Georgia: Mountains, Ancient Kingdoms, and Warm Hospitality

Introduction

Georgia is a country in the South Caucasus, where Europe and Asia meet. It is famous for its beautiful mountains, old churches, and friendly people. Georgia has a rich history going back thousands of years, with traditions of wine-making, storytelling, and music. Today, it is a modern nation proud of its culture and natural beauty.

Geography and Landscape

Georgia lies on the eastern shore of the Black Sea and borders Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. The land is mostly mountainous, with the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the north and the Lesser Caucasus in the south.

Mount Shkhara, the highest peak, stands at 5,201 meters (17,059 feet). Between the mountains are fertile valleys, forests, and rivers. The Kura River flows through the country, providing water for cities and farms.

Georgia’s climate varies—mild and wet on the coast, and colder in the mountains. The west has subtropical areas with tea plantations and citrus groves.

Cities and Regions

The capital city, Tbilisi, is built along the Kura River and surrounded by hills. Tbilisi is known for colorful houses with balconies, old churches, and a mix of modern buildings and historic streets.

Other important cities include:

• Kutaisi – an ancient city and former royal capital
• Batumi – a seaside resort on the Black Sea
• Rustavi – an industrial center in the east

Georgia is divided into regions with their own dialects and customs. In the mountains, many villages are isolated in winter, but people still practice old traditions.

People, Language, and Culture

Georgia has about 3.7 million people, most of whom are ethnic Georgians. The main language is Georgian, which has its own unique alphabet that looks different from any other writing in the world.

Most people are Eastern Orthodox Christians, and religion is an important part of daily life. Many churches and monasteries are more than 1,000 years old.

Cultural traditions include:

• Polyphonic singing, where groups sing different notes at the same time
• Traditional dance, with fast footwork and colorful costumes
• Wine-making, which has been practiced for 8,000 years

Hospitality is very important. Guests are treated with great respect, and supra, a large feast, is held for celebrations.

Food and Daily Life

Georgian food is famous for being hearty and delicious. Meals often include bread, cheese, walnuts, herbs, and meats.

Popular dishes are:

• Khachapuri, bread filled with melted cheese
• Khinkali, dumplings stuffed with meat and spices
• Badrijani, eggplant with walnut paste
• Mtsvadi, grilled meat skewers

Families gather around the table, and meals often last for hours with toasts, stories, and songs.

Children go to school starting at age 6, learning Georgian, math, science, history, and sometimes Russian or English. Education is free, and art and music are important parts of school life.

History of Georgia

Georgia’s history is very old. The Kingdom of Colchis is mentioned in the Greek myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece. In the Middle Ages, Georgia became a powerful kingdom under Queen Tamar the Great.

The country was later ruled by the Ottoman and Persian empires. In the 1800s, it became part of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union.

Georgia regained independence in 1991, and while it has faced conflicts and challenges, it remains a proud nation working to build peace and prosperity.

Nature and Wildlife

Georgia has incredible biodiversity. The mountains, forests, and wetlands are home to:

• Brown bears
• Lynxes
• Ibex
• Golden eagles
• Rare plants and wildflowers

The Caucasus Mountains are a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and exploring nature. National parks protect endangered species and help preserve the environment.

📚 Vocabulary List

h2>Kid-Friendly Summary

Georgia is a country where Europe and Asia meet, full of tall mountains, beautiful forests, and ancient churches. People there are known for their warm hospitality, delicious foods like cheesy khachapuri and meat dumplings called khinkali, and fun traditions like singing in many voices at once and holding big feasts called supra. You can explore snowy peaks, visit seaside cities on the Black Sea, and learn about old kingdoms from stories about Jason and the Golden Fleece!