[208] Georgian opposition leader Nino Burjanadze said the accusations of planning a coup were baseless, and that the protesters' actions were legitimate. [168], In 2011, the North Atlantic Council designated Georgia as an "aspirant country". [139], In October 2016, the ruling party Georgian Dream won the parliamentary elections with 48.61 percent of the vote while the opposition United National Movement (UNM) gained 27.04 percent of the vote. This period during the reigns of David IV (r. 10891125) and his great-granddaughter Tamar (r. 11841213) has been widely termed as Georgia's Golden Age or the Georgian Renaissance. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has called on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to oppose a federal takeover of elections and support election law reforms. Western Georgia's forests consist mainly of deciduous trees below 600 metres (1,969ft) above sea level and contain species such as oak, hornbeam, beech, elm, ash, and chestnut. The principality of Guria was abolished and incorporated into the Empire in 1829, while Svaneti was gradually annexed in 1858. [339][340], Georgia is known for its folklore, traditional music, dances, theatre, cinema, and art. Following the bloodless Rose Revolution in 2003, Georgia strongly pursued a pro-Western foreign policy; it introduced a series of democratic and economic reforms aimed at integration into the European Union and NATO. [259] Georgia was ranked 63rd in the Global Innovation Index in 2021, down from 48th in 2019. After obtaining independence for the state, the matter of church independence became the main problem. [173] The street leading to Tbilisi International Airport has since been dubbed George W. Bush Avenue. [31] In 2013, UNESCO added the ancient traditional Georgian winemaking method using the Kvevri clay jars to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.[31][32]. [citation needed] The overall region can be characterized as being made up of various, interconnected mountain ranges (largely of volcanic origin) and plateaus that do not exceed 3,400 metres (11,155ft) in elevation. [52] Tamar was given the title "king of kings" (mepe mepeta). The civil war and military conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia aggravated the crisis. [citation needed], Georgian ecclesiastic art is one of the most notable aspects of Georgian Christian architecture, which combines the classical dome style with the original basilica style, forming what is known as the Georgian cross-dome style. [225] The main roads through the mountain range into Russian territory lead through the Roki Tunnel between Shida Kartli and North Ossetia and the Darial Gorge (in the Georgian region of Khevi). The first mention of the name spelled as Georgia is in Italian on the mappa mundi of Pietro Vesconte dated AD 1320. 9 also warned of "color revolution." This term originated in the first decade of this century, when a series of antiauthoritarian popular uprisings in former Soviet states became known by colorful names, including Georgia's Rose Revolution (2003), Ukraine's Orange Revolution (2004), and Kyrgyzstan's Tulip Revolution (2005). [180] After its independence from the Soviet Union, Georgia began to develop its own military industry. [135][136], In October 2013, Giorgi Margvelashvili, a candidate of the Georgian Dream party, won the presidential election. [226], The climate of Georgia is extremely diverse, considering the nation's small size. [132] The transition was set to start with the October 2012 parliamentary elections and to be completed with the 2013 presidential elections. It was one of the first countries in the world to legalize cannabis, becoming the only former-socialist state to do so. Economic reforms since independence have led to higher levels of economic freedom, as well as reductions in corruption indicators, poverty, and unemployment. Western Georgia's landscape ranges from low-land marsh-forests, swamps, and temperate rainforests to eternal snows and glaciers, while the eastern part of the country even contains a small segment of semi-arid plains. Lake Paliastomi area). [87], Following the Rose Revolution, a series of reforms were launched to strengthen the country's military and economic capabilities, as well as to reorient its foreign policy westwards. by Juergen T Steinmetz. [48][49], David suppressed dissent of feudal lords and centralized the power in his hands to effectively deal with foreign threats. [228], Eastern Georgia has a transitional climate from humid subtropical to continental. With the support of the UNFPA, the demographic data for the period 19942014 has been retro-projected. The Five Cross Flag has a white background with a red cross in the middle. There is also a certified specialist's programme that represents a single-level higher education programme lasting from three to six years. By 1994 the gross domestic product had shrunk to a quarter of that of 1989.[240]. His regime is known as one of the most brutal in world history; tens of millions of . [201], Human rights in Georgia are guaranteed by the country's constitution. Many Ossetians living in Georgia left the country, mainly to Russia's North Ossetia. Georgia . It is unicameral and has 150 members, known as deputies, of whom 30 are elected by plurality to represent single-member districts, and 120 are chosen to represent parties by proportional representation. [328] Georgian culture enjoyed a renaissance and golden age of classical literature, arts, philosophy, architecture and science in the 11th century. [199] Since 2012 stagnation in corruption fighting efforts can be observed, according to Transparency International. [352] Historically, Georgia has been famous for its physical education; the Romans were fascinated with Georgians' physical qualities after seeing the training techniques of ancient Iberia. [266] According to the government, there are 103 resorts in different climatic zones in Georgia. Announces New Military Assistance Program for Georgia", "Why was Georgia not granted EU candidate status? Burkhard Herbote, tourism Hero. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic was established with Nikolay Chkheidze acting as its president. Georgia's government should take urgent steps to protect the life of imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili, including releasing him on health grounds, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and . 1953 - Soviet Union explodes its first hydrogen bomb. In the 1992 elections it won four MPs. Cuba is ruled by the Communist Party of Cuba, whose role is described in the Cuban constitution as the "leading force of society of the state." The Communist Party of Cuba adheres more strictly to the tradition of Marxism-Leninism and the Soviet model than the communist parties of other countries. Leon I then married Mirian's daughter, and a successor, Leon II exploited this dynastic union to acquire Lazica in the 770s. The first attempt to unite the country occurred under King Parnavaz of Kartli at the beginning of the third century B.C.E. But the nonprofit organization was accused in Georgia courts of being a communist front, and King's inner circle considered it radical. Its root, kartvel-i (-), specifies an inhabitant of the core central-eastern Georgian region of Kartli, or Iberia as it is known in sources of the Eastern Roman Empire. The proto-Georgian tribes first appear in written history in the 12th century BC. In 19181919, Georgian general Giorgi Mazniashvili led an attack against the White Army led by Moiseev and Denikin in order to claim the Black Sea coastline from Tuapse to Sochi and Adler for the independent Georgia. [28][29] Archaeological finds and references in ancient sources also reveal elements of early political and state formations characterized by advanced metallurgy and goldsmith techniques that date back to the 7th century BC and beyond. 888 pp., Tbilisi, Academy of Science of the Georgian SSR, 1986, Kirk, P.M., Cannon, P.F., Minter, D.W. and Stalpers, J. Coniferous forests only dominate in the Borjomi Gorge and in the extreme western areas. [284], Today 83.4 per cent of the population practices Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with the majority of these adhering to the national Georgian Orthodox Church. The incorporation of the Golden Fleece into the myth may have derived from the local practice of using fleeces to sift gold dust from rivers. [82] Supported by Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia achieved de facto independence from Georgia, with Georgia retaining control only in small areas of the disputed territories. "Christianity and the Georgian Empire" (early history) Library of Congress, March 1994, webpage: Sketches of Georgian Church History by Theodore Edward Dowling, Nakhutsrishvili, I.G. Its economy is growing at 5 percent per year, and the country ranks ahead of the United States in economic . The spider checklist of Georgia, for example, includes 501 species. Notable painters from the 20th century include Niko Pirosmani, Lado Gudiashvili, Elene Akhvlediani; notable ballet choreographers include George Balanchine, Vakhtang Chabukiani, and Nino Ananiashvili; notable poets include Galaktion Tabidze, Lado Asatiani, and Mukhran Machavariani; and notable theatre and film directors include Robert Sturua, Tengiz Abuladze, Giorgi Danelia, and Otar Ioseliani. [200] Since 2016 the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index hovers around 56 out of 100 points. The responsibility for such actions does not cause dangerous consequences for the public. It's been a communist takeover of our country, and it happened on January 21. Georgia is a small country. And that is who Joe Biden is," the Georgia Republican said during an interview on. In 1992 Burkhard Herbote, a VP for the World Tourism . Cart; vintage milk bottle caps [187] As of 2015[update], 31 Georgian servicemen have died in Afghanistan,[188] most during the Helmand campaign. 1000 of all 4000 higher plants of Georgia are endemic to this country. Other deciduous species include several varieties of maple, aspen, ash, and hazelnut. The Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority Arms Control and International Security Arms Control and International Security Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation Political tensions with Russia have contributed to the 2006 Russian embargo of Georgian wine, Russia claimed Georgia produced counterfeit wine. One of the most famous late 19th/early 20th century Georgian artists was primitivist painter Niko Pirosmani. New duties performed by the police include border security and customs functions and contracted security provision; the latter function is performed by the dedicated 'security police'. This period also brought social and economic change to Georgia, with new social classes emerging: the emancipation of the serfs freed many peasants but did little to alleviate their poverty; the growth of capitalism created an urban working class in Georgia. [299][300][301][302][303][304] The official languages of Georgia are Georgian, with Abkhaz having official status within the autonomous region of Abkhazia. The track satisfies the FIA Grade 2 requirements and currently hosts the Legends car racing series and Formula Alfa competitions. Edn 10. In a letter on Monday, Raffensperger called on the GOP's congressional leadership to . [34], After the Roman Republic completed its brief conquest of what is now Georgia in 66 BC, the area became a primary objective of what would eventually turn out to be over 700 years of protracted Irano-Roman geo-political rivalry and warfare. [166], Georgia is currently working to become a full member of NATO. Saakashvili led the country from 2004 to 2013 but was later convicted in absentia on corruption charges and abuse of power, which he denied. [47] The Golden age of Georgia left a legacy of great cathedrals, romantic poetry and literature, and the epic poem The Knight in the Panther's Skin, the latter which is considered a national epic. [289] The population of Georgia, including the breakaway regions, has declined by more than 1 million due to net emigration in the period 19902010. The following four universities are also located in Tbilisi: Georgian Technical University,[324] which is Georgia's main and largest technical university, The University of Georgia (Tbilisi),[325] as well as Caucasus University[326] and Free University of Tbilisi. [149] Garibashvili, who had an earlier term as prime minister in 201315, is known as a political hardliner. According to United Nations data, this totalled 625,000 by 2000, declining to 450,000 by 2019. With the death of Nader Shah in 1747, both kingdoms broke free of Iranian control and were reunified through a personal union under the energetic king Heraclius II in 1762. [295][c], In the early 1990s, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, violent separatist conflicts broke out in the autonomous region of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region. Marxism-Leninism was the state ideology of the Soviet Union, the Comintern after Bolshevisation and the communist states within the Comecon, the Eastern Bloc, and the Warsaw Pact. [80] In August 1991, Romania became the first country to recognize Georgia. According to CPUSA records, by 1932 only a small number of party members were active in Atlanta, and the statewide apparatus was in disarray. [b][10] Tbilisi is its capital as well as its largest city, home to roughly a third of the Georgian population. Georgia was incorporated into the Soviet Union as the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic after 25 February 1921 when the Red Army entered its capital Tbilisi and installed a communist government led by Georgian Bolshevik Filipp Makharadze. There are two main climatic zones, roughly corresponding to the eastern and western parts of the country. However, scholars agree that the word is derived from the Karts, one of the proto-Georgian tribes that emerged as a dominant group in ancient times. [223][224] The country lies between latitudes 41 and 44 N, and longitudes 40 and 47 E, with an area of 67,900km2 (26,216sqmi). [127], Different opinions exist regarding the degree of political freedom in Georgia. 3 mins ago. [183] Georgia also participated in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; with 1,560 troops in 2013, it was at that time the largest contributor among non-NATO countries[184] and in per capita terms. [30], Archaeological evidence indicates that Georgia has been the site of wine production since at least 6,000 BC, which over time played a role in forming Georgia's culture and national identity. [citation needed] The media environment of Georgia remains the freest and most diverse in the South Caucasus,[342] despite the long-term politicization and polarisation affecting the sector. [117] Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as separate republics on 26 August. The Georgian envoy in Saint Petersburg reacted with a note of protest that was presented to the Russian vice-chancellor Prince Kurakin. These in turn are subdivided into 67 districts and 5 self-governing cities. During much of this time (1927-1953), Joseph Stalin was the totalitarian leader. In 2021, Trkiye remained a transit point for FTFs departing Syria and Iraq. When the era of Communist rule began in Russia in 1917, religion was seen as a hindrance to a thriving socialist society. "[171] He was quoted as saying that if NATO accepts Georgian membership with the article on collective defence covering only Tbilisi-administered territory (i.e., excluding the Georgian territories Abkhazia and South Ossetia, both of which are currently Russian-supported unrecognized breakaway republics), "we will not start a war, but such conduct will undermine our relations with NATO and with countries who are eager to enter the alliance. It was the last direct election of a Georgian president, as additional constitutional reforms removed the popular vote. Georgia was further weakened by several disastrous invasions by Tamerlane. The new government's efforts to reassert Georgian authority in the southwestern autonomous republic of Adjara led to a major crisis in 2004. On 9 April 1991, shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Supreme Council of Georgia declared independence after a referendum held on 31 March. In February 1921, during the Russian Civil War, the Red Army advanced into Georgia and brought the local Bolsheviks to power. As with all other post-Soviet states, Georgia faced a severe economic collapse. The country encompasses an area of 69,700 square km. Consecutive research estimated the 2002 census to be inflated by 8 to 9 percent,[286] which affected the annually updated population estimates in subsequent years. The mission and functions of the GDF are based on the Constitution of Georgia, Georgia's Law on Defense and National Military Strategy, and international agreements to which Georgia is signatory. It was founded in June 1994 through the merger of the Stalin Society, the Georgian Workers Communist Party and the Union of Communists of Georgia. Most countries consider the regions to be Georgian territory under Russian occupation. [341], Television, magazines, and newspapers in Georgia are all operated by both state-owned and for-profit corporations which depend on advertising, subscription, and other sales-related revenues. Top 10 Georgia country facts. Mingrelia, although a Russian protectorate since 1803, was not absorbed until 1867.[72]. [148], In February 2021, Irakli Garibashvili became Prime Minister of Georgia, following the resignation of Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. [287] On the basis of that back-projection, Geostat has corrected its data for these years. Romans erected the statue of the Iberian King Pharsman after he demonstrated Georgian training methods during his visit to Rome; Georgia's secession from the Soviet Union, democratic and economic reforms aimed at integration, first countries in the world to legalize cannabis, Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic, Adapted Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Tensions between Georgia and Russia began escalating, ethnic cleansing against Georgians in South Ossetia, Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Role of Georgia in the War in Afghanistan (20012021), Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, Administrative divisions of Georgia (country), International Union for Conservation of Nature, 2014 General Population Census Main Results, Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, secular and irreligious segments of society, one of the oldest wine-producing countries, Index of Georgia (country)-related articles, " ", "2014 General Population Census Main Results General Information National Statistics Office of Georgia", "World Economic Outlook Database, October 2022", "GINI index (World Bank estimate) Georgia", "2014 General Population Census Main Results", "Consolidating Parliamentary Democracy in Georgia", "U.S. and Allies Blame Russia for Cyberattack on Republic of Georgia", "Now that's what you call a real vintage: professor unearths 8,000-year-old wine", "Evidence of ancient wine found in Georgia a vintage quaffed some 6,000 years BC", The Gold Mine of Sakdrisi and Earliest Mining and Metallurgy in the Transcausus and the Kura-Valley System, "UNESCO Ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method", "Georgia iii. [43] The successful defence against the Arabs, and new territorial gains, gave the Abkhazian princes enough power to claim more autonomy from the Byzantine Empire. In June 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union on an immediate course towards Caucasian oil fields and munitions factories. 1955 - Nikolay Bulganin replaces Malenkov as prime minister. [220] Georgia considers the regions as occupied by Russia. "[172], George W. Bush became the first sitting US president to visit the country. The native name is Sakartvelo (; 'land of Kartvelians'), derived from the core central Georgian region of Kartli, recorded from the 9th century, and in extended usage referring to the entire medieval Kingdom of Georgia by the 13th century. In addition, 435 were wounded, including 35 amputees. [350] Among the best-known Georgian wine regions are Kakheti (further divided into the micro-regions of Telavi and Kvareli), Kartli, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Adjara and Abkhazia. [88], The country's newly pro-Western stance, along with accusations of Georgian involvement in the Second Chechen War,[89] resulted in a severe deterioration of relations with Russia, fuelled also by Russia's open assistance and support to the two secessionist areas. The country plans to host 11 million visitors by 2025 with annual revenues reaching US$6.6 billion. Cross-dome architecture developed in Georgia during the 9th century; before that, most Georgian churches were basilicas. Invasions continued, giving the kingdom no time for restoration, with both Black and White sheep Turkomans constantly raiding its southern provinces. Georgia is a representative democracy governed as a unitary parliamentary republic. [189][190], In Georgia, law enforcement is conducted and provided for by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. However, even if Berlin is excluded, the five former East German states still have a higher GDP per capita than any emerging European country, ranging from 27,000 to 32,000 euros in 2018, according to the Pew Research Center. [185][186] Over 11,000 Georgian soldiers have been rotated through Afghanistan. [252] In 2015, the average monthly income of a household was 1,022.3 (about $426). [65][66] The Bagrationi royal family was deported from the kingdom. The true total number of fungal species occurring in Georgia, including species not yet recorded, is likely to be far higher, given the generally accepted estimate that only about seven per cent of all fungi worldwide have so far been discovered. [307] In the first half of the 4th century, Christianity was adopted as the state religion of Iberia (present-day Kartli, or eastern Georgia), following the missionary work of Saint Nino of Cappadocia. For example, in its 2017 report, Council of Europe observed that while most day-to-day corruption has been eliminated, there are some indications of a "clientelistic system" whereby the country's leadership may allocate resources in ways that generate the loyalty and support it needs to stay in power. [51] She succeeded in neutralizing opposition and embarked on an energetic foreign policy aided by the downfall of the rival powers of the Seljuks and Byzantium. [167] The majority of Georgians and politicians in Georgia support the push for NATO membership. [338] The Georgian language is written in three unique scripts which, according to traditional accounts, were invented by King Pharnavaz I of Iberia in the 3rd century BC. [195], Prior to the Rose Revolution, Georgia was among the most corrupt countries in the world. [194] The police introduced a 0-2-2 (currently, 1-1-2) emergency dispatch service in 2004. The Georgian government fled to France where it operated until the early 1930s. [290][289] Other factors in the population decline include birth-death deficits for the period 19952010 and the exclusion of Abkhazia and South Ossetia from the statistics. [225] Out of the abovementioned peaks, only Kazbek is of volcanic origin. The sons and grandsons of Ashot I established three separate branches, frequently struggling with each other and with neighbouring rulers. Gold, silver, copper and iron have been mined in the Caucasus Mountains. [203], The government came under criticism for its alleged use of excessive force on 26 May 2011 when it dispersed protesters led by Nino Burjanadze, among others, with tear gas and rubber bullets after they refused to clear Rustaveli Avenue for an independence day parade despite the expiration of their demonstration permit and despite being offered to choose an alternative venue. [270] Passenger services are operated by the state-owned Georgian Railway whilst freight operations are carried out by a number of licensed operators. [193], The new Patruli force was first introduced in the summer of 2005 to replace the traffic police, a force which was accused of widespread corruption. The Constitution of Georgia guarantees freedom of speech. Government of Georgia. Out of the deciduous species of trees, beech, oak, and hornbeam dominate. [318] The school system is divided into elementary (six years; ages 612), basic (three years; ages 1215), and secondary (three years; ages 1518), or alternatively vocational studies (two years). [12] [13] It is a developing country with a very high Human Development Index. The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Dec. 21, 2022. Joseph Stalin, an ethnic Georgian born Iosif Vissarionovich Jugashvili ( ) in Gori, was prominent among the Bolsheviks. In 2019, Georgia ranked 61st on the Human Development Index (HDI). The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range plays an important role in moderating Georgia's climate and protects the nation from the penetration of colder air masses from the north. [229] A number of large carnivores live in the forests, namely Brown bears, wolves, lynxes and Caucasian Leopards. [354], Within Georgia, one of the most popularized styles of wrestling is the Kakhetian style. Georgia's decision to boost its presence in the coalition forces in Iraq was an important initiative. Both peasants and workers found expression for their discontent through revolts and strikes, culminating in the Revolution of 1905. [226], The term Lesser Caucasus Mountains is often used to describe the mountainous (highland) areas of southern Georgia that are connected to the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range by the Likhi Range. Zurabishvili was backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party. ", "Ruling party in Georgia decisively wins parliament vote", "Georgian government offers concessions to end crisis", "Transparency International urges dialogue with civil society during political crisis in Georgia", "Georgian Dream, Opposition Reach Consensus over Electoral Reform", "Georgia elects Salome Zurabishvili as first woman president", "Georgia protests: Tbilisi police fire water cannon at demonstrators", "New EU Proposal: Amnesty for Rurua, Melia, 2022 Snap Polls if GD Gets Less than 43% in Locals", "President Michel to Start Consultations after GD's EU-Brokered Deal Withdrawal", "Mikheil Saakashvili: Georgian ex-president arrested returning from exile", "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Relations between Georgia and the Republic of France", "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Relations between Georgia and the Federal Republic of Germany", "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Relations between Georgia and the State of Israel", "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Relations between Georgia and Japan", "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Visa Information for Foreign Citizens", "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka", "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Relations between Georgia and the Republic of Turkey", "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Relations between Georgia and Ukraine", "Relations Between Georgia and the United States of America", "U.S. Christianity and the Georgian language are particularly important national identifiers. Over. 1956 - Soviet troops . [23], Today, the official name of the country is Georgia, as specified in the Georgian constitution which reads "Georgia is the name of the state of Georgia. Qiushi 0001-01-01. [275] There are a number of seaports along Georgia's Black Sea coast, the largest and most busy of which is the Port of Batumi; whilst the town is itself a seaside resort, the port is a major cargo terminal in the Caucasus and is often used by neighbouring Azerbaijan as a transit point for making energy deliveries to Europe. "[128] In their 2022 report[update] Freedom House lists Georgia as a partly free country, recognizing a trajectory of democratic improvement surrounding the 201213 transfer of power, yet observing a gradual backslide in later years. [citation needed], Coordinates: 4200N 4330E / 42.000N 43.500E / 42.000; 43.500. Main exports are ores, ferro-alloys, vehicles, wines, mineral waters and fertilizers.