t decide which of the numerous ancient
findings to visit first.
Location
With the towering Caucasus Mountains forming the border between
Europe and Asia, Georgia has long been an important contact
zone. In this mystical land you will be captivated by a thrilling
blend of eastern enigma and western elegance. The traditions
of the East and West meet in Georgia to form a culture unlike
any other in the world.
Nature
 The
following legend adequately describes Georgia’s great natural
beauty: When God apportioned the Earth to all the peoples
of the world, the Georgians arrived late. The Lord asked them
why they were tardy. The Georgians replied that they had stopped
on the way to drink and raise their glasses in praise of Him.
God was so pleased with their response that He gave the Georgians
the part of the Earth that He had been reserving for himself.
A visit to Georgia will confirm that this legend is indeed
true: Georgia is a natural paradise.
General
Information
Area:
69,700 sq.km
Population: 5,066,500; Georgians - 70%, Armenians - 8%, Azeris -
6%, Russians 5%, Greeks - 2%.
Capital: Tbilisi,
pop. 1,2 million
Language: Georgian
(state). Most people also speak Russian.
Religion: Georgian
Orthodox (main), Catholic, Muslim, Armenian Gregorian, Jewish
Currency: Lari
(GEL), 1 USD = 2.2 GEL (at the time of writing)
Time: + 4 Hrs
GMT
Climate: In
West Georgia the dominant subtropical climate features high
humidity and heavy precipitation, while East Georgia has a
more continental and drier climate. The alpine zone begins
at about 2,100 metres; above 3,600 meters snow and ice are
present year-round. The average summer temperatures range
from  20oC
to 24oC, average winter temperatures range from
2oC to 4oC.
Airport: 20
km from Tbilisi center (40 GEL - by taxi, 0.5 GEL - by bus)
Museums: Opening
hours 11:00 - 16:00 (except Sunday, Monday)
Main Towns: Kutaisi (233,000), Rustavi (150,000), Batumi (130,000),
Sokhumi (120,000), Gori (68,000)
High Peaks:
Shkhara (5068m), Jangi-tou (5058m), Kazbegi (5047m).
Main Rivers: Mtkvari (Kura) - 1515km (351km in Georgia), Alazani
- 407km (390km in Georgia), Rioni (333km).
Main Lakes: Paravani (38 sq.km, depth - 3.3m, 2073m above sea-level),
Tabatskuri (14 sq.km, depth - 40m, 2000m above sea-level),
Keli (1,3 sq.km. depth - 63m, 2900m above sea-level), Ritsa
(1,5 sq.km. depth - 101m, 880m above sea-level)
Electricity: 220 V, 50 H
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