World > Europe > Georgia

Introduction:

Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Ethnic separation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, poor governance, and Russian military bases deny the government effective control over the entirety of the state's internationally recognized territory. Despite myriad problems, some progress on market reforms and democratization has been made. An attempt by the government to manipulate legislative elections in November 2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of President Eduard SHEVARDNADZE.

Official name: Georgia Capital: T'bilisi Government type: republic Population: 4,934,413 (July 2003 est.) Languages: Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7% note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia Official Currency: lari (GEL) Currency code: GEL Area: total: 69,700 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 69,700 sq km Climate: warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Map of Georgia