Gruusia

Gruusia, known internationally as Georgia, is a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia in the South Caucasus. It sits on the western shore of the Black Sea and is bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, and Azerbaijan to the southeast. The capital and largest city is Tbilisi. The country encompasses diverse terrain from the high Caucasus mountains to low coastal plains, producing varied climates and rich biodiversity.

In Georgian, the country is called Sakartvelo. The official language is Georgian, a Kartvelian language that uses the Mkhedruli script. Minorities speak Russian, Azerbaijani, Armenian and other languages. The population is about 3.7 million, with urban concentration in Tbilisi and along the coast.

Georgia has ancient roots in the historical kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia, with Christianization occurring in the 4th century. It was incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 19th century and regained independence in 1991 after the Soviet Union’s collapse. Today it is a republic with a multi-party system; Parliament is elected, and the country pursues closer ties with European institutions and security roles in NATO partnerships.

Two breakaway regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, declared independence after post-Soviet conflicts; Russia recognizes them, while Georgia regards them as occupied territories. The economy relies on services, tourism and agriculture, notably wine production dating back thousands of years. The country promotes energy transit routes and investment in infrastructure, with popular destinations including Tbilisi, Kakheti wine region, and the Black Sea coast.

Georgian culture is known for its polyphonic singing and ancient winemaking traditions, both recognized by UNESCO. Georgian cuisine, architecture and religious heritage reflect a distinct national identity within the region.