Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia, located in the eastern part of the country along the Kura River and at the foothills of the Trialeti Range. The name derives from tbili, meaning warm, a reference to the sulfur springs that surrounded the city’s founding. The city’s traditional founding date is the 5th century, attributed to King Vakhtang I Gorgasali.

Throughout the medieval and early modern periods Tbilisi stood on important east–west trade routes and passed among Persian, Arab, Mongol, Ottoman and Russian rulers. It became Georgia’s capital in the early 20th century, joined the Soviet Union, and regained independence in 1991. The 2003 Rose Revolution spurred reforms.

Tbilisi sits in a river valley at roughly 380–500 meters above sea level. It has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters; rainfall is heaviest in spring and early summer.

Population is about 1.2 million in the wider urban area. The economy centers on services, government, retail, and tourism, with growing information technology and creative industries. The city hosts universities, research centers, and international institutions.

Old Town features narrow streets, pastel houses, the Metekhi church, and the Narikala fortress overlooking the city. Notable sites include Sameba Cathedral, Sioni Cathedral, the Georgian National Museum, and the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Modern bridges connect districts across the Kura.

Tbilisi International Airport connects the city with Europe, the Middle East, and other regions. The city has a metro system, buses, and trams, and serves as Georgia’s rail hub. Major universities include Tbilisi State University and Ilia State University.