Georgia History, Language and Culture
History of Georgia
Georgia's history stretches back thousands of years and is marked by resilience, cultural exchange, and a strong sense of identity shaped by its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Archaeological evidence shows early human settlement in the region, while ancient kingdoms emerged here well before the classical era, laying the foundations for a distinct Georgian culture and language.
Christianity was adopted as the state religion in the early 4th century, making Georgia one of the earliest Christian nations in the world. This had a lasting influence on architecture, art, and national identity, visible today in the country's churches, monasteries, and religious traditions. Over the centuries, Georgia experienced periods of unity and fragmentation, often caught between powerful empires competing for control of the Caucasus.
The medieval period marked a cultural and political high point, particularly during the reign of King David the Builder and Queen Tamar, when Georgia expanded territorially and flourished in literature, architecture, and trade. In later centuries, the country faced repeated invasions and eventually came under the influence and control of the Russian Empire in the 19th century.
Following a brief period of independence after the Russian Revolution, Georgia was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1921. Soviet rule brought industrialisation and urban development, but also political repression. Georgia regained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, ushering in a challenging transition marked by economic hardship and conflict.
In recent decades, Georgia has pursued political and economic reforms while strengthening its national identity and international ties. Today, its history is deeply woven into everyday life, from ancient cave cities and hilltop monasteries to living traditions, language, and hospitality that continue to shape the country's character.
Did you know?
• Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine, with archaeological evidence showing winemaking in the region dating back more than 8,000 years, using clay vessels known as qvevri that are still in use today.
• Georgian is one of the world's oldest living written languages and has its own unique alphabet, unrelated to Latin, Cyrillic, or Greek scripts.
• Georgia was one of the earliest countries to adopt Christianity as a state religion, doing so in the early 4th century, which explains the remarkable density of ancient churches and monasteries across the country.
Georgia Culture
Religion in Georgia
Georgian Orthodox Christian (approximately 83%), Muslim (11%), Armenian Apostolic Christian (3%), Roman Catholic (1%), Other Christian denominations and religions, including Jewish and Yazidi communities (1%), Others and unaffiliated (1%).
Social Conventions in Georgia
Social conventions in Georgia are shaped by strong traditions of hospitality, respect, and personal relationships. Georgians are generally warm and welcoming, and guests are often treated with great generosity, particularly in homes and smaller guesthouses. Greetings are important, and a handshake is common in formal and informal settings, while close friends may greet each other more warmly. Dress is generally casual in cities, though more modest clothing is expected when visiting churches and monasteries, where shoulders and knees should be covered.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, leaving around 10% is customary if service is good and no service charge has been added to the bill. In cafés and bars, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Photography is generally permitted in public places, but visitors should always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas. Photography may be restricted inside churches, monasteries, and museums, and flash photography is often prohibited.
Language in Georgia
The official language of Georgia is Georgian, a distinctive language with its own unique script that is unrelated to Latin, Cyrillic, or Greek alphabets. Georgian is used in government, education, and everyday life, and visitors will encounter it on road signs, menus, and official notices. While the script may look unfamiliar, many signs in tourist areas are also displayed in English.
English is increasingly spoken, particularly among younger people and those working in tourism, hospitality, and international business, especially in cities such as Tbilisi and Batumi. Russian is also widely understood, particularly among older generations, due to historical ties.