Georgia (Georgian: საქართველო, Sakartvelo) is a country located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Situated at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bordered by the Black Sea to the west, Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, and Azerbaijan to the southeast. The capital and largest city is Tbilisi.
Georgia is predominantly located in the South Caucasus, with some parts extending into the North Caucasus. The country lies between latitudes 41° and 44° N, and longitudes 40° and 47° E, covering an area of 67,900 km². Georgia is a mountainous country, with the Likhi Range dividing it into eastern and western halves.
The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range forms Georgia's northern border, while the southern border is defined by the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The highest peaks in Georgia include Mount Shkhara at 5,068 meters and Mount Janga at 5,059 meters above sea level. The landscape varies from the lowland marshes and temperate rainforests of western Georgia to the semi-arid plains of the east.
Georgian cuisine is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and has similarities with Persian and other Caucasian cuisines. The "supra" (feast) is a key social event, led by a "tamada" (toastmaster) who offers toasts and entertains guests.
Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, with winemaking traditions dating back over 8,000 years. The country's famous wine regions include Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi, Adjara, and Abkhazia. The traditional Georgian winemaking method using Kvevri clay jars has UNESCO recognition as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Georgia has a diverse climate influenced by its varied geography, spanning from the Black Sea coast to the mountainous Caucasus region. Tbilisi, the capital, experiences a relatively mild climate with distinct seasonal changes. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging around 2°C (36°F), occasionally dipping below freezing, especially at night. Summers in Tbilisi are warm and dry, with July temperatures averaging around 27°C (81°F), sometimes reaching even higher during heat waves.
Autumn and spring are generally mild and pleasant, making these ideal seasons for travel. While coastal areas near the Black Sea enjoy a humid, subtropical climate with milder winters, the eastern part of the country, including Tbilisi, has a more continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. This range of climates provides excellent conditions for agriculture, particularly for Georgia’s renowned wine production, and offers travelers diverse seasonal experiences throughout the year.