GEOGRAPHY

Since regaining its independence in the early 1990s, Georgia has become the regional champion in terms of reforms, economic development and progress regarding democratic institutions. Country has one of the most business supportive governments and is open for international visitors and investors.

Some consider Georgia to be a part of Europe, others – Asia; however, it should be noted that the country has long been a hot spot for geographic and cultural contrasts. Local landscape and weather are the reflection of encounter of the East and West. Being located on the juncture of Europe and Asia, the country benefited from development of multilateral cultural heritage.

Nature is generously rich in Georgia giving an incredible opportunity to observe all four seasons of the year at the same time – heavy snow on the summit, mist and sleet in the mountains, fresh grass and spring blooms at the foothill and cloudless summer on the seaside.

Besides the wide variety of breathtaking landscapes Georgia features the perfect fusion of medieval and modern architecture combining Asian, European and Soviet styles – flamboyant glass-and-steel structures, stand next to the 13th century cliff-top church, ancient fortress and “Komunalki” built during Stalin era.

With its diverse locations and film friendly environment Georgia has a lot to offer to international filmmakers.

Geographic Location

Georgia is located in the South Caucasus region. Russia is bordering Georgia (723 km) to the north, Azerbaijan (322 km) to the south-east, Armenia (164 km.) to the south, Turkey (252 km.) to the south-west and Black Sea (315 km) to the west.
Time Zone: UTC (UTC+4) / GMT (London) + 4 hours, east European time (Germany) + 3 hours

Climate

Georgia's location at the line of subtropical and moderate climate zones, physical geographical conditions, composite relief, Black Sea and the Caucasus Range make its climate diverse and original. The climate varies considerably from east to west. Much of the western Georgia lies within the northern periphery of the humid subtropical zone with average midwinter temperature of +5C and average midsummer temperature +22°C. Moderate continental climate is represented in East Georgia. Average temperature in summer here is +20°+24°C and +2°+4°C in winter. Temperature is below 0° C at 2500 m and higher during the whole year, year-round snow and glaciers are typical for high mountains above 3,600 meters.

The best time to visit Georgia is from middle April through October, when days are warm or hot. Tbilisi can be very hot in July and August. Evenings tend to be cool even in the summer. The weather is dryer and more extreme in the eastern mountains. Climate near Black Sea in the western part of Georgia is milder.

Terrain and Landscape

Georgia is mountainous country. Mountains occupy 54% of the country, hills - 33 % and lowlands only 13 %. Georgia's four main orographic units include: Main Caucasus Range, Georgian Lowland, Small Caucasus Range and South Volcanic Plateau. The highest peak of the country is Mount Shkhara - 5203 m.

Although Georgia occupies small territory a wide spectrum of natural-territorial landscapes from semi-deserts (East Georgia) and humid subtropical (West Georgia) to Alpine meadows makes its nature attractive.

Facts and Figures

CAPITAL: Tbilisi
AREA: 69,700 square kilometers(26,911 square miles)
POPULATION: 3, 729
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 73 years
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Georgian
LITERACY: 99.7 %
CURRENCY: Lari (GEL)