Described variously as part of Europe, Central Asia or the Middle East, Georgia has long been a flash point for cultural and geographical collision. Its culture is ancient and built around a vast variety of influences; its people are a mix of traditional and very modern; and the food is legendary.

Its weather and landscape are a meeting of east and west. Its history is a lengthy list of empires rising and falling, of invasions, skirmishes, massacres and wars. But it is also a nation of survival, and of great natural, cultural and gastronomic beauty.

Georgia is a newly independent nation, and while living conditions are improving, they're not yet at the Western standards desired by the government. Tourist facilities outside of the capital, Tbilisi, are not highly developed and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Despite this, and despite an area in the north of the country being basically off-limits due to separatist control, terrorist activity and an abundance of land mines, Georgia presents a proud face to the world. And as civil unrest calms, the world is beginning to notice.
Warning

A bloodless coup in late 2003 has left Georgia's security situation uncertain. Travelers are advised to monitor current events and to specifically avoid travelling near the Russian border region, especially Chechnya, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Kabarda-Balkar and Karachay-Cherkessia.

The main risks to travellers in these areas are land mines and a high incidence of kidnapping. The Pankisi Gorge area north of Akhmeta is the site of a concerted counter-terrorism campaign, and travellers should avoid unaccompanied travel to Svaneti.

The breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia should also be avoided. Crime levels are rising and the exercise of the usual commonsense precautions, such as travelling in groups, travelling during daylight hours, using major roads and avoiding displays of wealth, is highly recommended.

Full country name: Georgia
Area: 69,700 sq km
Population: 5 million
Capital City: T'bilisi
People: Georgian (70%), Armenian (8%), Russian (6%), Azeri (6%)
Language: Georgian, Russian, Armenian, Azeri
Religion: Georgian Orthodox (65%), Muslim (11%), Russian Orthodox (10%), Armenian Apostolic (8%)
Government: republic
Head of State: President Eduard Shevardnadze

GDP: US$16.5 billion
GDP per capita: US$3,200
Inflation: 10.5%
Major Industries: Heavy industry (steel, aircraft, machine tools, locomotives, cranes, motors, trucks), textiles, shoes, wood products, wine
Major Trading Partners: Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria
Member of EU: No