Georgia Travel Facts

The Basics

Country: Georgia

Where is it: Georgia is located in south-western Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia.

Why do people go here: This country has only had its independence since 1991, with the breakup of the USSR. People who travel to Georgia enjoy the Mediterranian climate and greater interaction with locals, as there are not many tourists, especially outside of the capital.

What are the main entry points: Travelers usually venture to the capital from Turkey from the south and Russia from the north.

Currency used: Lari

Country Code for Phones: 995

Area codes for Major Cities: None Needed

Religion: Georgian Orthodox 65%, Muslim 11%, Russian Orthodox 10%, Armenian Apostolic 8%, unknown 6%

Population: 5 million

Ethnic Breakdown: 83.8% Georgian, 6.5% Azeri, 5.7% Armenian, 1.5% Russian, 2.5% other

Government: Republic

Languages: Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7%

Travel Information

Major Cities: T’bilisi

Attractions: Wine, Black Sea, Hiking

Accomodation: Cheap Hotel Links

Tourism Office locations and links: Georgia State Department of Tourism of Georgia 80, Chavchavadze Ave., 380074, Tbilisi, Georgia +995/32/226125; FAX +995/32/294052

Off-the-Beaten-Path: South Ossetia, Pankisi Gorge

Health Issues: No vaccines are required to enter Georgina. A slight malaria risk exists July-October in the southeast

Tips for Visiting

When to go: There are not a lot of tourists in Georgia. Summer offers nice weather and open roads.

Common Phrases: Pleased to meet you=sasiamovnoa tk’veni/sheni gacnoba, Good morning/afternoon=dila mshvidobisa, Good evening=saghamo mshvidobisa, Good night=dzili nebisa, Goodbye=nakhvamdis, I don’t understand=ar mesmis

Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note – 26 May 1918 is the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 is the date of independence from the Soviet Union

Getting Around: For ease and comfort, hiring a car with a driver is recommended and will not set you back a large amount.

Good to know: Monitor current events before you go. A bloodless coup in late 2003 and continued terrorist activity in various regions has left the country less-than-entirely-stable. Avoid travel near the Russian border.

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Georgia is the Tbilisi International Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Georgia travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.