Georgia Travel Guide - Key Facts

Caucasus, north of Turkey.

GMT + 4.

69,700 sq km (26,911 sq miles).

5 million (UN estimate 2005).

71.7 per sq km.

Tbilisi. Population: 1.5 million.

Georgia is a mountainous country bordered by the Russian Federation in the north, Turkey in the southeast, Armenia in the south, Azerbaijan in the east and by the Black Sea in the west, which forms a 330km- (206-mile-) long coastline. It includes the two autonomous republics Abkhazia and Ajaria. The state is crossed by the ranges of the Greater Caucasus (highest peak: Mt Kazbek, 5,047m/16,554ft). Enclosed high valleys, wide basins, health spas with famous mineral waters, caves and waterfalls combine in this land of varied landscapes and striking beauty.

Republic. Gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

President Mikheil Saakashvili since 2004.

President Mikhail Saakashvili was re-elected after a snap poll in January 2008. He was given a significant boost when international observer missions dismissed allegations of fraud. The opposition alleged the vote was rigged and mounted protests in Tbilisi but independent monitors said the vote was democratic and the outcome should be respected.

The parliamentary elections which took place in November 2003 were criticised by international organisations as being flawed. Peaceful demonstrations led to the resignation of President Shevardnadze and the speaker of parliament, Nino Burjanadze, was appointed acting president until presidential elections were held in January 2004. Mickheil Saakashvili, leader of the National Movement, who was the main figure behind the November demonstrations, was elected by a landslide victory. Mr Saakashvili's party and coalition partners won the parliamentary elections held in February 2005.

Following Saakashvili's election as president, tensions between the semi-autonomous region of Ajara and its autocratic leader Abashidze grew. Abashidze stepped down. Georgia's parliament introduced a new Ajaran Constitution and fresh Ajaran legislative elections were held. They were won by a local offshoot of President Saakashvili's National Movement party.

The official language is Georgian, the only language in the Ibera Caucasian family written in ancient script, with its own unique alphabet. Russian, Armenian, Azeri, Ossetian and Abkhazian are also spoken.

Christian majority, mainly Georgian Orthodox church. Also Eastern Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish and other Christian denomination minorities.

220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European-type, two-pin plugs are used. The supply of electricity can be intermittent between November and March, and visitors are advised to bring a torch with them.

Georgians pride themselves on their reputation for gregariousness and hospitality. Visitors sitting in restaurants are likely to be offered drinks by complete strangers. They will then be invited to raise (and empty) their glasses in response to an endless string of elaborate toasts, preferably interpolating a few suitably enthusiastic toasts of their own into the sequence. Smoking is widespread. Visitors may also be entertained in private homes. On such occasions, gifts such as chocolates, flowers or alcohol are well received. On social occasions foreign women will find themselves the object of immense flattery. Those finding such attentions oppressive should avoid giving any hint of encouragement. Appropriate clothing should be worn when entering a church; visitors should ensure they are not wearing shorts and women should cover their heads. Visitors should also be aware that street crime is far from uncommon. Anyone travelling in the republic should be cautious when venturing out after dark, carry as few valuables as possible, and beware of the risk of being robbed and possibly attacked.