Georgia

Official name: Republic of Georgia Political system: Republic Geographical location: in the Transcaucasia Area: 69,7 thousand sq. km Population: 5,1 million people (1998), Georgian - 70,1%, Armenian - 8,1%, Russian - 6,3% Capital: Tbilisi - 1,35 million people (1998) Major cities: Kutaisi - 236 thousand people, Rustavi - 160 thousand people, Batumi - 137 thousand people (1990) Main languages: Georgian (official), Russian, Armenian, Azerbaijani Religions: primarily Orthodox Climate: subtropical in the West, transitional from subtropical to moderate in the East Average temperature: from -2C to +3C in January; from +23C to 26C in August Monetary unit: lari Local time: standart time - GMT+4; summer time - GMT+5 National holidays: May, 26th - the Independence day (1991) Major tourist sights: 15 natural preserves, Tbilisi National nature park, mineral water springs in Borjomi and Tskhaltubo, Gagra, Pitsunda, Kobuleti sea resorts; Abastumani, Bakuriani mountian resorts; Tbilisi balneological resort; in Mtskheta: Acropolis (4-1 centuries B.C.), Djavari Temple (6 century), Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (10-11 centuries); in Tbilisi: Sion of Cathedral (5 century), Anchiskhati Churh (6 century), Metechi Church (13 century); Ananuri Castle Fortress, Gelat Monastery (12 century), Iosif Stalin Cottage Museum in Gori