Imereti

Imereti is a region (mkhare) of western Georgia. It lies on the Imereti Plain along the Rioni River, with the Likhi Mountain Range to the east separating western Georgia's geography from the interior. The regional capital and largest city is Kutaisi. Other major towns include Zestaponi, Samtredia, Chiatura, Baghdati, and Khoni. Climate is humid subtropical, with mild winters and warm summers, and the landscape features rivers, forests and vineyards.

Historically, Imereti corresponds to the western Georgian lands forming part of ancient Colchis. In the Middle Ages it became the Kingdom (and later the Principality) of Imereti, a political center after the dissolution of a united Georgian kingdom. The kingdom persisted until the early 19th century, when Russia annexed the region in 1810 and it was incorporated into the Georgian province system.

Geography and culture: The region includes notable natural and cultural sites such as Gelati Monastery (UNESCO), a 12th-century monastery near Kutaisi; Bagrati Cathedral; the cave systems at Prometheus and Sataplia; and the Motsameta Monastery. The economy centers on agriculture—grapes, fruits, maize—and mining, especially iron ore in Chiatura; processing and light industry also contribute. Wine production is traditional.

Demographics: The population is predominantly Georgian Orthodox; Georgian is the state language. The region is ethnically predominantly Georgian with minorities such as Armenians and others. It plays a key role in Georgia's political and cultural life, hosting universities, museums, and heritage sites in Kutaisi and across the region.