Where Europe meets Asia and the magnificent Caucasus mountains we find Georgia. The beautiful landscapes are adorned with cultural gems such as ancient cities, impressive monasteries and ancient churches. Georgia is the world’s second oldest Christian country and has a wealth of cultural-historical memories from early Christianity. In the old capital Mtskheta are some of Georgia’s oldest and most important churches, which are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today’s capital Tbilisi is a modern city with everything that belongs to it.
Population: 4.5 million
Capital: Tbilisi
Language: Georgian
According to a Georgian proverb, is every guest sent by God?
That Jesus’ robe is said to be buried under a church in Georgia?
Nature
According to top-medical-schools, Georgia has a magnificent and varied nature. The northern part of the country is characterized by the Great Caucasus snow-capped peaks and mountain slopes facing south. To the south is the Little Caucasus, whose lower mountain ranges continue into Turkey and Armenia. Between these are fertile valley landscapes where you will find, among other things, an extensive and traditional wine-growing culture. Agriculture is Georgia’s most important source of income. As a large part of the country has a subtropical climate, it is favorable for citrus fruits, tobacco, cotton, tea, corn and much more.
History
There have been people in Georgia since 5,000 BC (from the Early Stone Age). In the 4th century Georgia was converted to Christianity and together with Armenia, the country is the world’s oldest Christian country. The country has a wealth of historic, Christian buildings. Georgia’s national symbol is the Holy Trinity Church, isolated high up in the Caucasus Mountains.
Georgia experienced a period of greatness as a kingdom and local superpower in the 12th century. In the 15th century, the country was invaded by the Mongols and later annexed by the Ottoman Empire and Persia. In the 19th century, the country was annexed by the Russian Empire and later annexed by the Soviet Union as part of the Transcaucasian Federal Socialist Soviet Republic (TFSSR) along with Armenia and Azerbaijan. Georgia has been an independent, democratic republic since 1991. In 2003, dissatisfied protesters stormed the parliament building in Tbilisi, resigning the newly elected president and calling a new presidential election.
About Tbilisi
The capital Tbilisi is located on the old caravan route between Europe and Asia, and the old town has unique stretches of oriental culture. But the city is also characterized by a modern city life with many cafes and restaurants. Here you can taste the national dish khachapuri which is a type of cheese pie. Tbilisi can also offer sulfur baths in underground bathhouses. Here you are scrubbed clean and massaged almost the feeling of rebirth. The city’s National Museum has an interesting ancient collection and the National Gallery displays Georgian art. Stalin was born in Georgia. An hour’s drive from Tbilisi, you can visit his hometown of Gori, the small farm where he grew up and the museum that the city has given him.
Facts Georgia
Read more about time difference, price levels and more in connection with your trip to Georgia.
- Language: Georgian
- Capital: Tbilisi
- Population: 4, 5 million
- Religion: Christian, Georgian Orthodox
- Currency: Lari (GEL)
- Surface: 69 700 km2
Worth knowing
Time difference
+ 2 hours.
Georgia is two hours ahead of Sweden. The clock will therefore be set for two hours when we land in Georgia.
Transportation in Georgia
The buses we use in Georgia have the best possible standard according to local conditions and many of them have air conditioning.
Economy
The price level in Georgia is among Europe’s lowest. A meal costs about 50 kroner at an average restaurant.
Currency and credit cards
Georgia’s currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). Lari is divided into 100 tetri. There is a wide selection of ATMs in the country. Here you can use Visa, Mastercard etc. The cards can also be used in larger hotels, restaurants and in some shops in Tbilisi. There are many smaller exchange offices where you can exchange US dollars, euros or Russian rubles.
Tip
In Tbilisi and other major cities, the bill at restaurants, cafes and taxis is rounded up to the nearest 10 Lari. Therefore, you do not need to tip.
Electricity
Georgia has 220 volts and the sockets are of European standard
Telephone and internet
International Country Code for Georgia is +995. It is expensive to call home, so feel free to inform your operator about coverage and prices for calls from Georgia. Most hotels have internet connection for a fee.
Drinks and hygiene
Hotels and larger restaurants have modern toilets. The standard of public toilets and in the countryside can be somewhat primitive. Bring your own toilet paper or wet wipes and possibly. hand disinfection. Then the need for water is not as great.
You should not drink tap water. Buy bottled water.
Smoking
During flight and transport, of course, there is a smoking ban. Just as in Sweden, it is forbidden to smoke indoors in public places. However, there are some exceptions with special smoking rooms.
Customs and traditions
Georgians are a hospitable people and Georgia is a fairly modern society. There are no specific rules or guidelines for dress or behavior. When visiting churches, on the other hand, you must be properly dressed with covered arms and legs to show respect.
Climate and weather Georgia
Get an overview of Georgia’s climate and weather below.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | CHRISTMAS | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| Tblisi | ||||||||||||
| Daytime temperature | 6 | 7 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 26 | 20 | 13 | 7 |
| Night temperature | -2 | -1 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 20 | 21 | 36 | 43 | 87 | 69 | 50 | 37 | 42 | 46 | 37 | 20 |
The Caucasus Mountains in northern Georgia keep the cold from Siberia at bay and in the lower regions the climate is subtropical with high summer temperatures. Especially in the mountains there is some rain and lots of small glaciers make the view to the mountains very beautiful.
